What's the Buzz?!

Dear Murphy Families,

The first weeks of the fourth quarter have centered on preparing for state assessments, and I am proud to share that Murphy students are ready to rise to the challenge and truly excel.

At the same time, we have continued to recognize and celebrate our students’ dedication and positive behavior through PBIS incentives and award ceremonies across our campuses. It has been inspiring to see so many students acknowledged for their hard work, responsibility, and commitment to excellence.

Thank you to our families who participated in our recent survey regarding potential changes to school start and dismissal times. Your feedback is important to us and helps guide our decisions. After carefully reviewing the responses, Jack L. Kuban Elementary School and William R. Sullivan School will continue with the same school schedule for the next school year, as the majority of families indicated a preference for maintaining our current times. We appreciate your input and continued support as we work together to provide consistency for our students and families.

For your reference, school hours for the 2026-2027 school year will remain as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Start: 7:30 AM

K–4 Dismissal: 2:15 PM

5–8 Dismissal: 2:45 PM

Wednesday (Early Dismissal)

Start: 7:30 AM

K–4 Dismissal: 12:15 PM

5–8 Dismissal: 12:45 PM

As a friendly reminder, there will be no school on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, in observance of Spring Recess. We hope this extended weekend provides an opportunity for rest and time with family.

Thank you for your continued support of Murphy ESD. Let’s carry this positive momentum forward and make it a great April!

Warm regards,
Mr. Dettmar
Superintendent

Who says learning only happens in the classroom? Our Murphy baseball and softball student-athletes recently stepped up to the plate for an experience they won’t soon forget!

Alongside their coaches and our School Resource Officer, Officer Martinez, students spent the day at a spring training game, soaking in the excitement and atmosphere of live baseball. From the crack of the bat to the buzz of the crowd, it was an incredible opportunity to see the game they love played at the next level.

More than just a fun outing, the day was filled with moments of connection, teamwork, and inspiration.

It was truly a grand slam kind of day for our Murphy student athletes!

Students at William R. Sullivan School have been getting hands-on and creative with an exciting paper mâché project—crafting their very own tortoises! From shaping and layering to painting and adding unique details, students brought their creations to life while building patience, focus, and artistic skills.

Projects like these show how creativity and learning go hand in hand, giving students the opportunity to express themselves while exploring new techniques. Way to go, Sullivan artists!

Jack L. Kuban Elementary is turning 40, and we’re ready to celebrate! Join us at our 40th Anniversart Spring Festival on April 29th from 4:00–7:00 PM as we honor four decades of learning, growth, and community.

As part of the celebration, we asked our staff to share one word that describes our school—and the responses truly capture the heart of Kuban. Be sure to check out the video below to see what makes our school so special through the eyes of those who know it best. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with our community!

William R. Sullivan students have been hard at work strengthening their writing skills through story sequencing activities. By organizing events in a clear and logical order, students are enhancing their ability to tell complete, engaging stories.

This important ELA skill helps build strong readers and writers, and it’s been wonderful to see students’ creativity and confidence grow with each piece they complete. Keep up the great work, Sullivan writers!

We recently stopped by our 7th grade classrooms and were excited to see desks filled with Cougar Bucks! These rewards are part of our school-wide program that celebrates and reinforces positive behavior across campus.

It’s clear our middle school students are showing up, making great choices, and supporting one another each day. We are proud of the responsibility, respect, and positivity they continue to demonstrate.

Keep up the great work, Cougars—your efforts do not go unnoticed!

As we head into an exciting week at Kuban, we are looking forward to several events that celebrate both student effort and school spirit!

This Thursday, April 2, we will be hosting our Field Day—always a favorite for students and staff alike. It’s a great opportunity for our students to enjoy time outdoors, build connections, and have some well-deserved fun together.

We are also proud to celebrate our 7th and 8th grade students with a pizza party in recognition of their positive behavior. Their commitment to making good choices and contributing to a positive school environment is something worth celebrating!

Looking ahead to next week, our 3rd–8th grade students will be taking their math and reading assessments on Friday, April 10. Please help set your child up for success by ensuring they arrive at school on time and ready to do their best.

Thank you for your continued support—we’re looking forward to a great week ahead at Kuban!

Last week, we officially kicked off AASA testing at Sullivan with our 5th and 8th grade students completing their science assessments. We are proud of the focus and effort our students have already demonstrated as they begin this important testing period.

As we continue with upcoming assessments, we ask for your support in helping students do their very best. A good night’s rest before testing days makes a big difference in helping students stay focused and confident.

We are also proud, as a district, to provide free breakfast, lunch, and supper to all students. Please encourage your child to take advantage of these meals so they are fueled, focused, and ready to succeed.

Thank you to our Sullivan families for your continued partnership and support. By working together, we can ensure our students are prepared, confident, and ready to shine during testing!

Murphy Elementary School District is looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of students.

Our team is made up of educators and staff who believe in creating supportive learning environments, building strong relationships with students and families, and helping every child succeed. If you’re looking for a place where your work truly matters, Murphy may be the perfect fit.

We invite you to explore our current openings and consider becoming part of a community dedicated to growing strong minds for a bright future.