Murray Pilots
PTO Newsletter
A Note from PTO
Dear Families and Caregivers,
As we welcome the arrival of spring, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible support you have shown throughout the long winter months. Your partnership, generosity, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a tremendous difference in our school community. From volunteering your time to supporting events and initiatives, your involvement helps create a strong and connected community for all of our students.
It is wonderful to see signs of spring all around us. Leaves are beginning to return to the trees, flowers are starting to bloom, and, of course, allergy season has made its annual appearance as well. This season of growth and renewal is always a welcome change, and we are excited for the energy and opportunities that come with it.
We will be sending out one more newsletter before summer begins, but please know that the PTO is always here for you. If questions, ideas, or concerns arise at any time, do not hesitate to reach out by email or text. We value your input and look forward to continuing to work together to support our students, staff, and school community.
Warmly,
Lynnae Erwin, President
Mandi Rupp, President
Nia Anderson, Treasurer
Kerrin Flanagan, Secretary
Announcements
Congratulations!
Murray Pilots are going to National History Day!
Four Murray historians advanced from the State History Day competition with their outstanding documentary projects. Lucia Barnes, Robin Courtney, Peter Laska, and Emmett Loth have earned the opportunity to compete at National History Day this June at the University of Maryland.
Carrie Newman will accompany the Murray team to Washington, D.C. as they represent our community on the national stage. Please help support these dedicated students and their amazing teacher as they compete among the very best in the country!
This fundraiser is hosted by the Murray Parent Teacher Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions will help cover travel expenses for the 2026 History Day team. This trip is organized in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society—many thanks to the MNHS team for making this incredible opportunity possible.
SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) Benefits
SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT) is a federally funded program that provides families of qualified school-aged children $120 during the summer months to purchase healthy foods while school is not in session.
SPPS in-person students who qualify for free or reduced eligibility will qualify for SUN Bucks. SPPS online students who are directly certified for free or reduced eligibility will also qualify. It is critical that the primary parent/guardian contact info in Campus is up to date in order to ensure that the benefit cards are mailed to the correct address.
If a student does not currently qualify for free or reduced eligibility, caregivers are encouraged to complete the Application for Educational Benefits by March 27 to see if they qualify. More info will be shared at spps.org/summerebt, including updates as more info about the program is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
The Murray Market
As we look ahead to summer, we want to share an important update about the Murray Market. Over the next several weeks, we will be working to reduce our current inventory before the school year ends. This will allow our building engineers to thoroughly clean the space over the summer and help ensure that our stored items do not become an invitation for any unwanted four-legged visitors.
** More information to come about specific plans
**If you or your family is in need of support, resources or information please contact with one of the following Murray staff and they will help to connect you with the support you need.**
Ms. Revermann - justine.revermann@spps.org
Ms. Kyser - lizabeth.kyser@spps.org
Mr. Cudahy - bob.cudahy@spps.org
Ms. Olson - sari.olson@spps.org
Thank You!
Over the past several months, the generosity, encouragement, and support shown by our school community have been truly extraordinary. From donations of time, resources, and supplies to the many kind words of encouragement, every gesture has made a meaningful impact. It has meant more than we can adequately express. While many contributions were given quietly and anonymously, each one has been deeply appreciated. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have allowed us to recognize their generosity publicly. Your support has strengthened our community and helped make a lasting difference for our students and families. If you donated and you don't see your name on this list, please know that you are very much appreciated and helped make this possible!
Spirit Wear
Murray spirit wear is still available for purchase through our showroom at Thread Art. Orders can be shipped directly to your home for a fee, or you may choose free pickup at the store. For an additional no-cost option, the PTO will periodically pick up orders and deliver them to the school—perfect if you are not in a hurry. Be sure to browse the latest selections, including our special Murray 100th Anniversary shirts, a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone year while showing your school spirit!
Murray Spirit Wear - scroll down to the Murray Middle School showroom. Choose your logo style and then choose your spirit wear!
Community Resources & Information
If you need rent or utilities assistance:
CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio): Saint Paul 651-379-4200
MN Home Line: Free legal help for renters in Minnesota from a non-governmental, non-profit organization.
Twin Cities area 612-728-5767
Greater Minnesota 866-866-3546
Spanish 612-255-8870
Somali 612-255-8860
Hmong 612-255-7104
Ramsey Action Program Fuel Assistance: 651-266-6470
Ramsey County Heat Share Program: 651-224-4136
The cold weather rule is a state law that protects customers from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1-April 30. Renters are also eligible if the electricity or gas is your primary heat source and the utility bill is in your name. You can call your electric or natural gas company to request a "Cold Weather Rule" payment plan. You can call the Commissioner's Consumer Affairs office for more information at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
If you need shelter assistance:
Youth Services Network MN: Helping youth find shelter and services
Emergency Shelter Services: 651-266-1050 email: shelterentry@ramseycounty.us
Catholic Charities Higher Ground (shelter): 651-647-2330
Union Gospel Mission (shelter/men only) 651-292-1721
Model Cities Safe Space (shelter) 651-789-2066
Metropolitan Council: Rental Assistance 651-602-1428
If you need food assistance:
Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project (TCMAP) Map of mutual aid sites around the Twin Cities
Food Helpline: 1-888-711-1151
If you need legal assistance:
- The Murray Market! Just have your student bring home what you need or reach out to your school counselor.
MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee: email - miracmn@gmail.com
Immigration Defense Network: 612-255-3112
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: 651-641-1011
Info on Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) - if you need help finding someone to notarize a DOPA reach out to one of the SPPS staff listed above
If you need mental health assistance:
Adult Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7900
Child Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7878
You can call, chat, or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Sukoon: A free helpline with culturally informed and holistic support for individuals in distress. Call 763-363-2088, Thursday through Tuesday, 7pm - 11pm.
MN Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): Focuses on Promoting positive mental health health for all infants, children, and adolescents.
If you would like information about Immigration Rights:
Monarca: 612-441-2881 & info@ monarcamn.org
Know Your Rights: Videos in English and Spanish
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION
Ramsey County Social Services: 651-266-4500
Statement from the St Paul School Board Regarding ICE Presence in the Twin Cities
Remaining PTO Meeting Dates
6:00pm in the Murray Media Center
Monday, May 18th
Important Dates
Monday, May 4th
Murray PACT Meeting
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday, May 21st
Murray Band & Orchestra Concert
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Monday, May 25 - Wednesday, May 27
No School
Wednesday, June 10th
8th Grade Recognition
9:30am - 11:00am
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Thursday, June 11th
End of Quarter 4
Last Day of School