Murray Pilots
June 5, 2026
A Note from Your Principal
Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen. Dr. Sukhraj Dhillon
We are finally entering the last couple days of the school year. This has been both an amazing year and a trying year for our community. I want to thank our families and staff for the immense support of our Murray Pilots as they are completing school year 25/26. Our community pulled together and not only supported our students, but supported each other as we navigated the Metro Surge and the tremendous impact it had on everyone.
I was fortunate to be a guest at the Como Park Senior High School graduation this week. This experience provided a very clear image for me of the cumulative impact we all have with our students and how it leads to their success and progress toward their dreams. Many of the Como graduates were former Murray Pilots and it was AMAZING to see them. It is the combined efforts of family, friends, community and school that raise our scholars up. On behalf of our Murray staff, a huge thanks to our families for all you do to support Murray and for the engagement you have shown over the past year. I am honored to be serving in this community. For those moving on to high school, I wish you the very best; we will miss you! For those returning next year, I look forward to our partnership and the successes of our Pilots.
I hope to see many of you at the Como 4th of July parade! Have a wonderful summer. You are all the best!
Celebrations:
#Pilotprops of the week! Ms. Nalepka would like to celebrate Makauri Parks. Makauri is respectful, engagaing, and always remembers to smile. He puts in a lot of effort in class and always asks for help when he needs it. He is a genuinely kind person and I'm so happy to have had him in class this year!
#Pilotprops of the week! Ms. Newman would like to celebrate Daniel Ballah. Daniel is a very kind and gracious student. He helps others understand assignments and organize their work. He always reaches out to his teachers and creates a wonderful environment for us at Murray!
#Pilotprops of the week! Ms. Dooley would like to celebrate Amelia Gray. Amelia is a curious, friendly, conscientious student who always does her best and encourages others. These skills will serve you well in the future!!!!!
Your Co-Pilot,
Jamin McKenzie
Principal, Murray Middle School
Classroom Happenings
Ms. Williams' 6th-grade students will be performing their poetry for family and friends!
Poetry Slam performances will be held on Tuesday, June 9, and Wednesday, June 10, during the students' class time. You are invited to attend one or both days. On both days, students will host the same performance, so you do not need to attend both dates to experience the students' work.
If your student has Readers & Writers with Ms. Williams for 2nd hour, the performance will begin at 10:15. If your student is in our 3rd-hour class, the performance will begin at 12:00, and if your student is in our 4th-hour class, the performance will begin at 2:00. Make sure to check with your student about when they see me, as some students have me for different class periods on different days (A-day & B-day schedules).
We will also be serving refreshments. If you would like to donate any refreshments for the poetry slam performance, check with your student what they would most like to bring/serve. Please send your donations to school with your student on Monday, June 8th.
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grade
Lots of fun and a great learning opportunity for students in Environmental Science on a field trip for Science for All to the University of MN.
Announcements
8th Grade Recognition Ceremony by Foundations - Wednesday, June 10th
9:30 AM:
Bornholdt/Phan
Croone
Hagen
Hayden
Hirthe
1:30 PM
Atkinson
Cabatingan
Cudahy
Dooley
Steinhoff
8th Grade Valleyfair
Thursday, June 11th
9:00am - 6:00pm
Students need to be picked up at Murray at 6:00pm
From the School Nurse: Summer is a good time for students to get their annual exam for updated immunizations that are required in middle school. This can also be used as an opportunity to get a sports physical signed off by a provider for the 26-27 athletic season. Once completed, the physical is valid for 3 years. Please contact me with any questions. Have a great summer!
Plant Sale
Need some herbs for your garden or kitchen? Pick up a few plants at Murray when you come for one of our final day’s events. The plants were planted by students in E2 science elective and cared for by them and other students. See the flyer later in the newsletter for varieties. We are asking $3 per plant. Thank you for your support!
Counselor's Corner
Counselor's Corner
Here are a few announcements from our counseling team. As a reminder, here is our contact information:
· Ms. Justine Revermann - justine.revermann@spps.org - 651-243-4663 ext. 744052: Student last names A-L
· Ms. Lisa Engelstad – lisa.engelstad@spps.org - 651-243-4663 ext. 745675: Student last names M-Z
It is hard to believe it is June already!
School Counselors are working until June 18th if any questions come up between now and then. If you have questions about Summer Learning Programs, many of the programs are full, but there may be some spots available in our Summer Quest Learning Program.
https://www.spps.org/academics/summer-learning-programs/middle-school
On 5/29, some of our students had a table in the cafeteria promoting Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy. There were resources, handmade bracelets, stickers, stones with positive messages, Mental Health Awareness bracelets, and a prize wheel. The students seemed to really enjoy it!
If you have concerns about your child's mental health, we are including some resources below.
Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative https://www.rccmhc.org/
Ramsey County Children's Crisis: (below information copied and pasted from Ramsey County Website)
Ramsey County’s mobile crisis team provides stabilization services, de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health assessments, and initial crisis plans.Walk-in crisis services are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Mental Health Urgent Care.
Under 18 years old? Call the Children's Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7878.
Over 18 years old? Call the Adult Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7900.
The Trevor Project: (Resources for LGBTQIA+)
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (text or call)
988
Internet Hot Spots:
Here's a resource for internet hot spots to check if you're eligible: https://www.tmobile.com/brand/project-10-million
PTO Corner
Spirit Wear
Visit our showroom at ThreadArt to order your custom Murray Middle School clothing! Now available: Debate shirts!! You can also purchase a Debate shirt to donate to a student.
**AVAILABLE NOW**
Murray Pilots 100 Years throwback shirts to celebrate 100 years of Murray Greatness!
6:00pm in the Murray Media Center
Summer School Information
Important Dates
Wednesday, June 10
8th Grade Recognition
9:30am - 11:00am (By Foundations)
1:30pm - 3:00pm (By Foundations)
Thursday, June 11
6th Grade Awards - 10:00am (By Invitation)
7th Grade Awards - 1:30pm (By Invitation)
8th Grade Valleyfair
Last Day of School