The BULLetin
August 15, 2019
Principal's Message
I spoke to them about our theme this year, Every Student. Every Day. Grow. Inspire. Empower. I told them that each and every one of them, each and every day has a responsibility to do the thing that they must do to grow physically, emotionally and intellectually. That they have to make a conscious decision to find inspiration in their world and work. And lastly that they have to take responsibility for themselves as learners and people. That responsibility includes having a vision of the future both short and long term and that they have the power to turn that vision into a reality. (I hope I was that eloquent yesterday. I hope they message was clear to the students.)
I also told them that there are 60+ adults that work at Murphy and that it is the challenge I put before each of them that we focus our attention on every student, every day. We make a conscious decision to connect with as many students as possible. That we know that when we walk through the doors of school each morning that we are going to support students the best that we can, every day. That we will work to help develop them, grow them, inspire them to see a world bigger than they can imagine and empower them to be learners and problem solvers who can make change.
That is a huge order. But a worthwhile goal.
I now put the same challenge to you, as parents and community members. We want you to be an active part of our school community. We want you to think of your responsibility as a parent to helping us further our vision. How can you help your student grow? How can you help inspire your student? How can you help empower your student?
I want to explore that idea with you this fall. Look for more information about the parents role in supporting the Murphy vision.
Together staff, students and parents can ensure that Every student. Every Day. Grows. Is Inspired. and Is Empowered.
LIfetouch Picture Day
Plainfield PD Reminders
The Plainfield Police Department have asked we send this message as they will be enforcing the laws in the near future. Please be reminded of the following:
- Cell phone usage is strictly prohibited in school zones.
- The speed limit in school zones when children are present is 20 mph.
- Make sure all children are buckled up properly.
- Parents and students should only be crossing the street at crosswalks.
- There is no parking along Grande Park Boulevard, Thornwood Way and Thornwood Boulevard at any time.
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures & Buses
Parent Drop Off/Pick Up
We have a crossing guard at the entrance/exit to Murphy and Grande Park. Due to the numbers of kids who walk to and from school, that person or those persons are there to help ensure that students are able to safely cross the street when there is a lot of traffic. There job is student safety. Neither the District nor the Plainfield Police want them to be directing traffic. To help ensure efficient drop off/pick up procedures, we have worked with the Plainfield Police to create a process that is effective and ultimately safe.
When leaving Murphy/Grande Park parents are asked to follow the traffic patter so that the passenger door is curbside and students are dropped off/picked up curbside. This is to ensure that students are not walking through the parking lot and into the flow of traffic. That is why we ask ALL parents to drop off/pick up their students by going through the cue.
Also, in order to minimize traffic back ups on Grande Park Boulevard, between 7am and 4pm, there are only RIGHT hand turns onto Grande Park Boulevard. Because the entry to the school gets traffic from three directions, not having left turns reduces the potential for accidents from the other two directions. On most days, the crossing guards have cones to block left hand turns. Students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:45AM.
Bus Riders
Students who ride the bus should take note of the BUS NUMBER hanging in the window on the side in the morning (e.g. 8120), it will help them as they look to find the proper route home in the afternoon. This information is ALSO available on the District Transportation website. Please make sure students are at their assigned stops a few minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
Please understand that morning pick up and afternoon drop off will likely be delayed the first few days of school as we ensure that students are on the correct buses.
Please remember that students MAY ride another bus home from school BUT we need to have a letter from both the sending and receiving parent that it's ok. Students need to stop by the office before school or during their lunch period to get a pass to ride a different bus.
Students Who Walk or Ride Bikes to/from School
Yearbook Orders
Top Reasons To Order
- Printed pictures of all the things.
- Your future self will thank you.
- Signing day is the best day.
- So. Many. Memories
- It's the lowest price of the year.
Order yours today!
NOW $25.00
Limited Time Offer!
Order by September 27th and get four free icons when you personalize* your cover!
*Purchase name, monogram, or crest personalization for your yearbook, then choose up to four free icons.
Questions? Contact Ms. Fell - efell@sd308.org
PTO
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the PTO table during the Locker Load sessions! Don’t worry if you weren’t able to stop by, we will be set up during Curriculum Nigh as well (August 28th from 6:30-8:00pm).
As many of you know, we don’t do any fundraising as a PTO. Instead we ask families to make an annual donation to the PTO. These donations help us to provide classroom grants, student events, staff appreciation, community awareness and much more. Please consider making a donation. In addition, any family who donates $25 or more will receive one free ticket to the Murphy Monster Mash!
The PTO can accept credit card payments for annual donations. You can also make your family’s annual donation via SignUp Genius by clicking on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0445aaaa22ab9-20192020 UPDATED LINK. If you prefer to send your donation in with your student, please print out the form below and send it to school with your student.
For more information on the Murphy PTO, upcoming PTO events or volunteer opportunities, please contact PTO President Missy Dziewiatkowski at missyd71@gmail.com or 630-999-3927. Please also follow us on Facebook for PTO events and updates (Murphy PTO-Home of the Mavericks).
The fall PTO Meeting is set for September 11, 2019, 7pm in the Community Room at Murphy
We’re looking forward to another great year at Murphy!
Curriculum Night
You can expect that teachers will introduce themselves and share an overview of the curriculum and expectations for the year. If parents want to discuss their student specifically, please contact the teacher to set up a separate meeting. The principal and counselors will do a short introduction during your student's lunch periods.
Schedule
6:30 – 6:36 Period 1
6:40 – 6:46 Period 2
6:50 – 6:56 Period 3
7:00 – 7:06 Period 4
7:10 – 7:16 Period 5
7:20 – 7:26 Period 6
7:30 – 7:36 Period 7
7:40 – 7:46 Period 8
7:50 – 7:56 Period 9
Student Services Spotlight
Left to Right in picture
Brian Falli, School Counselor (last names L-Z); bfalli@sd308.org
Kim Cooper, Student Services Secretary; kcooper@sd308.org
Lexi Weihler, Social Worker (last names L-Z & FBI Program); aweihler@sd308.org
Gia Jaskula, School Nurse, gjaskula@sd308.org
Sarah Noll, Social Worker (last names A-K & ISP Program); snoll@sd308.org
Brandi Zawacki, School Counselor (last names A-K); bzawacki@sd308.org
Schedule changes must be completed by Wednesday, August 28.
Counselors will only make changes due to schedule errors (i.e. missing periods, double classes, wrong level, electives taken previously, etc.) or changing 7th/8th grade electives (only when possible).
Counselors will not make changes for specific class periods or specific teachers.
Students: please see Mr. Falli or Mrs. Zawacki in Student Services or send them an email to request your change. Please note, changes are NOT always possible.
The ZAP program will begin when we return to school after Labor Day.
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.
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 Brian Falli at bfalli@sd308.org or Brandi Zawacki at bzawacki@sd308.org.
*Don’t forget to include some pictures in your email.
Murphy Fall Sports Information
7th/8th Boys' Soccer
Please have a physical turned in to the office by August 23. Must also be registered on 8 to 18 website by Aug 23rd. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Kerr prior to these dates.
7th/8th Girls Volleyball
- Current physical on file at Murphy by Friday, August 23
- Complete the online registration on 8 to 18 by Friday, August 23
- Bring the signed contract to tryouts on Monday, August 26, 2019
Tryouts are Monday, August 26th and Tuesday, August 27th at Murphy from 3:15-5:00pm.
Cross Country
- Current physical on file at Murphy by August 26
- Complete the online registration on 8 to 18 by August 26
Practices run most weeks Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:15 to 4:30pm. All meets begin at 4:30pm.
Community Events
Upcoming Events
August 16
- Lifetouch School Picture Day
August 19
- Band/Choir Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kick Off
- Soccer & Volleyball Registration due in 8 to18; physicals on file
- 7th/8th Girls Volleyball Tryouts 3:15-5:00pm
- 7th/8th Boys Soccer Tryouts 3:20-4:30pm
August 27
- 7th/8th Girls Volleyball Tryouts 3:15-5:00pm
- 7th/8th Boys Soccer Tryouts 3:20-4:30pm
- Cross Country Parent Meeting 4:30pm in Cafeteria
August 28
- AVID Signing Night 5:30pm
- Curriculum Night 6:30-8:00pm
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
Mission Statement
Murphy Junior High School is an inclusive and supportive community that promotes student success by ensuring ALL students are college and career ready.
Vision Statement
Every student. Every day. Grow. Inspire. Empower.
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