Dear Murray Friends and Families, 

Fourth quarter brings us the first days of spring. At this time of year, I believe it is possible for anything to happen, even miracles. Middle school students also need a chance to enjoy the spring promise of a new beginning. They need to know they can always do better, no matter how great they are doing now. Show your faith and be positive about their future. Say, "I have so much faith in you. I just know you will conquer your challenges. I believe you can be a success at anything you choose. Choose to make it, choose to do better, choose to live."  With teens and parents both having a positive attitude about a new beginning, you should soon witness a transformation in your life every bit as wonderful as the appearance of that first spring daffodil.  

As we move forward it is always good to have a focus.  The Murray Mission Statement does just this.  The Mission of Murray Middle School is to create a safe, positive environment in order to facilitate academic, physical, and emotional growth so that our students become productive members of society. The Murray staff and parent groups have reviewed this Mission Statement to determine what we do and what we need to do to perpetuate what we stand for.  We are using this statement to help define our department and grade level Visions.   

We have many activities at the end of the school year.  Family members and students are included in all of these activities.  As each event comes closer we remind the students of the criteria they need to have accomplished in order to be a part of these events.  Attendance, grades and behavior are the three most obvious requirements.  Parents can help keep the students focused by being a part of the school.  Please try to attend the various events we present this spring.  You are also welcome at school any time.  A visit to your student’s classroom or a day in the students store will give you a glimpse of your child’s day here at Murray. 

An opportunity for students to rise to the challenge and prove they can do better comes with the spring STAR testing.  The California Standards Tests and CAT6 tests are April 21 – May 2.  We use these test scores to place students in classes and in remedial or acceleration programs.  The student’s performance on these tests needs to be a true indication of their knowledge base so they are properly placed in the fall.  Students also know that their scores may determine their movement from one grade level to the next.  We ask families to help the students during the test taking time by lowering anxiety levels with calm activities around the house.  Students need a good nights rest and proper nutrition also.  We wish all students the best on their tests.

TESTING IS APRIL 21 THROUGH MAY 2. 

Make Up for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders will be May 2, 5, 6.

6^th grade students will take two language arts tests and two math tests for their STAR assessment.7^th graders will take two language arts tests and two math tests for their STAR assessment and 2 language arts tests and one math test and one spelling test for their CAT6 assessment.

8^th graders will take two language arts tests and two math tests and one science test and one social studies test for their STAR assessment. 

As usual, we invite all parents and Murray stakeholders to visit, volunteer and enjoy the Murray Culture.  We are a school on the move to success for all.

Sincerely,

Kirsti Smith

Principal