Ninth grade students recently participated in a Multi-Faith Forum, an enriching event designed to deepen their understanding of world religions. Held on March 11 at Murphy Junior High School and March 18 at Gelinas Junior High School, the forum complemented the ninth grade Global History curriculum, which explores major belief systems such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

Dr. Christina Cone, director of social studies, emphasized the forum’s value in connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, fostering intellectual curiosity and historical insight. The event supported the New York State Social Studies Framework by highlighting the impact of religions on societies and cultures.

Through discussions with faith representatives, students gained firsthand insights into religious traditions, strengthening their comparative study skills and broadening their perspectives on global history.

Date Added: 3/19/2025

Eighth grade students at Murphy and Gelinas junior high schools recently experienced a powerful theatrical performance that brought history to life. On March 4, Theatre Three presented “From the Fires: Voices of the Holocaust” in each school’s auditorium, offering a moving and educational portrayal of the Holocaust.

The play follows the story of Rachel Gold, a Jewish teenager in Berlin, as she faces the increasing restrictions of Nazi rule. Her journey unfolds from the enactment of the Nuremberg Laws in 1937 to her deportation to Auschwitz and the harrowing forced march near the end of World War II. Through a deeply personal lens, the performance aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the Holocaust and complement their social studies and English curriculum.

Following the performance, students participated in a question-and-answer session with the playwright and actors, engaging in thoughtful discussions and reflecting on the historical significance of the Holocaust.

Date Added: 3/5/2025

The Murphy Junior High School Science Olympiad team achieved an outstanding victory at the regional competition, securing first place out of 33 competing teams. The team demonstrated exceptional knowledge, teamwork and dedication throughout the event.

Thirty students participated in the competition, earning top five finishes in all 20 science and engineering events. Their efforts resulted in an impressive seven first-place medals.

Gold Medal Winners:

* Disease Detectives – Amber Yu and Michelle Lu.
* Metric Mastery- Kiaan Biswas and Lawrence Sun
* Microbe Mission – Lawrence Sun and Elizabeth Meien.
* Optics – Jason Jiseok Oh and Lewis Wu.
* Potions and Poisons – Alexis Shan-jui Chan and Lewis Wu.
* Scrambler – Michelle Lam and Will Senf.
* Write It Do It – Sarah Xu and Erum Humayon.

Silver Medal Winners:

* Code Busters – Nisarg Bhatt, Julietta McKee and Sarah Xu.
* Crime Busters – Alexis Shan-jui Chan and Bobby Zhang.
* Ecology – Michelle Lu and Frank Zeyu Wang.
* Metric Masters – Lawrence Sun and Kiaan Biswas.
* Potions and Poisons – Alexis Shan-jui Chan and Lewis Wu.

Bronze Medal Winners:

* Air Trajectory - Srisharan Shankaranarayanan and Brandon Song.
* Anatomy – Manohar Karanth and Elizabeth Meien.
* Code – Alan Fagan, Jason Jiseok Oh and Frank Zeyu Wang.
* Entomology – Frank Zeyu Wang and Renata Trujillo.
* Optics – Pranav Mukhi and Srisharan Shankaranarayanan.
* Reach for the Stars – Srihari Kumariduraivan and Kiaan Biswas.
* Road Scholar – Angelic Lhopitault and Julietta McKee.
* Scrambler – Srihari Kumariduraivan and Renata Trujillo.

With regionals successfully completed, the team is now preparing for the state championships in Syracuse, New York, on April 5. Their dedication and hard work are expected to lead to another strong performance at the next level of competition.

Special recognition is given to the dedicated coaches – Derek Angermaier, Emily Chernakoff, Christine DiFede and Adriana Suesser – for their guidance and support.

Congratulations to all the students on their remarkable achievements, and best wishes for continued success at states.

Date Added: 3/5/2025