Murphy Middle School eNews

Hello, Murphy Families!

We've arrived to the LAST week of school of the 23-24 school year! What an AMAZING school year it has been! Students do NOT need to bring any large book bags/backpacks to school during this last week. Here is the exam/testing schedule for this last week of school . Students just need pens/pencils, yearbook (if purchased), and their lunches. (Please remember that parents may only deliver lunches/food for their own children. No 3rd Party food delivery is accepted for any MMS student. This has been noted in our Parent/Student Handbook for this entire school year.)

Please note the 24-25 school calendar with a student start date of Tuesday, August 13th.

Maverick March is tentatively scheduled for August 5th [8 - 10 a.m. (Last Names A-M); 10:30 - 12:30 p.m. (Last Names N-Z)]. This is the day when parents may come to campus to pick up school supplies, buy MMS Spirit Wear, and walk their schedules. (Schedules will be released in Skyward on August 5th). Additional beginning of the year info will be shared soon as those dates are confirmed. Students will not be "promoted" in our school messenger systems until late July, so we send schoolwide info, our incoming 6th graders will not receive the info, and our outgoing 8th graders will continue to receive MMS info until this process occurs.

We have also collected chromebooks, cases, and power charger/cords from students last week. Charges will be assessed for damages beyond normal wear/tear and missing chromebooks, cases, and power chargers/cords. Parents/students will be informed via email of any assessments due for payment via Rycor.

Please scroll down to gain details about volunteering for Maverick Mania, participating in 8th Grade's Last Walk, and other new info found in this eNEWs edition like our East Band Solo Festival Recognitions!

New in this eNEWs :

• Maverick Mania Participation Expectations
• Maverick Mania Flyer (Details about 8th Grade Last Walk) -- Link to Volunteer
• East Band Solo Festival Results -- We are PROUD of our MMS Performers!
• Momentous Moments - Parent Partnering Virtual Session: Wednesday, May 29
  
• Leadership and Ambassador Program Class 4 Applications Are Now Open for Parents
• Need to Enroll a New Student to Plano ISD?
• MMS Spirit Night @ Napoli's on Park near PESH on May 21, 2024
• School Supplies for 24-25 (Ordering Info & Lists)
• Last Week of School Exam Schedule -- easier to read schedule
• Chromebook, Case, Charger Assessment Fee Schedule

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MurphyMiddleSchoolMavericks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murphymiddleschoolmavericks/

Upcoming Events for the next few weeks:

Week of May 20th End of the Year/Semester MAP Testing and HS Credit Exams

May 21st MMS Spirit Night @ Napoli's off Park Near PESH

May 24th Maverick Mania; 8th Grader's Last Walk @ 12:30 p.m.; End of 4th Grading Period; Last day of classes; Early Release @ 12:40 p.m.

Don't forget to access the link to MMS PTA Newsletter to learn about events sponsored by PTA such as an upcoming Spirit Night coordinated with Armstrong PTA! Don't forget to also purchase MMS Spirit Wear by visiting www.mmspta.org.

Here are the expectations shared with students on how to participate in Maverick Mania.

Dates includes in these expectations are from May 6th - May 23rd.

Students may "Persuade the Tribune" if any of these expectations are not met by emailing Principals Tran, Franco, & Moreno explaining why they should be able to participate in Maverick Mania.

Congratulations to our outstanding musicians for their exceptional performances at the East Band Solo Festival!

Let's give a round of applause to:

Jordan Rouse

Kurt Wright

Jackson Eubanks

Cristobal Rocha-Lopez

Nirali Patel

Alice Cheremukhina

Varshini Arulkumaran

Your talent, dedication, and hard work truly shine through in your exemplary solo performances. We're incredibly proud of your achievements and the way you represent our school with your musical excellence!

Keep up the fantastic work, and continue to let your passion for music inspire others! #MusicStars #SoloFestival #Congratulations

Parents/Students will be informed via email of any charges assessed for missing/damaged equipment.

High school students who want to advance by taking summer courses can register with Plano ISD's eSchool Program.

• For courses, registration, and tuition information, please visit the eSchool website.
• Students should discuss this option with their counselor before registration. Once students register for an eSchool course, the eSchool office will contact the counselor for approval.

For general questions about the eSchool program, please contact the eSchool office at eschool@pisd.edu or 469-752-3996.

The Plano ISD Parent Education and Engagement Program has once again partnered with the Momentous Institute of Dallas to bring Plano ISD families the following virtual class: Summer Opportunities for Teens.

In this class, families learn and understand the communication techniques that can be used to support conversations around the recreational, volunteer, and employment prep opportunities teens have access to this summer season. Families will hear and learn about different activities and events that are happening locally. The goal of this session is to help parents feel prepared and excited about this upcoming summer break.

To register, families simply complete the zoom registration page. Once fully registered, they can expect to receive a confirmation email within 24 – 48 hours.

English registration | Wed, May 29th @ 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Online applications are now open for Class 4 of the Plano ISD Leadership & Ambassador Program. This program for Plano ISD parents and community members provides participants a comprehensive overview of Plano ISD in order to create a community of informed leaders.

Applications should be submitted by 11:59 PM on June 28, 2024:

English application | Spanish application

Potential applicants include Plano ISD community members, parents, PTA members and members of the Plano area business community, to name a few, who are interested in gaining insight into what is happening in Plano ISD. (Plano ISD employees are not eligible to participate.)

This program will feature six daytime sessions at various Plano ISD locations throughout the 2024-2025 school year, culminating in a recognition for graduates in April 2025. View the dates of the sessions and learn more about the program on the Leadership & Ambassador web page.

Note: Dates for 2024-2025 are tentative and could be subject to change. Dates will be finalized before acceptance letters are issued.

Online enrollment for new students is available now through June 21 for the 2024–2025 school year using our current system. Any unfinished applications not completed by June 21 will have to start over in the new system, Skyward Family Access, beginning July 8.

Skyward Family Access includes a mobile app that will be available for families and students in July. Stay tuned for more information and the official launch date of this app. Visit the Skyward web page to learn more and stay informed.

Important Dates

• June 20, 2024: Last day families can complete any new student online enrollments, including submitting all documentation.
• June 21 – July 7, 2024: New student online enrollment unavailable for maintenance and transition to new Skyward platform.
• July 8, 2024: New student online enrollment re-opens in Skyward.

Calling all kids going into Kindergarten through 9th Grade!

PESH is hosting a couple weeks of basketball camps this summer…one early and one late.

Available for incoming 6th graders and above.

Registrations for Summer Camps https://planoisd.store.rankone.com/Camp/List . Scan the QR Code and

Search 'Plano East' to sign up.

All camps will take place at Plano East Senior High School

Plano ISD is implementing Skyward Family Access for parents and students for the 2024–2025 school year. Skyward Family Access will be available for families and students in July 2024. Stay tuned for more information and the official launch date of our new Student Information System. Visit our website to learn more and stay informed.

Important Dates

June 20, 2024: Last day families can complete any new student online enrollments, including submitting all documentation.

June 21, 2024: New student online enrollment unavailable for maintenance and transition to new Skyward platform.

July 2024: New student online enrollment re-opens.

Please be informed about unused medication pick-up as well as immunization requirements for incoming 7th graders for the 24-25 school year!

With no prior experience or knowledge required, any 9th grader next year is invited to apply to the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program, where students will be mentored by industry professionals in their learning of what AI is and isn't, where they already interact with AI in their own life, the ethical implications of AI systems, and how to use various AI tools to increase their AI literacy and understanding, all at NO COST! What is the MCF AI bootcamp? · The MCF AI Bootcamp Program is a 3-day introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Over the course of three consecutive Saturdays, high school students will take a deep dive into these emerging technologies, learning what AI is and isn't where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Students will learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded students, and explore real-world resources and scenarios. Where can I apply? · Start your application at the following link, https://portal.markcubanai.org/apply · The deadline for applications is September 30, 2024. When is the 2024 MCF AI bootcamp? · Saturday, November 2nd · Saturday, November 9th · Saturday, November 16th · Each day of camp is 5 hours long. All camps will take place from 11am-4pm local time. Students will be served lunch and snacks. Who is eligible to participate? · We invite all high school students (9th-12th grade) living within a 30-mile radius of our host cities to apply. We strongly encourage girls, students of color, and students participating in free or reduced lunch programs submit an application as part of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in our bootcamps. · No prerequisite courses and no knowledge of coding is required. Where is the AI boot camp held? Texas · Addison, TX · Plano, TX

Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Texas Autism Conference. Parents, guardians, and caretakers are invited to join the June 22 Family Day sessions free of charge. These sessions are entirely online and are geared towards parenting and caretaker topics that improve the lives of our students and children with autism. There will be many breakout sessions and a family focus group on this day. Learn more about the Texas Autism Conference and register for Family Day visit their webpage.

Student Support Services Spotlight Newsletter (English | Spanish) is ready for parents of students in Special Education in Plano ISD. This newsletter provides information to parents on opportunities and training for students with disabilities, information from the department, as well as highlights activities of the district.

Please contact Bethany Rogers with any questions.

You may view a proof of your student's Fall or Spring photos by accessing www. LegacyFindMyCode.com

Proof images will be available 2 weeks after picture day to view.

To purchase Spring Photos, access: Spring.LegacyStudios.com .

Please use the following online code to access our school: 7023R24

You may still purchase Fall Photos.

If you have any questions, please contact: ask.legacystudios.com

As Plano ISD is preparing to move to Skyward Family Access for parents and students for the 2024–2025 school year, learn more about its features.

In the Family Access portal, parents and guardians will be able to view attendance, including excused and unexcused absences and tardies.

Look for more information in the coming weeks about this new resource for Plano ISD students and families. We invite you to visit our website to learn more and stay informed.

Learn more about attendance

In order to help campus staff appropriately schedule classes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, families of currently enrolled Pre-K - 11th grade students are asked to complete an Intent to Return form online. Please complete the form as soon as possible since planning for the upcoming school year is already underway. If your family does not plan to return, we ask that you complete the Intent to Return form as well since that information also helps with planning.

Thank you for your assistance in helping schools with planning for the upcoming school year.

Exploration

Exploration provides an innovative summer learning experience and is open to students in grades 1-7 who are not concurrently enrolled in another summer program.

Students have an opportunity to explore courses that include

• Language
• Science
• Mathematical Problem Solving, Logic and Reasoning
• Computer Science
• Humanities
• Fine Arts

Check out all of the course offerings.

Computer Science Bridge

Rising 9th graders can learn

• To program solutions using the Python programming language,
• Learn about careers in computer science, and
• Engage with professionals from the computer science field.
• To register please visit the computer science website

Gateway Engineering Summer Camp

• The Gateway Engineering Summer Camp is a hands-on, project-based camp designed to introduce incoming 7th and 8th grade middle school students to the fundamentals of STEM and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering courses within Plano ISD.
• Certified PLTW instructors provide expert instruction in a fun, exciting environment using leading-edge technologies to sample engineering related activities and projects and get a taste of how fun it can be to be an engineer.
• The critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration skills that campers learn during the Gateway Engineering Summer Camp will benefit them for a lifetime.
• To register, please visit the Gateway website.
• For general questions about this summer program, please contact stemcamp@pisd.edu.

Visit the Plano ISD Summer School website to learn more about the available enrichment programs for 2024.

Registration opens March 18!

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community informed and safe, we feel it is crucial to address a matter of growing concern—the presence of fentanyl and its potential impact on our youth.

Fentanyl pills are being mass-produced and falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills that look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet (perk), opioids (painkillers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants like Adderall (addy). Fake pills are easy to purchase and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.

We write to you to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with fentanyl and to encourage open communication within families. It is essential that we work together to educate our children about the risks and consequences associated with the misuse of substances.

Here are some key points to consider and discuss with your children:

1. Understanding Fentanyl: Explain that fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used for severe pain management, often prescribed by healthcare professionals in specific medical situations.
2. Education on Prescription Medications: Emphasize that medications should only be taken when prescribed by a trusted healthcare provider for a legitimate medical reason. Educate your child about the importance of not sharing medications with others and never taking pills from friends or classmates.
3. Recognizing Medications: Teach your child how to recognize their own prescribed medications by appearance, shape, and color. This helps them avoid confusion or accidental ingestion of the wrong medication.
4. Risk of Misuse: Discuss the risks associated with opioid misuse, emphasizing the potential for serious health consequences and the importance of seeking help if they ever find themselves in a challenging situation.
5. School and Community Support: Support and participate in school and community initiatives that educate both parents and students on substance abuse prevention, including the dangers of fentanyl.
6. Seeking Help: Make sure your child knows where to turn for help, whether it's a teacher, school counselor, or a trusted adult. Reinforce the importance of reaching out for support when needed.

By fostering open and honest conversations with our children, we can equip them with the knowledge and awareness necessary to make informed decisions about their health. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your school counselor. Additional information can be found on the Plano ISD Counseling Services webpage or the Texas Health and Human Services webpage.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and let us continue working together to keep our community safe and healthy.

Murphy Middle School has many opportunities to be involved. If you are interested in being a part of a club, feel free to join one of our many groups. If you do not see a club that interests you, start one! You have the option to start one on your own (non-curricular) with a teacher sponsor. Students who would like to start a one-year non-curricular club must find a teacher sponsor for their club, complete the paperwork and manage the student-run club. Curricular clubs are created and managed by teachers.

Link to current MMS Clubs.

Link to start a 2023-2024 Non-Curricular Club Form.

We're on the lookout for your amazing pictures! Share your memories with us by emailing mmspublications@pisd.edu along with a brief description.

Your photos could be featured online, in the yearbook, and maybe even on our website! Don't miss this chance to be a part of our school's story!

#MMSMemories #YearbookPhotos #ShareYourStory #ProtectOurHouse #LevelUpPlanoISD

Online enrollment for new students to Plano ISD begins on February 26. Enrollment is for the 2024-2025 school year and is for all grade levels, except Pre-K, which begins registration on March 4. For more information, visit Plano ISD's enrollment page and watch this month’s superintendent message, “Theresa’s Take on Enrollment” as we ROCK enROLLment for the 2024-2025 school year!

Would you like to be a teacher in Plano ISD? Do you already have your college degree? Would you like assistance understanding the process to becoming a Texas teacher? Join us on Monday, February 19, 2024 in the Administration Building Board Room, 2700 W. 15th Street, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM for an informational meeting on pursuing teacher certification in Texas.

Please contact Sherri Eppler with any questions.

The 2025-26 Plano ISD Academic Calendar was approved by the Board of Trustees during their meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

The district proposed an academic calendar based on work from the 2024-25 calendar that was approved on November 28, 2023. Both calendars, nearly identical in design, were planned with the best interest of students in mind, taking into consideration valuable input from parents, students, educators and administrators. The first day of school for the 2025-26 school year will be August 12, 2025, and the last day of school is May 22, 2026.

This early calendar approval provides the district more time to secure graduation dates and allows more advanced planning for families and staff. It also gives the district time to adjust the calendar if needed.

Calendar features include:

• Student fall break from October 13-17, 2025
• Staff fall break from October 13-15, 2025
• Thanksgiving break from November 24-28, 2025
• Winter break from December 22, 2025–January 2, 2026
• Student holiday/staff work day January 5, 2026
• Spring break from March 16-20, 2026
• Student holiday/staff work day March 23, 2026

View the full calendar here.

Plano ISD is implementing Skyward Family Access for parents and students for the 2024–2025 school year. Skyward Family Access will replace our current online Parent Portal.

The Family Access portal is an easy-to-use web resource, available on any device with an internet connection. It allows parents and guardians to access information about their students, such as attendance, grades, assignments, schedules, progress reports and report cards.

Look for more information in the coming weeks about this new resource for Plano ISD students and families. We invite you to visit our website to learn more and stay informed.

Plano ISD is proud to offer innovative and unique programs called Academies to students based on their academic and career interests. Although the fall Academy application process has closed, Plano ISD is opening a Spring Academy Application for students who are interested in these programs. This will allow interested students to be placed on a waitlist. If seats become available in the desired Academy program, students will be contacted in the order that the application was received and offered an opportunity to participate for the 2024-2025 school year.

Current 8th Grade Student Options - The following Academy programs are available for waitlist:

• Academy High School
• Health Sciences Academy
• IB World School at Plano East Senior High
• Wildcat Collegiate Academy

Current 9th Grade Student Options - The following Academy programs are available for waitlist:

• Health Sciences Academy
• IB World School at Plano East Senior High

Current 10th Grade Student Options - The following Academy programs are available for waitlist:

• Health Sciences Academy
• IB World School at Plano East Senior High
• Industries Academy
• TONI&GUY Cosmetology Program

To learn more visit Plano ISD Academy Programs.

Plano ISD would like to share two valuable resources to our parents of students served through special education. First, our Plano ISD Special Education Spotlight Update (English | Spanish) has been provided to ensure you are informed on current activities and events. In addition, there is information on our Parent Navigator. The Parent Navigator can be found on our department’s website and contains a wealth of information for parents. For questions, please reach out to Bethany Rogers or Sarah Robinson.

The Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) invites parents and grandparents to attend one of two weekly, virtual parent education workshops. Each week, members of the PEEP Team will hold workshops designed to present and share ideas on a variety of parenting and schooling topics.

• The Lunch & Learn series happens every Monday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• The Rise & Shine series occurs every Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

For the month of September, workshop topics will focus on establishing routines as well as on the importance of regular school attendance.

For additional information on the Lunch & Learn or Rise & Shine virtual workshops, as well as other services provided by the Parent Education and Engagement Team, please visit the PEEP website, or call the PEEP office at 469-752-2232.

Volunteers and mentors are an important part of Plano ISD's educational team. It takes exceptional people to give their time and energy to help make our school district stronger. For more information about volunteering with Plano ISD, visit the district’s volunteer web page. Every person who wishes to serve as a volunteer must complete a VOLY volunteer application and criminal history search.

Murphy Middle School will be seeking volunteers throughout this school year, so please complete your VOLY volunteer application now!

• 6th grade will eat during A Lunch (10:57-11:30)
• 7th grade will eat during B Lunch (11:47-12:20)
• 8th grade will eat during C Lunch (12:37-1:10)

School Meals

Plano ISD meal prices and menu information can be found on the Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) website.

Meal Payments

Online payments are accepted through SchoolCafé. Cash and checks are also accepted during the school day at your child's campus.

Families who do not have an account can create a new one by selecting that option on the SchoolCafé page. View this SchoolCafé information video for instructions on how to complete the meal application. Families who already have a SchoolCafé account can sign in to complete the meal application.

Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.

Families must apply for meal benefits each year. The eligibility expiration date for last school year's qualification is September 20, 2023.

We are always in need of great people who want to help at MMS! If you are interested in being a substitute teachers, click on this link to being the process.

https://www.pisd.edu/Page/5529