

Murray Elementary School
A Great Place to Grow
December 2024
Principal's News
The cold weather is here! Please see the guidelines we use for outside activities. Remember to dress you child in layers and label their clothing/items with first and last name.
High Winds Safety Recess Guidelines:
- Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways.
- Watch for flying debris.
- Tree limbs may break, and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts.
- Keep students from playing directly under trees.
- Keep an eye toward nearby areas for loose objects that may fall.
Winter/Cold Weather Recess Guidelines
- Outdoor activities must have attire appropriate for the weather conditions.
- When it is 40 degrees or colder skin must be covered.
- Students must be given the option to remain inside when the temperature is below 32 degrees.
Wind Chill Reminders
With colder weather upon us, it's a good time to remind you of the need to pay attention to wind chill temperatures when you are making decisions about the amount of time students can spend outside. You may find the following National Weather Service resources helpful:
The last day of school before winter break is Friday, December 20. This is a busy time of the year. Please check the school calendar and the sign in the front of the school for all upcoming events. Student return on Tuesday, January 7.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Ms. Eckerle & Mr. Hobson
When to Send You Child to School Reminders
Golden Apple Nomination Information
Beginning today, Friday, November 1st, the nomination window for the 2024-2025 Golden Apple Awards will open. Anyone can nominate a teacher for Golden Apple: students, families, community members or other educators by following the directions on the Golden Apple webpage: https://www.k12albemarle.org/our-division/golden-apple-award
Nominations will close on Monday, January 27th, 2025. The following timeline of events will take place between the close of the nomination window and the award ceremony:
- Nominations close: Monday, January 27, 2025
- Final Principal/Headmaster approval of all nominees due: February 11, 2025
- Selection Committee meeting: March 2025
- Golden Apple Ceremony: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the Lane Auditorium located at 401 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
School Wide Morning Meeting
Join us on Friday, December 6 for our School Wide Moring Meeting led by Fourth Grade. Remember to wear green or your Murray spirit wear!
Family Council
Our Family Council Representatives are Julie Montross & Beth McNew. Thanks for serving on this important council. ACPS will be adopting a new math curriculum for the 25/26 school year. The following teachers and parents will be representing Murray:
Sue Harris - Kindergarten
Laura Richardson - Talent Development Resource Teacher
Sara Hahn - Special Education
Sarah Hogan - Parent
Carolyn Sheffield - Parent
Important Dates and Reminders
Please check out the school calendar for all other school events https://mes.k12albemarle.org/about/calendar