What's the Buzz?!

Dear Murphy Families,

Welcome to the very first edition of our district newsletter! We are excited to launch this new way of staying connected with you as we continue to share the great things happening across Murphy Elementary School District.

Each edition will highlight important updates, school news, and the incredible moments happening in our classrooms and throughout our community. From student achievements to special events, this newsletter is a celebration of the people and experiences that make Murphy such a special place.

As we look ahead, we are excited to invite our current and future families to our upcoming Kindergarten Nights taking place later this month and continuing into the spring. These events are a wonderful opportunity to visit our schools, meet our educators, and learn more about the strong foundation we provide for our youngest learners. We hope you’ll consider beginning your child’s educational journey with us and growing at Murphy.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community. Together, we are growing strong minds for a bright future.

Warm regards,
Mr. Dettmar
Superintendent

We are proud to celebrate the positive momentum happening across our campus! A big congratulations to our Attendance Champions—Ms. Hu’s class for grades 4–8 and Ms. Brue’s class for grades K–3—for leading the way with outstanding attendance. Your commitment to showing up each day truly makes a difference in student success. Recent, we also celebrated our 5th and 6th grade students with a pizza party in recognition of their positive behavior and contributions to a respectful, supportive school environment. Our students teach us every day that the smallest gestures make the biggest impact. Thank you for setting an example for your fellow peers.

Excitement is building as our athletic season approaches. Tryouts have ended, teams are practicing, and we look forward to announcing game schedules soon. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your continued support during AZELLA testing—we appreciate your partnership in helping our students do their very best.

Thank you for being part of our Kuban community and for supporting our students every step of the way.

As we continue through an exciting and meaningful February, I am proud to share the many opportunities our students have to learn, grow, and connect. In celebration of Black History Month, our Student Council hosted a Door Decorating Contest, where each class highlighted influential leaders who have made lasting contributions across various fields.

We are also excited to offer additional opportunities for both students and families. Mr. Duarte, our school counselor, is hosting a free nutrition class, “Salud Con Sabor Latino,” every Monday and Wednesday from 7:45–8:45 a.m. through February 23.

Our 8th grade students will be visiting Bioscience High School on February 17 as they begin exploring their next steps, and Spring Picture Day is scheduled for February 20.

Looking ahead, we invite all of our incoming families to join us for our Kindergarten Registration Kick-Off on February 25 from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming our future Sullivan students and continuing to build a strong, connected school community. Thank you for your continued support.

At Murphy Elementary School District, learning goes beyond the core classroom. Through daily enrichment courses like technology, physical education, and art, students have the opportunity to explore their interests, build new skills, and express their creativity in meaningful ways.

What have our students been working on recently?

In technology, middle school students are strengthening their typing skills and working on coding platforms to be able to become digitally-aware of the ever-changing landscape. In physical education, our youngest students are working on relay races, learning teamwork and healthy habits. In art, creativity comes to life as students experiment with different materials and techniques including drawing and painting.

These classes are designed to support the whole child—encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and confidence.

Kinder students are building the foundational skills that set the stage for lifelong learning. From forming sentences to practicing early reading skills, students are actively engaged in lessons that strengthen both their confidence and abilities.

Classrooms are filled with curiosity, conversation, and excitement as students begin to understand the power of words. Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, students are learning how to express their thoughts through writing and develop their reading fluency. Whether working independently or collaborating with classmates, these young learners are growing every day in a supportive and nurturing environment that celebrates progress and encourages exploration.

Third grade students across the district are building a strong understanding of fractions through hands-on and engaging lessons. In the classroom, students are exploring concepts like equal parts, halves, thirds, and fourths by using visual models, group activities, and real-world examples. These strategies help make abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand.

By working together and practicing problem-solving, students are developing both their math skills and confidence. As they explain their thinking and apply what they’ve learned, they are building a strong foundation that will support their success in more advanced math concepts in the years ahead.

Seventh grade students at Kuban are taking their science learning to the next level by combining research and hands-on experimentation. Using their individual laptops, students are conducting research on key science topics, gathering information, and preparing for upcoming lab activities. This use of technology allows students to dive deeper into content while building important digital literacy skills.

In the lab, students are beginning to explore the fundamentals of chemistry, learning about materials, reactions, and scientific processes. As they prepare for experiments, they are developing critical thinking skills, making predictions, and understanding the importance of safety and procedure. These experiences bring science to life and help students connect what they learn to the world around them.

Sullivan Elementary’s Cooking Club is giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn valuable life skills in a fun and engaging way. Every month, the club 'opens its kitchen' for students to explore basic cooking techniques, follow recipes, and learn about nutrition—all while working together in a collaborative environment.

Beyond the kitchen, the club helps students build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. Measuring ingredients, following directions, and creating something from start to finish provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. Programs like Cooking Club highlight the importance of learning beyond the classroom and help students discover new interests and talents.

Learning continues beyond the school day through dedicated after-school tutoring programs, across both schools at Murphy. These sessions provide students with additional academic support in a focused, small-group setting, allowing them to strengthen their understanding of key concepts and build confidence in their abilities.

This past week, teachers and staff worked closely with students to provide personalized support, helping them stay on track and reach their academic goals. This extended learning time not only reinforces classroom instruction but also creates a space where students feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to succeed.

We’re excited to share that ParentVUE will soon be implemented across Murphy Elementary School District! This new platform will provide families with easy access to important student information, including grades, attendance, and more—all in one convenient place.

Details are coming soon from your child’s school. Be sure to keep an eye out over the next few weeks for step-by-step instructions on how to create your account and get connected.

Murphy ESD is expanding its presence on social media, and we’re excited to connect with you on Instagram! Follow our district and school pages for a behind-the-scenes look at classroom learning, student highlights, events, and all the great things happening across our schools.

Stay connected, stay informed, and be part of our growing online community!

We’re excited to welcome our future learners and families to Murphy ESD! Kindergarten Nights are just around the corner—this is a great opportunity to visit our schools, meet our educators, and learn more about what makes Murphy special.

Mark your calendars and join us as we prepare to welcome our newest students. We can’t wait to meet you!