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Great Start to School Year
August 29, 2014
Welcome to another school year. We started the year in a great way and will do all we can to continue to build on the momentum we started. There are several things we have improved or changed in the hopes of keeping you informed about what is happening in the classrooms.
First of all, I would like to stress that if you ever have a concern about what is happening in your child’s classroom, whether it is based in social issues, academic concerns, or behavior, your child’s teacher is the first person you need to speak with. Being proactive may be our most effective approach in creating solutions for things that can become problematic if not addressed. I would like all of us to be proactive and manage issues that may arise in order to build a collaborative culture and a focus on results. If after you speak to your child’s teacher and the issue goes unresolved, I will be happy to speak with you and assist to create a positive resolution.
One thing we are trying to do is to move toward becoming a paperless school. This may not happen right away, but we are spending a large amount of our supply budget on paper and I believe it would serve our students better to spend it on items that influence their learning, social interactions, and over all achievement. With that in mind, all teachers have created web sites that will be updated weekly. Please check those out as soon as you have a few moments.
We will continue to work with the HSA to keep you informed using the murchschool.org website, principal blog, twitter account, and Friday folders. Every Friday, you should receive your child’s completed work from the week. If you would like to write a note to your child’s teacher instead of using email, the Friday folder is a good vehicle for this. Please keep an eye out for things to sign and return.
There are several things to keep your eyes open for in the upcoming days and weeks. We will be sharing information about:
- The Murch volunteer program (VIC – Volunteers in the Classroom)
- An upcoming Schoolwide Enrichment presentation
- Keyboarding for students in grades 3-5
- Our annual presentation on assessments and information about the new PARCC assessment for students in grades 3-5
- Our focus on the many cultures represented as part of the Murch community
- An evening presentation by Randolph Carter on Race, Equity, and Diversity and what it means for the Murch community
- School pictures on September 30th (NO PRE-PAY)
- Our after school offerings and information about the grant that supports new and additional programming.
I hope this year is one where your child enjoys learning, you are informed of what is happening in your child’s classroom, and you are satisfied with the level of effective communication that comes from us to you. At any time, please feel free to let me know how we are doing. I am always open to constructive criticism. Have a great school year!
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Murch's own Max Wix entered and won the Epicurious Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, earning him a seat at the table in the East Room of the White House at the White House's 2014 Kids' State Dinner. Students across the country were challenged to submit recipes for healthy and affordable lunches, and Max's recipe for Healthy Grains, Squash, Apples, Sausage, and Kale, fit the bill. Max said he learned about the contest through Murch's GreenScene and was inspired to enter because he spends a lot of time cooking healthy foods with his dad. Max's favorite moment of the state dinner was meeting Michelle Obama, as Max was chosen to present the First Lady with a cookbook signed by all of the winners. 