Murphy Middle School ENews
For the week of March 9 - 20, 2019
COVID-19 Communication to Families
The health and safety of Plano ISD students and staff remain our number one priority. As we approach next week’s spring break, we want to keep our students, families and the community updated on current guidance and district plans regarding COVID-19.
International Travel
Plano ISD continues to monitor travel advisories and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as our state and county health authorities. The COVID-19 outbreak is a concern for anyone considering traveling at this time. Those with travel plans are strongly encouraged to closely monitor travel advisories and guidance from the CDC, available online at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html. Collin County Health Services will communicate with Plano ISD regarding any official quarantine/monitoring restrictions for travelers. We realize some of our families have plans to travel over spring break, and we respectfully request that if you or any member of your household is traveling internationally, including cruises, please inform us via this online form.
Cleaning Measures
Plano ISD has cleaning protocols in place for all district facilities, and we are taking some additional measures to deep clean throughout the district.
· On a nightly basis, custodians use a commercial grade, hydrogen peroxide-based multipurpose disinfecting cleaner.
· Surfaces are wiped down and auto-scrubber machines are used nightly to clean and sanitize major hallways and common areas on campuses.
· Campuses will be “deep cleaned” during spring break, which means a hospital grade disinfectant will be used.
· All school buses will be deep cleaned with a hospital grade disinfectant using an e-misting sprayer.
· The district is providing campuses with extra disinfectant wipes, which schools use throughout the day as an additional prevention effort.
Ongoing District Updates
Plano ISD will continue to provide the community with updates based on information that comes directly from health officials. Our district’s approach to planning and preparing is in line with the CDC’s recently issued interim guidance for schools, available online at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html, and we have ongoing measures to help lessen the spread of communicable illnesses. Here is what you can do to help.
· If a student or staff member is sick, do not come to school. Stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
· Cover your mouth with your upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In the event that there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in the community, Plano ISD will coordinate with state and local health officials, city governments and healthcare providers so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses. The district’s goal is to protect all students and staff while minimizing disruption to normal operations for as long as possible. Plano ISD will continue to provide updates when there are changes in the current situation or additional steps are needed.
While schools are closed next week for spring break, Plano ISD administrative offices will continue to operate during normal business hours. We encourage you to check our website regularly for any new updates during the break at www.pisd.edu/healthupdate. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we respond as a community to this health situation.
Traffic reminders
As we endure the cold, wet, weather please keep student safety your top priority!
· Remember NO dropping kids off in the left lane of the driveway. You are welcome to turn into the parking lot and drop off from a parking space, but we do not want children getting out and going between cars in the traffic lanes.
· Please be patient during inclement weather. It is best to leave home a little earlier, but we all understand weather can have a significant effect on your commute and drop off time. The school takes that into consideration when taking attendance for first period on bad weather days.
· Our crossing guard between Kimbrough and MMS is only there until 8:20. She has to get to class as well, so consider dropping your children off against the curb adjacent to the school instead of in the Kimbrough lot after 8:20.
Attendance Reminder
A reminder to parents that when you call in a student absence, it must be followed up with a doctor note or parent note.
Please make sure it has the student’s first and last name, the reason for the absence , the date of the absence, and a parent signature.
Thank you!
Student Immunizations
Thank you to those 6th grade parents that have submitted their student’s immunization information for 7th grade. This will enable you to print your student’s schedule at registration time.
An immunization letter as well as a copy of each student’s immunization record was home with your student before Spring Break if your student needed these immunizations.
Please submit the paperwork to the nurse as soon as possible so that the school record may be updated.
Joan Boswell, B.S.N., R.N.
FAX: 469-752-7019 or 469-752-7001
*** Upcoming Events ***
PESH Drama Application 2020 - 2021
*** Athletics ***
Track
Wednesday 3/18
7th & 8th Grade Track Meet @ Kimbrough Startdion 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Please make sure you are checking the Sports You app for details.
Boys code: W3XJRXKA
Girls Code: NRR4498X
Cheer
Cheer Practice for the 2020-2021 Cheerleaders will be on Wednesday 4/8, Tuesday 4/14, Tuesday 4/21 and Tuesday 4/28 from 3:45pm – 5pm in the MMS gym.
Reminder: Plano ISD Stadium Bag Policy
The Plano ISD stadium bag policy remains in effect for the second semester sports season. Spectators coming to track and soccer events are encouraged to review the guidelines at www.pisd.edu/bagpolicy. (en español)
*** Clubs and Organizations ***
Murphy Soccer Club
Follow Maverick Soccer Club on
Google Classroom:
xzwr4cn
*11 v 11 Games on Fridays
Murphy MS Football Field
Reminders:
Games are played on the Murphy football field
Bye teams do not play on that date
Teams playing at 3:45 need to be dressed and ready to play by game time.
All players are required to wear shin guards.
Players are encouraged to bring their own water.
Players need to bring all items (backpacks, instruments, etc.) out to the field since they will not be allowed back into the building.
All players need a ride to pick them up no later than 5:00.
3/20
3:45 - Free Agents vs. Math Class
4:20 - The Boyzz vs. FC Potatoes
Bye - Simple Sweats, Texas Thunder
Arsenal
Art Club
*** Social and Emotional Well Being ***
*** PTA News ***
NEW TO MMS?
Here is a welcome from our PTA President: mmspta.org/president.
WANT TO ADD THE MMS PTA OR MMS ATHLETICS CALENDARS TO YOUR PHONE?
1. Go to mmspta.org/Calendar and click the blue Sign up... button.
2 The Subscribe buttons will allow you to subscribe to our calendars. If you are running Outlook, Mac OS X Calendar, or another calendaring program that recognizes iCalendar (ICS) format subscriptions, you can click the Subscribe buttons to automatically subscribe to the calendars. If your calendar doesn't automatically accept subscriptions, you can right-click on the calendar icon and choose Copy link and paste it into your calendar application.
NOTE: You may have to enable the calendar in your phone's Calendar settings.SHOP AMAZON SMILE TO SUPPORT MMS PTA
PTA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION NOMINATION & APPLICATION
@HEB Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Nominate a teacher, principal, or school district today!
Want to Volunteer?
Re-Link Your Kroger Community Rewards, Beginning August 1st
If you shop at Kroger grocery stores, and you have a Kroger Plus Rewards card, you can benefit the families of Murphy Middle.
You must link your card every year, starting August 1st to support Murphy Middle School PTA.
Learn how at Kroger Community Rewards.
*** Informational Links ***
Lost and Found
Download the PISD Mobile App
Do you have the Plano ISD App on your phone or device?
The Plano ISD App is a great way to see information about the Plano calendar, news and alerts, the anonymous tip line, and much more.
• Personalize newsfeeds for your school
• View student grades and attendance
• Access school and staff info
• View news stories
• Receive important alerts
• View calendar info
PISD RESOLVING STUDENT AND PARENT CONCERNS
Plano ISD encourages students and parents to attempt to resolve their concerns with the appropriate teacher, principal, other campus administrator, department or employee. The district believes it is in the best interest of everyone involved to informally resolve concerns, if at all possible. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible administrative level.
Details at https://www.pisd.edu/page/20314.
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Murphy Middle School
Twitter: @MurphyMiddle
Murphy Middle PTA Site: