McMurray Middle School is focused on preparing students during the transition from elementary school to high school and helping them to engage, thrive and contribute.  We offer a strong core curriculum, dynamic instruction, 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 developing positive relationships with students in a variety of ways.  We challenge and support each student to master essential academic and life skills.  We strive to acknowledge individual potential and identify strengths and growth areas.  Students routinely explore their affective and whole selves, while developing a sense of respect and responsibility for others and their environment.

This blend of core academics, electives, “whole child” experiences, and skill building creates a community of engaged and challenged learners.  Growth, curiosity, empathy and support, are essential aspects of the McMurray program.  These aspects are fostered by students and staff that care deeply for their work to establish a building climate of positive communication, collaboration and cooperation.

Our Goals for 2016-17

• Promoting curiosity, engagement, critical thinking, academic excellence and growth for all students continue as our highest priorities.
• Developing a safe and positive school climate will be emphasized throughout the year, with a particular focus on fostering empathy, inclusion, and respect.
• Cultivating positive partnerships with students, home and the community through a variety of outreach and communications.   

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 have a mix of 6th,7th and 8th graders. You have the same homeroom all three years at McMurray. 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.

You Do the Math

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 mid-term & semester grade reports

Who’s Who in the Office

Mr. Allison, Principal
Ms. Zike, Counselor
Ms. Johnson, principal assistant
Ms. Jensen, secretary
Ms. Jaffe, Librarian
Ms. Day, nurse
Mrs. Rumburg, campus monitor, library assistant
Mrs. Gateman, campus monitor, sports secretary
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: the title says it all

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