April Weekly Update
Week of Monday, April 29- Friday, May 3, 2024
What's Happening!
Good afternoon, Murdock Middle School Family!
It has been an amazing week here in the middle school.
This has been an exciting Spirit Week here in anticipation of the 3rd Annual Winchendon Special Olympics Unified Game Day. What an amazing event with athletes participating from all four of our schools. We are grateful for all those who came out in support of the event, the volunteer staff that made this day possible and the tireless leadership of our own Molly Gilbo. Through her vision and leadership, this event continues to grow and prosper each year. During our pep rally I got the distinct pleasure of being “mummified” by a group of students as part of one of the exciting events to raise excitement for the big day.
We are also excited to announce two upcoming field trips that were previously not scheduled. We are taking the 6th and 7th grades to see a WooSox baseball game at Polar Park in Worcester, MA on the following dates: 5/15 for 7th grade students and 5/23 for 6th grade students. All food and transportation will be provided through a grant from Murdock Trust, so there is no cost to the students. All Murdock students will be in a separate group hospitality section (the Shaw’s Visitors Bullpen Terrace, which is lower level down 3rd base line!) they will only have our students/staff within it. Lunch will be provided an all you can eat buffet style and students can choose items and quantity at their discretion. It is expected that 7th grade will depart at 9AM and return at 2:45PM on 5/15 and the 6th grade will depart at 10AM and return at 3:45PM. This means if your student will be in attendance for the trip, you are responsible to arrange for transportation home from the school at the time of arrival. This field trip is open to all students in good standing regarding behavioral and safety expectations. Students who have been suspended within 30 days of the field trip are ineligible. Permission slips must be returned no later than 5/3/2024 (7th grade) and 5/10/2024 (6th grade). Students who have a history of failing to follow adult directions, rules, etc. will also not be allowed to attend. This is a considerable effort to bring students to a community event and we will not be in a position to manage inappropriate behaviors in a public venue. Students not attending the field trips will remain at the school and follow their normal class schedule. Thank you Mrs. Paulitzky for your help orgainizing these field trips. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Also, our school nurses will be sending out a notification regarding an upcoming screening for scoliosis in the district. If you have any questions after you have received the information, please feel free to call.
Lastly, I was offered a three-year contract to work with this community, something I am grateful for the opportunity. I am excited and happy to say that I am looking forward to being here as we work together. Again, thanks for all the support and responses to my requests for input on the many things we are working to improve in our school. This is a team effort and when we work together, the students win!
-Mr. Rogers
📆 Our MCAS Schedule
UPCOMING MCAS DATES!
We have successfully completed almost all the MCAS testing windows for the school year. We have some make up sessions to be scheduled and we can be proud of the hard work our students provided and the support that staff shared to make this year’s testing a success. A huge thank you to our district Math Coach, Shauna LaPointe! She was instrumental in the scheduling, set up and monitoring of the testing process this year. We are very grateful for the time she spent making sure our students were able to successfully complete their testing on time and without incident.
May 7 MCAS Grade 8 Science
May 8 MCAS Grade 8 Science
May 13 MCAS Grade 7 Math
May 14 MCAS Grade 7 Math
May 15 MCAS Grade 6 Math
May 16 MCAS Grade 6 Math
May 29 MCAS Grade 8 Civics
May 30 MCAS Grade 8 Civics
🥗Lunch Menu🍔
🗣 Unit of the Week ✍🏽
Mrs. Walsh's Art Class
Sixth grade students recently completed a unit on product design. After discussing the role of artists and designers in the products we consume, each student chose a product to revamp. Sixth graders then drew a series of thumbnail sketches, redesigning elements including logo, color scheme, and font. Students then completed one final drawing of their product before sharing them with the class in a T.A.G. Critique. These sixth graders have some really creative and exciting ideas to rebrand their favorite foods, video games, and clothing!
M&M Jumbo by Ben L.
Sour Patch Watermelon by Ryan W.
Nerds Jumbo Gummy Clusters by Leela B.
👟Physical Education Update👟
Please Read
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The following notice is being sent regarding a program that will be delivered
during your student’s physical education/wellness course this spring by Making
Opportunity Count of Fitchburg, MA:
We are writing to inform you about our 3Rs-Rights Respect Responsibility program.
This program will take place over 2 days, May 10 th and May 17 th 2024 and is being
offered to youth we serve at no cost to families or youth. You do not need to fill out any
forms to sign up. Your child will be included in the program unless you notify me before
the start date that you do not want, they/them to participate.
Description of Program: The purpose of the program is to increase young people’s
ability to develop healthy relationships and make healthier choices. The curriculum and
activities were designed by professional health educators and reviewed for medical
accuracy, age-appropriateness and effectiveness. The curriculum includes Puberty and
relationships, communication skills, adolescent development, using technology.
Program material will be presented in a balanced, factual way that makes clear that
people may have strong religious and moral beliefs about these issues and that these
beliefs must be respected. During the program, each participant will be able to ask
questions which will be answered factually and, in an age-appropriate manner. Each
participant’s privacy will be respected, and no one will be put on the spot to ask or
answer questions or reveal personal information.
If you do not want your child to participate in the program, you must notify me no
later than May 9 th 2024. You can notify me by email at rguitare@mocinc.org or
contact me by telephone at: 978-516-5055.
Sincerely,
Rose Guitare
Making Opportunity Count
Cory Rogers, M.Ed.; C.A.G.S.
Principal
Murdock Middle School
cc: Heidi Bevacqua, Dean of Students
🚌Field Trips🚌
⚾Polar Park 😃
We are excited to announce the field trips this year.
- Grade 8 will be going to May 20- May 23, Washington, DC
- Grade 7 will be going on May 15, Polar Park Worcester, MA
- Grade 6 will be going on May 23, Polar Park Worcester, MA
Please make sure your child returns the permission slip asap! Any questions, call the office.
🥇Special Olympics🥇
Special Olympics was a huge success. All of the athletes had a great time competing and earning Medals. Thank you to all parents, staff, and admin for all your support!
Enjoying the Volleyball game
Concentrating on the win
Corn Hole Event
🚌Washington DC Trip🚌
Grade 8 students will be going on the Washington, DC Trip
May 20-23
📱No Cell Phone Policy📱
Please remind your students!
Reminder-we have a no cell phone policy. The intention of the protocol is to ensure everyone is aligned with the same precise protocol in the MMS Handbook with our staff, students, and their families.
💻Chromebook Update💻
Remind your students!
Misuse of chromebooks is an issue
Students are loosing or damaging chromebooks. Please remind your student that if it is broken and isn't deemed as an accidental break or can not be found, they will be responsible to pay for a new one before being issued a new one.
🗓 Coming Up! Mark your Calendars!
Important Dates!
MAY
May 13 & 14 - MCAS Math Grade 7
May 15 & 16 -MCAS Math Grade 6
May 15 - Grade 7 Field Trip
May 17 - MCAS Math Make-ups Grades 6 & 7
May 20 - 23 - Grade 8 Washington DC Trip
May 20 & 21 & 23 - MCAS Math Makeups 6 & 7
May 23 - Grade 6 Field Trip
May 27 - No School Memorial Day
May 29 & 30 - MCAS Civics Grade 8
May 31 - MCAS Civics Make-ups
JUNE
Jun 3, 2024 - Step Up Day (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
Jun 7, 2024 - Neon Alley to perform for Middle School 1pm (details to follow)
Jun 12, 2024 – Half Day 11:30 dismissal
Jun 13, 2024 – Half Day 11:30 dismissal Grade 8 Transition/Semi Formal (details to follow)
Jun 14, 2024 - Field Day 11:30 dismissal (details to follow)
Jun 17, 2024 - Half Day 11:30 dismissal
June 18, 2024 – Last Day of School! 10:30 dismissal
⚾baseball⚾
In other news, on Tuesday this week our middle school baseball team has collected another sizable win, scoring 13 runs to 2 versus Ayer-Shirley under the mercy rule. Our own Caleb Lafreniere pitched a complete game which is impressive as a first-year player. Quinn Brimhall was a powerhouse at the plate, hitting 3 out of 4 at bats, earning 4 RBIs and stole four bases! The teamwork and culture of this team is evident in how they play the game, each player supporting each other as they progress through the innings. Well done!
⚾Sports🥎
SPRING SPORTS
Please contact the Athletic Department if you need have any questions.
Athletic Directors
Mrs. Jennifer Murphy and Mr. Anthony Findley
Reach Out!
Hours:
Office Hours: 7:00am-3:00pm
School Hours: Doors open 7:20am Breakfast is served. Classes start promptly at 7:30
School ends 2:05pm
Phone: 978-297-1256 option 2
Email: crogers@winchendonk12.org
Website: www.winchendonk12.org