The Murphy Junior High School student government carried out its annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign on Dec. 17, collecting hundreds of toy donations from students across the district. Murphy students rode in a school bus to Mount, Minnesauke and Arrowhead Elementary Schools, collecting donations the elementary students received during their respective toy drives. They loaded up the bus with toys, puzzles, books and games, which will be brought to the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center in Wyandanch.

Click here to view the Students in the Spirit of Giving with Stuff-A-Bus slideshow.

Date Added: 12/18/2024

Murphy Junior High School social studies teacher Kristin Stelfox recently presented at the National Council for Social Studies Conference in Boston. Her session, “Distant But United: How Different States Felt Similar Stakes on 9/11,” provided a unique perspective on teaching the events and implications of Sept. 11, 2001, more than two decades later.

Collaborating with fellow educators from Utah and Iowa, Stelfox explored how different regional perspectives can shape the teaching of this pivotal historical moment. The workshop offered strategies to overcome challenges such as the generational distance between students and the event, as well as gaps in experience and knowledge for younger teachers.

Today’s students and many teachers lack a lived experience of 9/11, making it more vital than ever to find innovative ways to teach this history, said Stelfox. Our session demonstrated how to connect meaningfully with students while addressing this national tragedy through a shared but diverse lens.

The presentation was well-received by attendees, who appreciated the focus on bridging generational and regional divides to foster a deeper understanding of history and its ongoing impact.

Date Added: 12/4/2024

The world language department at Murphy Junior High School recently served up its annual volleyball tournament. The money raised from the tournament benefited local families in need. More than 120 students participated in this year’s event.

Click here to view the World Language Volleyball Tournament slideshow.

Date Added: 11/14/2024

Seventh grade students at Gelinas and Murphy Junior High Schools attended an important presentation about internet safety on Nov. 8. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation provided education regarding the risks of online communications including the use of social media and gaming platforms. They discussed privacy concerns, especially when students are interacting with strangers and empowered students to protect themselves and each other. Information and resources were provided on how students can report if they are targeted, threatened or victimized online, in order to protect their physical safety and emotional wellbeing.

Last week’s Parent University event focused on the same content. Parents were taught about a variety of ways that children of all ages use social media platforms and gaming applications to connect with others, including peers and strangers. Parents learned how children can be targeted and exploited online, and the red flags that parents should be looking for when kids are engaging online. Practical tips and current intel were provided to help keep kids safe and smart online at any age, including how to teach them to protect themselves when adults cannot be there to intervene.

Date Added: 11/13/2024