R.J. Murray middle school, in partnership with the community, seeks to educate, inspire, and empower the leaders of tomorrow, through the art of knowledge and creativity working hand-in-hand.

“One Team, No Limits!”

OUR TEAMEsther Seward – Assistant PrincipalNathaniel Wuellner – DeanCarly Gordon – School CounselorVanessa Mayor – School CounselorStephanie Mierzwinski – Math CoachLaura Hinds – Instructional Literacy CoachLindsey Cooper – Computer Operator

Justin Matthews – Social StudiesInez Patronska – Social StudiesHannah Williams – ELALinda Tassopoulos - ELAAllison Birbal – ScienceAllan Baker – ScienceMatthew Stohler – MathBrenda Manucy - MathJoane Nance – WEB and SJCCA TheaterCatherine Burkhardt – SJCCA Dance

Web – “Where Everyone Belongs”• 8th Graders selected to be mentors for 6thgraders

• WEB Leaders are available to help 6thGraders all year long

• WEB is your support network!

School Counselors

• Your counselors are here for:• Guidance• 504 plans• Tips for a healthy transition

Middle school – you’re ready!

• You just need a few tips and guidelines. • We are here for you! • We have many teachers to help you this year• We have prepared some helpful information, advice, tips, etc.

First Day of School• Upon arrival to school electronic devices need to be put away. • Doors open at 7:10 a.m.• Please report to first period if not eating – WEB Leaders will be in hallway to

guide you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it!• Report directly for breakfast in cafeteria if eating• Class starts at 7:30 AM!

Schedule

This schedule is made to maximize student

achievement!

End of Day: Dismissal Procedures• Students are dismissed in the following order:

walkers, bus riders, and car riders.• Lists will be posted on the door to ensure

students are dismissed at the appropriate time. • Students are to report to their dismissal area.• Students that are bus riders need to report to

their bus immediately.

• Bus riders report to the bus loop. Know your bus number!

• Car riders report to the front of school for car pick up.

• Walkers should leave campus through the front of the school.

• Students cannot re-enter the building unless emergency.

Middle School Curriculum• 4 academic courses and 3 elective courses• Organization, practice, repetition and patience are key.• Please read the “Top 10 Tips for Making a Successful

Transition to Middle School” with your child.• COMMUNICATION is so important! For conferences Contact

either Ms. Williams, or Mr. Matthews via e-mail

Organization• Write EVERYTHING in your planner daily.• Keep everything organized!• Teachers will assist students with developing a

organization system.• Plan out what you need to accomplish.• Keep Binder organized• Bulldog Folder

*Every 6th grader will be given a folder*

My backpack weighs 500lbs!....

• Many teachers allow students to keep textbooks and/or journals in their rooms.

• Clean out backpacks every week, if not every night.

• Use your locker first period.

Homework• Students will have something productive they can

accomplish every afternoon.• Homework is practice!• Studying is homework too!• Reading Log (keep in binder under ELA)-students should

read for at least 20 mins every day for reading fluency and stamina purposes! Choose books you love!

Assessments• Approximately 3-4 Summatives a quarter for each class• Approximately 6 Formatives a quarter for each class • All classes have a midterm exam and a final exam at the end of the year• Math and ELA take the state FSA§ FSA Writes = Early April§ FSA Reading & Math= Early May• Summative Assessments = 70%• Formative Assessments = 30%

Retake Policy

• Students will be allowed to retake any assessments with a score less than 70%.

• Work with your teacher on scheduling retakes.• We will not let you fail! Students may lose privileges including lunch with

friends if they have too many missing assignments and tests.

Positive Rewards

• Teacher incentive Programs• S.W.A.G. tickets & drawings • Special Events: We will keep you

posted! For example: dances, dessert wars, pep rally, field trips, plays & much more!

R.J. Murray Website Tour

• Mr. Matthews will now take us to the HAC, Schoology & teacher website pages, supply list.

• Computer Operator: Lindsey Cooper • Attendance Notes• Parent HAC Log-in

• Bookmark it! http://www-mms.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

Contacting Us

• Email is preferred – all emails on MMS website• Planners-use everyday, notes, agenda

SJCCA

Electronics UseTeacher will:• Follow the Murray policy regarding use of electronics on school campus.• Give warning for first violation of electronic use and then confiscate electronic

device for further violations.

Student will:• Store all electronic devices and accessories, including earbuds, out of sight during

school hours.• Be aware of the Murray policy for electronic use and that violations will result in

confiscation of device.

Parent Involvement

• PTO – Open to all parents. Please contact Mr. Brown if interested

• SAC – Open to the community. Please contact Mr. Matthews and Mr. Brown

• SJCCA Boosters – Bonnie Dyches