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The Murch
Mustang Express
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Hello!
At Back-to-School Night last week, I talked about continuous improvement and the need for Murch Elementary to engage in routine efforts to make our organization better. I am serious about that effort, and ask for your participation. We invested a lot of time and resources in BTSN to inform you about the school and your child's classroom program, as well as to give you a taste of our school environment.
Now comes your chance to see if we met our goals and, more importantly, met your needs. Please take just a little time to complete this survey. The feedback will be invaluable to us as we review our practices. Even if you didn't attend BTSN, I ask that you click on the survey and let us know what prevented you from attending.
Does your opinion matter? Very much! I am eager to hear the voices of our parent stakeholders. While the truth is that every parent will never be totally satisfied with everything we do here, that truth does not excuse us from trying to improve our services to students and their parents every day. If we are doing something right, please tell us so that we can continue that practice; if we are doing something harmful, please tell us that, too. As Jim Collins says in his book, Good to Great, "A primary task in taking a company from good to great is to create a culture wherein people have a tremendous opportunity to be heard and, ultimately, for the truth to be heard."
At Murch, we want to be GREAT.
The main office at Murch will be closed on Friday, September 18, until 2 p.m., so that staff members can attend the IMPACT training for District schools. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
--Dawn Ellis, Principal
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| Playground |
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 It's Official:
The Mayor Cuts
the Ribbon
Mayor Adrian Fenty was hailed like a sports hero as he arrived for the official "grand opening" of the new and improved Murch playground on Tuesday after school.
He recounted how at the June groundbreaking for the refurbishment of the soccer field and basketball courts, he had told the HSA "to keep its money" and spend the $90,000 it had raised on "more academic-oriented activities." It was also at that event that he realized the sorry shape of the rest of the playground and made an on-the-spot commitment to expand the scope of the project to landscape all of the school's outdoor play space and replace old, unsafe equipment. The ambitious $1.1 million reconstruction was completed over the summer to the delight of the entire school.
"Recess is such an enjoyable event now," said assistant principal Norah Rabiah as she waited for the ceremony to begin. "Everyone has something they want to do, a place they want to be. One results has been much fewer behavioral problems and improved concentration by the kids."
After short speeches by Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization Executive Director Allen Y. Lew and Ward 3 City Councilperson Mary Cheh, Murch Principal Dawn Ellis thanked them all, saying the "truly world class... and incredibly fun" playground was being enjoyed "every day from dawn to dusk by the entire community." Ellis then presented the mayor with a basketball and soccer ball signed by students.
A crowd of children, parents, teachers, and administrators cheered wildly as Fenty brandished a giant pair of red scissors to snip the ceremonial ribbon before television cameras. Then he bounded over to the new basketball court and played a little one-on-one with the students and kicked the soccer ball onto the expanded artificial turf field. After a few more baskets, it was time to go. "You keep playing," he told the screaming hoopsters flapping around him. "I've got to get back to running this city." --Laura Kaiser
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| Interview |
Getting to Know Our
New Assistant Principal
When 3rd-grade teacher Norah Rabiah was named assistant principal this summer, there was a virtual round of applause throughout the Murch community. Brainy, insightful, athletic, and enthusiastic -- with an infectious smile that can be spotted across the playground -- Rabiah had distinguished herself in the classroom and brought dynamism to her role as interim dean of students last year. The avid gardener ("I just read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and I am very inspired.") and Michigan football fan ("Go, blue!") is also an animal lover, who recently took an injured baby squirrel home from the playground and took care of it for a night. So, of course, our first question:
How's the squirrel?
I brought it to Animal Rescue and they will release him back to the wild when he grows up.
Did you always have animals growing up?
I have always loved birds! I used to have eight birds that flew freely. My father built perches for them around the house and they used to swoop down and land on our heads. I realized that I hated cleaning up after them though. I taught them how to sing certain tunes and dance but I never had luck with teaching them to talk.
Where are you from?
I was born and grew up in Ann Arbor, a diverse college town in southeast Michigan and home to the University of Michigan. My father, an immigrant from Baghdad, Iraq, arrived in Michigan as an 18-year-old college student and met my mother, a native Michigander. I grew up in a household infused with Arab and American culture and Islamic and Christian traditions. My older sister and I grew up celebrating Ramadan and Christmas as well as spending our summers visiting family in the Middle East. It was a wonderful experience! My mother was a Montessori teacher and I grew up working in her classroom. I found myself using a lot of the techniques I learned in her classroom when I was a teacher.
What other interests did you have?
Sports were always a big part of my life. My father was an All-American recipient and captain of his college soccer team so he got me involved with soccer at a young age. I also played basketball for my middle and high school teams. I played point guard because I was always the shortest player on the team and I could dribble the ball fairly well.
And now you're assistant principal --
And becoming the AP at Murch has been the greatest experience! I join a different class for morning meeting each day and spend recess outdoors with the students making sure that all is going smoothly. My duties range from making sure there are substitutes for absent teachers to arranging the DCBAS testing. I handle such a variety of different tasks each day which keeps work interesting and lively.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Not having 25 students that I can call my own. On one hand, it's great because now I have almost 500 students to interact with daily. On the other hand, there is something special about being a classroom teacher and building strong relationships with the students you teach. As a teacher, you begin to know everything about these kids - what they had for dinner last night, their reading levels, family stories, etc. You create a special bond and I always valued that relationship.
What is the most memorable classroom moment?
During my first year here I was busy teaching and noticed something move under Megan Bell's desk. When I went to look more closely, I realized it was a gigantic black, hairy spider. It looked like a mini-tarantula - seriously! I coaxed Megan into sliding out of her chair and moving across the classroom out of harm's way. I grabbed the biggest textbook I could find and flung it across the room. It landed squarely on top of the spider and the class broke into a round of applause. I found out later that the spider was actually poisonous. While I was thankful all of my students were safe, we had one textbook with a big brown stain on it for the rest of the year reminding us of that frightful moment.
I don't suppose they covered that at the University of Maryland, where you earned a B.S. in Environmental Policy and Behavior...
My bachelor's degree focused on the legal and social aspects of protecting our environment which also required a strong foundation in the sciences. I took courses ranging from urban planning to environmental justice to microbiology. It was a very interdisciplinary approach to studying the environment which, I think, is very appropriate and necessary. I took a few courses in environmental education during my junior year in college and realized that teaching was my true calling. After working in the field, I decided to return to the University of Michigan and work towards my master's in elementary education. While I still love the outdoors and nature, I love getting kids excited about it even more.
What would you like to see for Murch's science program?
To link up with local community organizations to enhance the work we are doing in our classrooms. During my first year at Murch, the third grade was part of a year-long environmental study of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed funded by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Discovery Creek. Unfortunately, this program was dropped when our science content standards were changed. From a logistical perspective, science is probably the hardest subject to teach because of the materials and set-up required. It's a blessing when you have people like the Discovery Creek staff set it all up for you!
What are the plans for the Murch Green Club this year?
After working tirelessly last year to set up a school-wide recycling program, we plan to extend our efforts to conserving energy around the building. Ms. Bell, our new librarian, has already taken the lead on this and ordered little machines that can calculate how much energy we use around the building. We will continue our efforts with keeping the garden beds tidy as well.
What other clubs or activities would you like to see?
The parents and staff have created fantastic afterschool programs for our students. I continue to be amazed at how many people donate their time to organize and run programs like the language and sports programs. It takes dedication! I would love to have a backgammon club. I used to play with my grandfather in Iraq and the old men would laugh to see a young girl playing such a reserved game. Backgammon teaches patience, planning and persistence. You can be behind all game but then win with one play in the end if you are patient. That's a great lesson to teach to our kids.
Finish this sentence: "If I weren't a teacher, I'd be ..."
...a food critic. I love going out to eat and I often read online menus during my free time. When Tony and I go out to eat we make sure we order different dishes so we can compare and try each other's food. I get especially excited about roadside diners. I once drove through Quebec and found roadside hot dog stands in the middle of farms and they were outstanding! I still talk about them to this day...
What do you do when you're not at Murch?
I adore old houses! I go crazy over things like bead board, crown molding and transoms. My husband, Tony Goodman, and I have bought three old, vacant houses in the past five years and flipped them. Originally, I did not like construction but I found that the feeling of looking at a project when you have finished it is the most rewarding experience. It's amazing how you can transform a derelict, pigeon-infested home into a beauty with tons of trim and paint. As usual, I am currently living in a construction zone...
--Laura Kaiser
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| Support Murch |
SOS Campaign Update
Thank you to the 91 families who have contributed more than $46,500 to the SOS Campaign. Our goal is to raise $141,800 for classroom and educational support for our children, and we are almost one third of the way there! Please remember to return your SOS reply form and contribution --and then your name will be entered in a drawing to win an iPod Touch! If you have mislaid your package, you can pick one up on the HSA table (located outside of the media center), download one from the Murch Web site or contact Julie York.
--Julie York
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| Job Opportunity |
Wanted: P-T Recess Aides
Working as a Recess/Lunch Aide at Murch is a great way to stay engaged, interact with Murch students, and get paid at the same time. Ideal candidates are responsible, self-motivated, energetic, and patient individuals with the ability to monitor and interact with students from the Pre-K to 5th grade. Candidates must also have the ability to: communicate with students, staff and others; supervise playground and recreational activities; problem solve; and physically and actively patrol the playground for extended periods of time. Duties include, but are not limited to, enforcing safety rules, ensuring appropriate student behavior, rolling carts of sports equipment onto the playground, and monitoring student activity. This position requires a Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., commitment for the school year, ending mid June. Early-education experience and first-aid training a plus. Rate of pay: $13 per hour. Please forward resumes to Maria Conway
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| Book Fair |
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Book Fair Kicks Off Sept. 24
The Murch Book Fair will run September 24-28 and, for the first time, will include weekend hours. The highlight of the fair will be a visit and book signing by Judy Moody author Megan McDonald, who will talk to students in grades 2 and up on Friday, September 25, during school. There will also be the traditional Pizza Night on Friday!
As always the Fair will feature a terrific selection of books and related items from Scholastic, and 25 percent of the proceeds go directly to support the goals of the HSA. Wish lists compiled by teachers and librarian Regina Bell will be available so you can easily purchase items to round out the collections in classrooms and the Murch media center.
There are still lots of opportunities for volunteers. "Those of you who have volunteered in the past know how rewarding it is to spend time with the children, help them select books, and help them make their purchases," says Book Fair chair Lori Woehrle. "Talk about Everyday Math!" To help out, contact Lori Woehrle, 380-5815.
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| Culture Corner |
Meet New Murch Librarian Regina Bell
I've always loved libraries and feel very privileged to be able to share that love with Murch students. After getting my Masters in Library Science from the University of Maryland, I worked primarily in research and law firm libraries. But after I had children, I knew I wanted to teach. (My two youngest are now at Deal and Wilson). I volunteered in my children's school library and I was a librarian at a private elementary school. For the past five years I have held a number of teaching positions at Eaton, primarily in grades 3-6. Last year I taught science to all of the 5th and 6th graders. (I also have a BS in marine science). I am thrilled to finally get to merge my interests in libraries and research with teaching.
I still have a lot of foundational work to complete in the library -- maintaining and building the collection, assuring adequate computers for our young users, and organizing materials that will support the teachers. But there is so much more that I would like to do. I plan to continue the wonderful Murch traditions, like celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and encouraging students to read, explore, research and learn on their own. --Regina Bell
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| Success |
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W hat's a SAM School?
Murch Elementary is a Schoolwide Applications Model (SAM) school. As a SAM school, we look at how we can use all of our school staff and resources to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of all Murch students. We use our classroom assessment data, DIBELS data, DC-CAS data, and student behavior data to provide supports and services inside and outside of the classrooms.
As a SAM school, we look to Responsive Classroom as our Positive Behavior Support to create a safe and orderly learning environment. If students start to struggle with grade-level expectations or with school behavior expectations; we will design individual or small group interventions to help students experience success. Sometimes this may mean convening a Student Support Team (SST) to develop specific interventions targeted to meet individual student needs.
Another goal of SAM schools is to take a second look at the assessments for our students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We want to identify areas of strength and progress towards IEP goals so that integration strategies into classes with non-disabled peers can be planned and implemented with parent advice and support.
Being a SAM school means developing an even stronger partnership with parents and families in order to do the very best job we can for our students. Our promise is to keep parents informed of student progress. Our goal is to move all students towards reading and math proficiency - we will use all of our school resources to do this but we need you, the parents, the most.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Angela Stephens, Murch's SAM coach if you have questions about SAM and what it means for your child.
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Presenting
the '09-'10 Student Council
President
Allie Schwalb (5th)
Vice President
Riley Hager (5th)
Treasurer
Emily Colleye (4th)
Secretary
Justin Atwood (4th)
Historian
Tosha Skolnik (5th)
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Sept 21
Class reps finalized
Sept 28
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Events |
Sept 18
Professional Development Day
NO SCHOOL
Sept 21
Peace Pole Ceremony
Sept 21
Directory Update Forms due
Sept 22
SOS packets due
Sept 24-28
Book Fair
Sept 24
3-4:30 pm
Flu Shot Clinic
September 25
Judy Moody author Megan McDonald presents to 2nd-5th graders
International Walk-to-School Day
Oct 24
Fall Fair |
Murch
Directory Forms Due
Sept. 21 
This year's Murch Directory will soon go to press! But first we need everyone's Update Forms no later than Monday, September 21. The free Directory is vital for smooth communication
within the Murch community but the HSA needs your help to ensure the accuracy of all names and contact information. Even
returning families need to verify their info. Details: Phyllis Jordan |
Third-grade writers
sow ideas
In writing, we have been using our writer's notebooks to collect "seed ideas" for our first piece of writing, which is a personal narrative.
Students visited a Kindergarten classroom to write about memories from their younger days. They also collected ideas by sketching, making lists and describing important people and places in their lives.
Students have begun to cultivate a specific seed idea from their list, and have been inspired by the personal narratives of Tomie de Paola and Eric Carle.
Stop by third grade a month from now to browse through what are sure to be exceptional tales of eating insects, a run-in with a rabid fox and reading furtively under the covers late into the night.
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Shop for Murch 
Murch earns up to 50 percent of every order of Sally Foster gift wrap and Classic Cookie dough. Student also earn prizes for Sally Foster sales, including Internet orders --so forward this newsletter to out-of-town family and friends! The Murch group account number is 499225. Each online order will be shipped directly to customers. Online shipping fees are nominal, but orders over $70 receive free shipping. Contact: Chris Mahoney.
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Health 
Seasonal flu shots (not H1N1) will be available from 3 to 4:30 p.m, Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Murch teachers' lounge. Cost: $24; preservative-free, $30. Make checks payable to: Capitol Travel Medicine. Besides filling out and signing a consent form, available through Nurse Wright, parents/guardians must be present or send a note with an adult authorizing Capitol Travel Medicine to administer the vaccine. Contact: Nurse Wright.
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Volunteer
Library
Attention
bibliophiles: The
Murch Media Center
needs helpers
to reshelve books
after school as
well as a
computer guru
to set up Macs and PC laptops.
Contact:
Sally Foster
Help assemble catalog packages, collect order forms, fill orders.
Translators
Spanish, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese translators needed to help Murch families with the Mustang Express. Contact:
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Contributors Wanted
The Murch Mustang
Express is looking for parents--and students!--to be reporters, editors,
& photographers.
Contact Laura Kaiser or Robin Schepper |
An independent Yahoo Group, the Murch Forum enables Murch parents, caregivers, and teachers to share information and discuss school-related issues. To subscribe, please provide: your full name; grade/function (if you're Murch staff); and the names and teachers of your children (if you're a
parent). Contact: Sally Kux, parent volunteer-moderater. | |
| Got News? Comments? Contact us |
Copy deadline: Tuesdays at noon.
This week: Electronic copy only. Editors: Laura Kaiser and Robin Schepper Contributors: Regina Bell; Jennifer Bertsch; Maria Conway; Sabrina Finberg; Orly Friedman; Evy Mages; Chris Mahoney; Angela Stephens; Lori Woerhle; Julie York. Special thanks: Sarah Bogan. | |
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