The Marie Murphy Update
15 November 2019 Edition
Operation Live Happy Coming to 7th Grade in December!
Using a variety of speakers and collaborative activities, Operation Live Happy encourages 7th graders to focus on the importance of setting goals, developing empathy, accepting themselves, and making positive, healthy choices. One of the highlights of the program is that the trainers and activity coaches are former Marie Murphy students and current 8th graders (in addition to plain, old, boring teachers!). Using our alumni to provide instruction and guidance to our current 7th graders makes the program and it's goals have relevancy and provides an authentic connection for the presenters and the audience. Joining our students and teachers are featured speakers Marcus Newman, Matt Wilhelm, Lloyd Bachrach, and Jessica McCaskill!
5Essentials Survey Parent Survey is Open
Avoca will join the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the eighth statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The 5Essentials survey provides an opportunity for students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools.
The parent survey window has opened and will remain open until February 14. Click here to take the parent survey.
From December 10 through February 14, students and teachers will be asked to take a 25 -minute research-based survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school’s organizational culture in an individualized report measuring five “essentials” critical for school success:
- Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environment
- Ambitious Instruction
Coming Soon! 7th Grade Filmmakers to Create 5-Minute Masterpieces! Stay Tuned!
The Beatles Come to MM!
8th graders in Mr. Hammond's classes were given the daunting task of taking a Beatles song...and make it better. Using a variety of music software, students worked collaboratively to breathe new life into such classics such as "Eleanor Rigby", "I Want To Hold Your Hand", "I Feel Fine", "Yesterday" and others. The activity allowed students to the opportunity to apply different aspects of music theory to authentic, familiar songs while exercising creativity without having to start from scratch.
As one 8th grader shared, "We Can Work It Out" and "Help" one another when we "Come Together". That kid gets an A+!
Marie Murphy School
Email: palcerm@avoca37.org
Website: https://www.avoca37.org/
Location: 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-251-3617
Twitter: @MarieMurphySch