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Murwood Weekly eNewsletter
What's Happening This Week:
Oct. 12th- Measure J Committee Meeting @2:45pm
Oct. 14th- Community Service Day
Oct. 16th-21st- Book Fair
Oct. 17th- PTA General Meeting
Oct. 19th- Equity Committee Meeting @2:45pm
Oct. 25th- English Learner Advisory Committee Meeting @9:00am
Oct. 25th- School Site Council Meeting @3:00pm
Oct. 31st- Halloween- Parade and Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Nov. 1st- No School- Staff PD Day
Principal's Message 馃摑
October is Bullying Prevention Month
As we step into October, we are reminded that this is a busy time in our schools. This month is Bullying Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and to promote a safe and inclusive school environment for our students. I am pleased to share that our teachers will be utilizing the Second Step curriculum to engage students in conversations around bullying prevention strategies. These lessons further demonstrate our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and community where students can support each other and learn about empathy and respect.
PTA Needs Our Help!
Our PTA is looking to fill a few Executive Board Positions - Executive VP, VP of Ways & Means, and a Financial Reviewer. These positions must be filled to ensure our PTA is equipped to continue operating and funding key programs at Murwood. Not sure what the PTA does? Click here for a high-level overview. Reach out to murwoodelementarypta@gmail.com with any questions and/or to let the PTA know you are interested in serving in one of the open roles.
Community Service Day!
LET'S FILL THOSE BINS!!!!
Donation bins are at the front entrance of the school. Please send non-perishable food items through Friday (10/13). If each of our students brings at least one item we can make a big impact!
Halloween Celebration
On Tuesday, October 31st, students will be allowed to wear their costumes to school. Our Halloween parade will take place at 8:30 am on the blacktop. Our amazing PTA Room Parents are working closely with teachers to help organize fun games, art and treats in class that day as well. Students will also get a chance to participate in the annual pumpkin decorating contest.
ALL TK/K students will attend school from 8:10-12:55. This way they will all be able to join in all of the activities!
To support our efforts to ensure we are an inclusive school community where everyone feels as though they belong, students should avoid wearing costumes that are racially, ethnically, and/or culturally based, or those that play on gender stereotypes. Here are some thoughts to consider as families prepare Halloween costumes to wear at school:
Please consider the impact a costume depicting an ethnic/racial/cultural group can have on others, including making people feel unsafe and/or disrespected.
Please reflect on what it means to depict a culture or race even for a day because for many people it is not just a costume, it is part of their identity. Even if your child is part of the group of people the costume is intended to represent, it is helpful to ask if the costume is perpetuating a negative stereotype.
Consider that a costume meant to be funny because it is making light of an ethnic or racial group is most likely a caricature, and thus not appropriate.
Also, please see the following costume guidance below:
We must be able to identify students; no masks that cover the entire face.
Face paint is acceptable as long is it not gory (i.e. no blood)
No weapons. Even fake weapons made of plastic, foam, etc.
Inflatable costumes are ok for the parade only. Students must be able to remove their inflatable costume for class time
Costumes must not reference weapons, drugs, or alcohol.
Have a wonderful week!
Monifa
An Important Message From WCSD Superintendent
Dear Walnut Creek School District Community,
We know that many of our families are affected by the tragedies in Israel and Gaza. I am personally saddened to hear the distress many of our families and friends are experiencing. In moments like these, it is critical that we come together to support one another. Walnut Creek School District embraces inclusion, kindness and belonging. It is our belief that all students and staff have the right to a safe and respectful learning environment that cultivates positive connections.
We should be aware that our students may be exposed to violent images specifically on social media and may need emotional support to express how they are feeling. All of our schools have counseling services and Wellness Centers staffed with trained adults prepared to support our students. Our Wellness Centers offer a safe space for our students to process and share their emotions with trusted adults. If you find that you need additional help, please reach out to your child鈥檚 teacher or principal who can assist with access to counseling or additional resources. Below are some resources that you may find helpful at home.
Every student deserves safety, security, and respect. It is crucial for all of us to work together. We are here to support the many members of our community who have family and friends in the region. Please know our thoughts are with you during this tragic time.
Respectfully,
Marie Morgan
Superintendent
Resources
馃摎 Scholastic Book Fair happening October 16th-21st!
Murwood's annual Scholastic Book Fair is next week! Shop the book fair in the library Monday through Friday anytime 8:00am-3:30pm, Saturday from 11:00am-2:00pm during the Fall Festival, or anytime online. Students in grades 1st-5th can also shop during their normal library times and at select recesses. We are still in need of parent volunteers.
Visit our book fair homepage to set up your student's e-wallet now! Find more information on e-wallets here.
Please note: If your student had an e-wallet last year you will still have to set up a new one this year. You can then transfer any remaining funds from the old to the new as long as you've set it up using the same email address that was used last year. Questions? Contact Ms. Lauren at ljones@walnutcreeksd.org.
Notes From the Office
School Pictures are Here!
If you ordered school pictures from the Fall Picture day, they will be coming home with your child today. If you ordered online after the 4 day grace period, your order will be mailed directly to you. If you missed picture day or would like to have your child鈥檚 picture retaken, then mark your calendar for our retake day Friday, November 3rd. If you have any questions or need assistance with your order, please contact Dorian customer service directly at: Dorian Customer Service.
Mrs. Kaye, Office Manager
Murwood Food Drive
The last day of the Food Drive is this Friday (10/13). Please bring a non-perishable, non-glass item to the bins at the front of the school. Check out these donation ideas:
路 Peanut butter
路 Whole-grain cereals/crackers
路 Rice/pasta (esp. whole wheat)
路 Beans & lentils (dry or canned)
路 Canned soups, vegetables, and/or tomato products
路 Canned tuna or chicken, in water
路 Canned fruit, in juice
路 Nonperishable, ready-to-eat, meals (chili, ravioli, etc.)
路 Boxed macaroni and cheese
Fall Festival - October 21st
Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival - October 21st from 11am-2pm. We are looking forward to games, entertainment, and a festive time together as a school community. All the fun goes down at Murwood on the blacktop. We still need lots of volunteer help - check out the sign up and pick a spot to lend a hand.
PTA Meeting - October 17th
Please join us next Tuesday at 6pm via Zoom for the October PTA meeting. Click here to register. You can tune in from your car, the soccer field, while making dinner, etc. Whatever works for you works for us!
Thanks to you our Read-a-thon was a success!
We鈥檙e still tallying the totals from our 4th annual Read-a-thon but this year is shaping up to be the most successful Read-a-thons yet! That means more funds going toward YOUR child鈥檚 education in the form of electives at WCI, specialist salaries, and so much more. Thank you to all the students who logged hours and got creative with fundraising, the parents who generously supported their efforts, and the teachers and staff who so enthusiastically encouraged their students!
Didn鈥檛 get a chance to donate? It鈥檚 not too late - you can still donate until October 6 here.
Have you checked out the October issue of The Source?
WCEF鈥檚 monthly newsletter was just released and this month鈥檚 issue focuses on the importance of arts education for TK-12 students. It鈥檚 also full of info for upcoming dine-outs and events! Be sure to check it out here.
Chipotle Dine Out is coming up next week!
Dine out at Chipotle next Wednesday, October 18 and support our TK-12 schools. Make dinner a no-brainer next Wednesday - dine at Chipotle from 5-9 p.m. and show the flyer below when you order. 33% of your order goes back to WCEF!
*Use code FCBL99L for online order. No third-party delivery.
馃挕 Parent Resources
Girl Scouts Information Night: all parents in grades K-5 are invited to join Girl Scouts of Northern California in the Murwood MPR on October 26th from 7pm-8pm. We will be sharing information about the Girl Scout program and its lifelong benefits, what Girl Scout troops do, and how to get started. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, please contact Anna Lomas at alomas@gsnorcal.org