The BULLetin
February 15, 2018
Principal's Message
What I saw was the principal of Nequa Valley High School talking about hallway language and behavior. I've met the principal, Dr. McBride, once or twice in my career. He seems like a nice guy. He's an award winning principal. And on my visits to Nequa, it's an impressive, overwhelming school facility. I can't imagine having some 3700 students in a school and the challenges he faces in running a small town full of high school kids. (Ok, I worked at OE and we had 2400 kids, so maybe I can imagine it.)
But, the point is large, suburban high schools are an interesting challenge from a management and leadership perspective. There's a certain amount of anonymity when you're 1 student among 3700. And high school kids sometimes make poor choices and it seems that it could be exponentially more when dealing with 3700. While all large high schools work to create systems for students to feel connected, it requires strong leadership to do it effectively. And it's hard work.
That being said, I was struck by Dr. McBride's message. I've attached a link below. As he spoke; as I listened, I felt compelled. If he is willing and able to tackle the challenge of the hallways Nequa, why can't I. If he's willing and able to try to foster change with 3700 near adults, why can't I do the same thing with 750 teens (and pre teens)?
I would love to tell you that we don't have a hallway language problem or a hallway behavior problems at Murphy. And in fact, when I'm in the hallways, I have a magical, nearly impervious, 25 foot radius zone of control where nearly all behaviors and language are wholly appropriate. But that's only a small fraction of the space in the building and a fraction of the students in the hallways. In reality, I know that things are said and happen in the hallways because these things sometimes end up in the office.
So, I spoke about this video I watched to a couple of different groups of people over the past few days. And the consensus was that we should work collaboratively to address hallway behavior and language. We've started the planning process and will spend time, particularly as we get into 4th quarter focusing on those hallway behaviors. We will talk with students about appropriate and inappropriate behavior. We will work to better supervise, as well as, recognize students who are doing exactly what is expected while in the hallways.
But we won't tackle the issue as successfully, without the support of parents.
So... Here's the ask...
Talk to your kids about it. Remind them of your expectations not just at school but in public, on the bus and in the home.
Together we can ensure that the hallways of Murphy Junior High are a safe and secure environment for every student.
Ms. Miller's World History
Cold & Flu Season
The District has also offered the following guidance for parents as they consider whether they should send a child to school.
Weekly JAM (Just Another Maverick)
Little Mermaid
The Murphy Spring Musical is a month away. Students are rehearsing and the set is coming together.
Performances are March 15 and 16 @ 7pm. Tickets cost $3 and can be purchased at the door. Doors will open at 630. Bake sale before and after show and everything costs a dollar!
Murphy PTO
The Murphy PTO Board would like to thank you for your tremendous support! The Murphy community is simply the best!
The PTO will be running the concessions for the Girl’s Basketball season. Stop by and watch the girls' basketball team starting Tuesday. We will have a nice selection of items and EVERYTHING'S A DOLLAR!
If you haven’t already, please consider making your family’s annual donation to the PTO. Our focus this year has been on Student Events and Classroom Grants. Any contribution helps and is very much appreciated! So far this year we have awarded grants to the PE and ELL Departments. Donation Form
For more information on the Murphy PTO, upcoming PTO events or volunteer opportunities, please contact PTO President Missy Dziewiatkowski at missyd71@gmail.com. Please also follow us on Facebook for PTO events and updates (Murphy PTO-Home of the Mavericks).
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Skating Party at Aurora Skate Center Tuesday February 20th from 6-8 pm.
SD308 Junior High Writing Contest
Student Services Spotlight
Gianna Sanders, Layla Mehnert, Taylor Ziman, Elisha Gaston, Mathieu Kieffer, Paris Bolden, Shyann Beasley, Connor Bailey, Cornell Cohen, Payton Allen
Faculty Winner: Mrs. Viall
Maverick Staff Shout Outs!
We think our entire MJHS staff is amazing and deserves to be acknowledged for the great work they do on a daily basis! Please use this form to recognize any member of our staff. Remember, staff includes teachers, secretaries, nurses, teaching assistants, and custodians!
6th/7th Grade Course Selection Information
Do you have questions about your student’s placement recommendation for School Year 2018-2019? If so, please contact your student’s teacher. Appeal forms can be found on the SD308 Gifted and Talented Education page. Recommendation appeals must be filed by June 29th, 2018.
“The Maverick Way” Outside of School
Murphy Junior High students are doing amazing things in the classroom as well as demonstrating “The Maverick Way” outside of school. If any student is demonstrating “The Maverick Way” outside of school we want to know about it! Please contact Karen Whited at kwhited@sd308.org or Brandi Zawacki at bzawacki@sd308.org.
*Don’t forget to include some pictures in your email.
ZAP-Zeros Aren't Permitted
ZAP is an intervention implemented to develop good homework habits. This program helps students self-correct without a penalty. Getting into the habit of doing homework and realizing that it counts is tough for many students. ZAP helps reinforce the importance of homework completion and provides an opportunity for intrinsic growth through self-correction.
What to do when your student is ZAPPED?
If a student does not complete a homework assignment he/she will receive a ZAP. Students have until 8:00am, the following morning, to turn the assignment into Student Services for full credit. If the student chooses not to complete or submit the assignment, then the student will be required to attend the ZAP classroom (D126) during his/her lunch to complete the homework, also for full credit. It is your student's responsibility to know what is missing and bring the necessary materials home. Students will be allowed 5 visits (every 9 weeks) to the ZAP classroom to complete their work. After 5 visits, students are no longer eligible for the ZAP intervention.
If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher and/or counselor.
PBIS @ Murphy
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success.
One aspect of PBIS includes positive acknowledgement of student behavior. When students display the expected behaviors outlined in our MAVS Matrix, they may be acknowledged with verbal praise or tangible rewards (Bullseye Tickets) from their teachers. This makes the expected behaviors more likely to occur in the future and creates positive interactions, rapport, and relationships with students.
When students earn Bullseyes, they are able to collect them to enter weekly prize drawings and shop at the Maverick Mini Mall. This year, our Mini Mall will be on a cart, and students will have an opportunity to shop with their Bullseyes during homeroom each week.
There is a weekly behavior focus, and teachers will be on the lookout to catch students displaying these positive behaviors.
Focus for next week: 2/20-2/23 - Use appropriate and kind words with peers and adults
Parent Article
Not every teenager experiences the thoughts and emotions expressed in this article. However, if you have a child whose behavior has changed recently, you may find this article beneficial.
The Negative Voices in Your Teenager’s Head: 7 Ways to Quiet Them
Girls' Basketball Round Up
February 13
The 7th grade lady Mavericks picked up a pair of wins against Washington. In the first game, the Mavericks had trouble in the first half controlling the ball. At the end of the half, the score was tied 8 to 8. Both teams were not able to score in the 3rd quarter setting up a great 4th quarter. The Mavericks were able to break away for some good shots and pulled away for a 21 to 10 victory. Allie P. led the scoring with 8 points, Trinity added 7 and Avery was good for 6.The second game was a defensive battle. The Mavericks were able to grab a 7 to 2 halftime lead. Washington played a tough second half and held the Mavericks scoreless. Fortunately, the Mavericks were able to hold on for a 7 to 5 victory. Isra led the scoring with 3 points, while Dana and Ericka each scored 2.
February 14
The 7th grade lady Mavericks faced a hot shooting Heritage Grove team. The Mavericks played hard but had trouble slowing down the Huskies in the 16 to 43 loss. Allie P. led the Maverick scoring with 10 points, while Trinity added 4.
In the second game, the Mavericks had trouble getting shots to fall in a 5 to 15 loss. Dana led the scoring with 3 points, while Gabby added 2
Junior High Math Competition
When: Monday March 19, 2018
Where: Oswego High School
Time: 6:00 (plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early)
Who: open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
Cost: None
What to Bring: #2 pencils and CalculatorMurphy Yearbook
The yearbook club has been very busy putting together the Murphy 2018 yearbook! The final day to preorder a yearbook is Friday, February 23rd. Yearbook orders can be completed online at jostensyearbooks.com. Please contact Ms. Fell if you have any questions.
Aramark Student Survey
Community Events
Boys Volleyball Pre Season Skills Camp
Who: All 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys interested in playing boys’ volleyball.
When: February 27-29th (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) from
5:30-7:00pm each night.
Location: The Vaughan Athletic Center located at 2121 W. Indian Trail
Rd. Aurora, IL 60506
Description: This camp is geared towards helping boys prepare for and
brush up on skills in anticipation for upcoming school tryouts. Individual
and group training will be used to improve fundamental volleyball skills
in passing, serving, hitting, and blocking. The camp will be run by
Cyclones Volleyball Club staff with several assistant coaches to support
in overall player growth. No prior volleyball experience necessary to
attend!
Additional information can be found here: Flyer
DuPage Area STEM Expo
Join us at the DuPage Area STEM Expo (formerly known as DuPage Area Engineers Week) for an interactive exploration into science, technology, engineering and math. Over 50 displays, presentations, projects to take home and activities for school age children, grades K – 12.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
10:30am – 3:30pm
IIT Rice Campus
201 E. Loop Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
Complimentary admission and parking
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day @ Olivet
On Saturday, April 7, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Olivet will hold its third annual “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day!”
An event flyer can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17OU-8IkhDx8usLjv6vL2OenpOP4e8RHu/view?usp=sharing
Parents and legal guardians interested in registering their children should use this link: https://goo.gl/forms/Z86cdOq6ifC1DKuG2
For information about scholarship opportunities, please contact swe@olivet.edu
Upcoming Events
February 15
- 7th Girls' Basketball @ Thompson (4:30pm)
- 8th Girls' Basketball v Thompson (4:30pm)
February 16
- SIP Day 3.5 Hour Student Attendance - No Lunch Service
February 19
- President's Day NO SCHOOL
February 21
- 5th Grade Band Appointments (3:30-8:00pm)
February 22
- 5th Grade Band Appointments (3:30-8:00pm)
February 23
- 7th Girls' Basketball Conference Tournament @ Herget
- 8th Girls' Basketball Conference Tournament @ Bednarcik
If you are looking for directions to AWAY events, this link will provide directions to many area schools.
Use the "Murphy Building Calendar" link below to see all the things going on at Murphy Junior High.
Contact Us
Murphy Junior High School is an inclusive and supportive community that promotes student success by ensuring ALL students are college and career ready.
Email: banderson@sd308.org
Website: www.sd308.org/murphy
Location: 26923 Grande Park Boulevard, Plainfield, IL, United States
Phone: (630) 608-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphy308/
Twitter: @murphy308