McMurray Middle School is focused on preparing all students during the transition from elementary school to high school and equipping them to engage, thrive and contribute in an ever-changing world.  We engage students in a rich core curriculum, implement dynamic instruction, and provide challenge and support for all students.  Our rich elective and exploratory courses cultivate student’s intellectual, creative, kinesthetic, and social development.

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: Planning and preparing for the needs of all students

School Culture

• Create a respectful, responsive, and compassionate school climate for all, with a commitment to racial equity
• All students and staff committed to and supported toward high expectations for learning
• All students and staff contribute to our culture of our community, through empathy, interdependence, and curiosity
• Align and strengthen our PBIS system based upon data sources, integrating a coherent and focused social- emotional program with restorative practices in place throughout our school

Instructional Practice

• Utilize culturally relevant teaching practices to cultivate student engagement, promote purpose and relevance, and foster high-level thinking and questioning skills for powerful learning ( CEE, Healthy Youth Survey)
• All students and staff committed to and supported toward respect, responsibility and contribution to our culture through implementing social-emotional framework toward a culture of care and compassion (Data from referrals, PBIS Tier II & III data) 
• Emphasize high expectations for all students and close our opportunity and achievement gaps
• PLC team focus on standards, data-informed decision-making and collaboration, with an increased emphasis on instructional growth through observation and feedback
• Continue a school-wide commitment to inclusion practices for students served with an IEP and language learners 

What success looks like

• All students in all classrooms engaged in grade level content and instruction and supported for significant growth 
• (PLC growth goals, common assessments, student growth percentiles)  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 pride in our school community (Survey Data)

The Basics

Number of classes per day: 6
Number of teachers each day: 4 to 6
Combination lockers: one per student, padlocks
Floors: 2, Main floor has classrooms, lower lever has gym and art/STEM classroom
Homeroom / Advisory Daily homerooms may have a mix of 6th,7th and 8th graders. Homeroom is intended to be a time for students to gain and share information, independent reading, develop a rapport with other students and staff and learn about school climate issues, notably bullying prevention. Student-led conferences are conducted through homeroom. Identified students receive support in reading, math and other skills.

The numbers

6 classes per day plus homeroom
50 minute class period
30-minute homeroom
10-minute break between 2nd period and homeroom
30-minute lunch break
4-minute passing time between classes
400 students
30 staff members
2 semesters with semester grade reports

Who’s Who in the Office

Mr. Allison, Principal
Yvette Butler, Counselor
Kailey Ketter, Counselor
Ms. Vickers, Office Manager
Ms. Jensen, 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