McMurray CARES. We cherish and nurture the unique gifts within every student. We are compassionate. We believe in acts of kindness and we believe in service. We care for ourselves, each other, and the spaces around us. We honor our environment. We demonstrate responsibility continuously.  We value ourselves, each other, and our learning. We believe in our ability to grow and learn. We believe we are change-agents (racial equity/social justice) for a brighter future.

We are committed to equity for all and developing positive relationships so that our students have a sense of belonging and connectedness to school.  We challenge and support all students  to make significant growth in essential life and academic skills.  Students routinely explore their affective and whole selves, while all students are held accountable for respect, responsibility and contribution to our culture.

We believe growth, curiosity, empathy and social-emotional development are essential aspects of the McMurray program.  Strong relationships for learning promote our sense of purpose to establish a building culture of positive communication, collaboration and accountability.

Our Focus: Equity and Excellence for All Students

School Culture:

• Create a respectful, responsive, and compassionate school climate for all, with a commitment to racial equity.
• All students and staff focused on high expectations for learning and contribution to our culture, through empathy, interdependence, and curiosity.

 Instructional Practice:  

• Adapt our teaching methodology to distance learning, emphasizing student engagement, learning purpose and relevance, while fostering high-level thinking and questioning skills with all students.
• Emphasize high expectations for all students and close our opportunity and achievement gaps, through close monitoring and individual supports.

 What success looks like:

• All students in all classrooms engaged in grade level content and instruction and supported for significant growth.  This includes reaching students impacted by an opportunity or achievement gap (students of color, students impacted by poverty, students served with an IEP, language learners) 
• All students report positive relationships with adults and peers, and demonstrate engagement in our school community (Survey Data)

Who’s Who in the Office

Mr. Allison, Principal
Yvette Butler, Counselor A-K
Kailey Pearce, Counselor L-Z
Ms. Vickers, Office Manager
Mr. Morgan, Registrar/Office Secretary
Ms. Jaffe, Librarian
Ms. Day, nurse
Ms. Albright, day custodian

At McMurray we promote a strong, skill-based core academic program that is augmented by rich exploratory and elective courses.

Science: All science courses focus on helping students develop scientific skills through themes of systems, inquiry, and applications. 6th grade: Integrated Science (physical, earth, life; full year) 7th grade: life science (one semester), anatomy & physiology (one semester) 8th grade: earth science, planetology (full year)

Humanities: Our humanities curriculum integrates language arts and social studies for two periods each day. We emphasize the development and mastery of comprehension, analysis, research, writing, and communication in the historical and cultural context listed below for each grade: 6th grade: Ancient Civilizations (full year) 7th grade: World History and Cultures (full year) 8th grade: American History (full year).

Math: McMurray utilizes Connected Math 3 for all grades.  Prentice Hall Algebra is used for 8th grade Algebra. Additional online resources are used in all 3 grades Mathematics program helps students sharpen reasoning, computation, geometric, pre-algebraic and algebraic skills in a conceptual and integrated program. (full year for grades 6 through 8)

Healthy Living: These combination PE /health classes focus on helping students gain the tools to lead healthy lives. The PE portion is centered on aerobic and skill-related fitness (movement, coordination, balance). The Health portion covers the Life Skills prevention program, fitness awareness and nutrition. Each grade level takes one semester of Healthy Living.

Technology: Students take a one semester computer course in both 6th and 7th grades. Students gain an understanding of PC and web-based applications and focus on developing keyboarding, research and application skills.

Electives

• Basic Art
• Ceramics
• Graphic Arts
• Digital Photography
• Video Production
• AVID: for 7th and 8th grade students who wish to become a more successful student. 
• 6th grade Band: beginning/fundamental instrumental music
• Symphonic Band:  7th & 8th grade student symphonic instrumental music, two or more concerts per year
• Career Exploration & Community Service: students will collaborate, envision and plant a McMurray garden.
• Drama: physical drama, comedy, performances
• Express Yourself Through Writing: Nature writing, song writing, journaling, letters, poems, and fiction, this is often referred to as "Writing Club"
• Food 101
• French Exploration: introduction to French language and culture
• Japanese Exploration: one semester introduction to the Japanese language.
• Leadership: organize school activities and learn how to be an effective leader
• Mountain Biking: learn bike maintenance and repair while learning physical aspects of riding
• Outdoor Survival
• Spanish Exploration: one semester Spanish Exploration
• STEM Classes
• Design It Build It
• Introduction to Woodworking
• Build a Treehouse
• Vehicles in Motion
• Study Skills: homework help and organization Teacher and Office Assistants
• Tournament PE: students will participate in multiple sport tournaments