Principal's Message
As we approach the end of the school year, it's natural for energy levels and focus to shift. With summer on the horizon and many exciting events happening, it can be easy to let routines slip. However, this is actually one of the most critical times to maintain structure and consistency—especially for our students.
Routines help students stay grounded, focused, and emotionally regulated during times of transition. They provide a sense of predictability that supports academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being. Whether it's sticking to a consistent bedtime, following morning routines, or setting aside time for homework and reading, these habits help students finish the year strong.
Let's continue to encourage our students to stay engaged, support one another, and make the most of these final weeks. Together, we can ensure a successful and positive finish to the school year.
SOL Testing
How You Can Help Your Child Prepare?
- Encourage a Growth Mindset – Remind your child that these tests are an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Encourage them to stay positive and do their best.
- Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep – Make sure your child gets at least 8–10 hours of sleep the night before testing to help with focus and concentration.
- Provide a Healthy Breakfast – A nutritious breakfast fuels the brain and improves performance. Encourage them to eat a balanced meal on test days.
- Review Test-Taking Strategies – Encourage your child to read questions carefully, eliminate incorrect answers, and manage their time effectively. Remind them that it is okay to take their time and check their work.
- Encourage Daily Reading and Practice – Help your child review content by reading together, discussing topics, and practicing sample questions at home. Your child's teacher may also provide review materials.
- Minimize Stress – Help your child feel calm and confident by offering encouragement and avoiding pressure. Let them know you are proud of their hard work.
- Arrive at School on Time – Being on time prevents unnecessary stress and allows students to settle in before testing begins.
When will my Child Be Taking the Test?
May 6 – 4th Grade Reading
May 8 – 5th Grade Reading
May 13 – 3rd Grade Reading
May 15 – 5th Grade Science
May 20 – 5th Grade Math
May 21 – 4th Grade Math
May 22 – 3rd Grade Math
May 23 – 5th Grade Virginia Studies
If you have any questions regarding the SOL assessments or need additional support in preparing your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher or school administration.
Staff Appreciation Week
The week of May 5-9, we proudly celebrate Staff Appreciation Week—a time to recognize the incredible people who make our organization thrive. Staff Appreciation Week exists to formally recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and positive impact of employees—especially those in roles that are often under-recognized, like teachers, support staff, administrators, and service workers. It's a chance to say "thank you" for the many ways staff contribute to a supportive, productive, and meaningful environment.
In schools, it’s a way to honor the teachers and support staff who shape students' lives every day and reminds people that their efforts are valued.
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will turn 5 by September 30, 2025, it’s nearly time to get ready for kindergarten! Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) will open Kindergarten Registration online on Monday, April 7.
The first day of school for the 2025-26 school year is Wednesday, August 13. Registering early helps us plan for a smooth start!
Registration Steps
To register for kindergarten, or if your child has been accepted into a preschool program, please follow these steps:
- Review admission requirements.
To enroll in kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year, your child must be 5 years old by September 30, 2025, and reside in Albemarle County. - Determine your school attendance area.
Albemarle County Public Schools determines which of our 15 elementary schools your child will attend for kindergarten based on your physical (home) address. - Prepare to present required documents.
In order to enroll your child in kindergarten, state law requires you to provide certain information to the school division. Our online registration form provides an opportunity for families to upload required documents. We recommend that you gather your documentation prior to completing our online registration form. If you do not have all of your required documentation at the time you submit the registration form, you will need to make arrangements with your child's school to provide the documentation. - Complete an online registration form.
Albemarle County Public Schools uses an online registration form to collect the information used to enroll your child in one of our schools.
To receive on-site assistance with the registration process, please contact your child's school to schedule an appointment.
For assistance registering a child who was not born in the United States or speaks a language other than English, or if the documents needed for school registration were issued in a foreign country, contact the International & English Learners (EL) Program at 434-296-6517.
More Information
- For more information, call 434-296-5820 Central Office Phone Number. For bilingual assistance, call 434-296-6517. (Para asistencia bilingüe, llame 434-296-6517.)
- For answers to the most frequently asked questions about registering your child to attend Albemarle County Public Schools, or to find contact information for individuals who can assist with the registration process, please visit our Registration FAQs page.
- For links to additional documents and other important information that would be helpful as you prepare for your child to start school, please visit our Additional Registration Information page.
- To learn more about our Extended Day Enrichment Programs (EDEP), including our after-school enrichment and student holiday programs, please visit the EDEP website.
Murray Kindergarten Camp Informaiton
Kindergarten Camp
May 29, 2025
3:30-5:00 pm
Dear Incoming Kindergarten Families,
Welcome to the Murray community! We are excited to invite you to Kindergarten Camp for the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.
At Kindergarten Camp, your child will have the opportunity to meet the kindergarten teachers, listen to stories, explore the classrooms, create a piece of art, take a bus ride around the neighborhood, and play outside on the playground.
This experience helps children better visualize kindergarten, allowing them to anticipate the transition with excitement throughout the summer. It also provides concrete examples of a typical kindergarten day, giving families helpful talking points for conversations about school over the summer.
Please RSVP to Cdodson2@k12albemarle.org to let us know if your child will be attending Kindergarten Camp on May 29. We ask that children come dressed for active play and bring a labeled water bottle.
Kindergarten Camp Agenda:
3:30 PM: All families meet in the library for staff introductions.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Students will participate in classroom activities.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Families will receive an overview of Murray’s School Priorities, a look at "A Day in the Life of a Kindergartner," and school tips for a successful year. We will also provide a building tour and answer any questions.
4:45 PM: We will meet the kids on the playground for popsicles.
5:00 PM: Time to say goodbye to the kids. You are welcome to stay and enjoy the playground.
We look forward to meeting you and your child!
Sincerely,
The Kindergarten Team
Please RSVP to cdodson2@k12albemarle.org
Important Dates and Reminders
Please check out the school calendar for all other school events https://mes.k12albemarle.org/about/calendar
