PTA Programs
Murdock PTA supports programs, activities, and services throughout the school year to enhance student learning and support parent involvement. This is a list of current PTA programs run by volunteers and funded through PTA fundraisers, sponsorships, and donations.
The Program Chairs' contact information appears on the school's "Who to Contact" web page. |
Supporting the Arts, Reading, Literacy, and Cultural Arts:
ACCELERATED READER: This web-based program supports reading comprehension skills. Students take a computerized test after each book is completed. The list of more than 120,000 quizzes includes both fiction and non-fiction books.
ARTS & CRAFTS DOCENT: Art History comes alive with monthly lessons that include both educational and hands-on art projects. Students learn about artists and examples of art that have contributed to our culture.
CELEBRATE WITH BOOKS: Celebrate your child’s birthday or other special occasion by giving a hardcover book in his/her name to our school library. The librarian has a list of books needed by the library, or you can make your own selection. Either way, you will be helping our library and honoring your child at the same time.
BOOK SWAP: Students recycle books and develop a greater love of reading by exchanging their used books with one another at the annual Book Swap.
CULTURAL ARTS ASSEMBLIES: The PTA sponsors student assemblies, which include music, dance, storytelling, Shakespeare, history, and science, offering yet another avenue to expand our children’s educational horizons.
FIELD TRIP TRANSPORTATION: The PTA provides funding for bus transportation for Murdock’s educational field trips. It is important that all of our students have the opportunity to experience learning outside of the classroom.
READING INCENTIVES: All students get into the habit of reading daily/nightly. To offer encouragement and to recognize students who reach grade-level reading goals, the PTA coordinates Lunch on the Lawn twice a year, and holds an end-of-year Winner's Circle breakfast for those who achieve their reading goals for the year. Dog tags are presented to students when they accumulate points from the Accelerated Reader program.
REFLECTIONS: This national PTA program encourages all students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by an annual theme. Students work independently on their entries. The deadline is typically in late October or early November.
TALENT SHARING: Students are able to showcase their personal talents at a school assembly. A PTA volunteer runs the auditions and coordinates the talent sharing schedule.
ACCELERATED READER: This web-based program supports reading comprehension skills. Students take a computerized test after each book is completed. The list of more than 120,000 quizzes includes both fiction and non-fiction books.
ARTS & CRAFTS DOCENT: Art History comes alive with monthly lessons that include both educational and hands-on art projects. Students learn about artists and examples of art that have contributed to our culture.
CELEBRATE WITH BOOKS: Celebrate your child’s birthday or other special occasion by giving a hardcover book in his/her name to our school library. The librarian has a list of books needed by the library, or you can make your own selection. Either way, you will be helping our library and honoring your child at the same time.
BOOK SWAP: Students recycle books and develop a greater love of reading by exchanging their used books with one another at the annual Book Swap.
CULTURAL ARTS ASSEMBLIES: The PTA sponsors student assemblies, which include music, dance, storytelling, Shakespeare, history, and science, offering yet another avenue to expand our children’s educational horizons.
FIELD TRIP TRANSPORTATION: The PTA provides funding for bus transportation for Murdock’s educational field trips. It is important that all of our students have the opportunity to experience learning outside of the classroom.
READING INCENTIVES: All students get into the habit of reading daily/nightly. To offer encouragement and to recognize students who reach grade-level reading goals, the PTA coordinates Lunch on the Lawn twice a year, and holds an end-of-year Winner's Circle breakfast for those who achieve their reading goals for the year. Dog tags are presented to students when they accumulate points from the Accelerated Reader program.
REFLECTIONS: This national PTA program encourages all students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by an annual theme. Students work independently on their entries. The deadline is typically in late October or early November.
TALENT SHARING: Students are able to showcase their personal talents at a school assembly. A PTA volunteer runs the auditions and coordinates the talent sharing schedule.
Supporting Physical Education and Health Promotion:
Promoting a healthy, safe lifestyle in order to have a positive impact on student learning is a PTA goal.
P.E. DOCENT: Helping Murdock staff reach the state mandated 200 minutes of PE instruction every 10 school days, this PTA program utilizes parent volunteers to engage students in a variety of fun physical fitness and educational activities.
PLAYGROUND AND FITNESS: The PTA works with the school and district to develop and maintain a safe and pleasant outdoor environment for the students. PTA purchases have included a basketball hoop, painting of murals, shade structures, ball carts, playground equipment, and climbing wall.
RED RIBBON WEEK: Observed in October, this national PTA program encourages students to pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and to make smart and healthy choices. In 2010, we will incorporate Red Ribbon "Make Healthy Choices" messages on November 12th in conjunction with the Jog-A-Thon "Plus" Exercise 4 Education event.
RUN-4-FUN: Since 1998, the PTA has sponsored a daily running program on the lower field track before the start of each school day. Students receive incentives based on the number of laps completed. Parents and siblings are welcome, too! Runner's Reports are posted approximately every three weeks on the Run 4 Fun bulletin board located next to Mrs. Munoz's second grade classroom door and also online.
In addition to these programs, the PTA has provided CPR training, classroom emergency kits, and parent education programs to promote health and wellness.
Promoting a healthy, safe lifestyle in order to have a positive impact on student learning is a PTA goal.
P.E. DOCENT: Helping Murdock staff reach the state mandated 200 minutes of PE instruction every 10 school days, this PTA program utilizes parent volunteers to engage students in a variety of fun physical fitness and educational activities.
PLAYGROUND AND FITNESS: The PTA works with the school and district to develop and maintain a safe and pleasant outdoor environment for the students. PTA purchases have included a basketball hoop, painting of murals, shade structures, ball carts, playground equipment, and climbing wall.
RED RIBBON WEEK: Observed in October, this national PTA program encourages students to pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and to make smart and healthy choices. In 2010, we will incorporate Red Ribbon "Make Healthy Choices" messages on November 12th in conjunction with the Jog-A-Thon "Plus" Exercise 4 Education event.
RUN-4-FUN: Since 1998, the PTA has sponsored a daily running program on the lower field track before the start of each school day. Students receive incentives based on the number of laps completed. Parents and siblings are welcome, too! Runner's Reports are posted approximately every three weeks on the Run 4 Fun bulletin board located next to Mrs. Munoz's second grade classroom door and also online.
In addition to these programs, the PTA has provided CPR training, classroom emergency kits, and parent education programs to promote health and wellness.
Supporting Math, Science, Technology, & Social Sciences:
SCIENCE FIELD DAY: In 2006-07, Murdock sent its first teams to participate in this challenging district-wide event. The teams of students from 4th and 5th grades spend the spring months preparing under the guidance of parent coaches.
FAMILY NIGHTS: Murdock PTA has traditionally offered a science and math themed Family Night to encourage families to explore and learn math and science together.
SCIENCE FIELD DAY: In 2006-07, Murdock sent its first teams to participate in this challenging district-wide event. The teams of students from 4th and 5th grades spend the spring months preparing under the guidance of parent coaches.
FAMILY NIGHTS: Murdock PTA has traditionally offered a science and math themed Family Night to encourage families to explore and learn math and science together.
Supporting Communication, Outreach, School Spirit, and Staff Recognition:
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS: PTA volunteers ensure updated and easy-to-access information is available via the school and PTA websites. PTA encourages families to sign up for Murdock E-Folders (electronic notification) to conserve paper instead of receiving paper copies of weekly school, PTA, and community fliers.
SIXTH GRADE ACTIVITIES: A parent committee works with the fifth grade teachers and parents to plan activities for the fifth graders to celebrate the end of the school year and their promotion to sixth grade.
HONORARY SERVICE AWARD: The PTA Honorary Service Award is conferred upon an individual or organization in special recognition of outstanding service to children.
LEGISLATION: A PTA representative attends area meetings and reports on proposed legislation and state funding which impacts our school, community, and children.
MURDOCK FRIENDS: Coordinated by the PTA, Murdock parents write personal welcome letters to new Murdock families.
MUSTANG WORKSHOP: The PTA supports classroom learning by recruiting volunteers who prepare items for classroom projects including tracing, cutting, pasting, collating, and stapling. The Workshop is a vital asset to Murdock and accommodates a variety of parent schedules.
NEWSLETTER "MUSTANG NEWS": The PTA publishes a monthly newsletter which provides a vital communication link between the school and parents.
PARENT EDUCATION: Throughout the year, the PTA plans educational programs for parents and students which support the PTA goal of promoting a strong parent-student-school relationship.
SCHOOL SPIRIT SHIRTS: Show your pride in being a Murdock Mustang by wearing a custom-designed school shirt. The t-shirt sale is coordinated by PTA volunteers.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS' DAY: Each spring, the PTA helps recognize Murdock's outstanding staff for meeting the educational needs of our children.
STUDENT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY: The Murdock Student Phone Directory is a valuable communication resource for parents and students to keep in touch throughout the year. Parents can set up carpools and play dates; students can call their peers for homework questions or to invite them to a birthday party. The design and formatting of the directory is done by a volunteer.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS: PTA volunteers ensure updated and easy-to-access information is available via the school and PTA websites. PTA encourages families to sign up for Murdock E-Folders (electronic notification) to conserve paper instead of receiving paper copies of weekly school, PTA, and community fliers.
SIXTH GRADE ACTIVITIES: A parent committee works with the fifth grade teachers and parents to plan activities for the fifth graders to celebrate the end of the school year and their promotion to sixth grade.
HONORARY SERVICE AWARD: The PTA Honorary Service Award is conferred upon an individual or organization in special recognition of outstanding service to children.
LEGISLATION: A PTA representative attends area meetings and reports on proposed legislation and state funding which impacts our school, community, and children.
MURDOCK FRIENDS: Coordinated by the PTA, Murdock parents write personal welcome letters to new Murdock families.
MUSTANG WORKSHOP: The PTA supports classroom learning by recruiting volunteers who prepare items for classroom projects including tracing, cutting, pasting, collating, and stapling. The Workshop is a vital asset to Murdock and accommodates a variety of parent schedules.
NEWSLETTER "MUSTANG NEWS": The PTA publishes a monthly newsletter which provides a vital communication link between the school and parents.
PARENT EDUCATION: Throughout the year, the PTA plans educational programs for parents and students which support the PTA goal of promoting a strong parent-student-school relationship.
SCHOOL SPIRIT SHIRTS: Show your pride in being a Murdock Mustang by wearing a custom-designed school shirt. The t-shirt sale is coordinated by PTA volunteers.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS' DAY: Each spring, the PTA helps recognize Murdock's outstanding staff for meeting the educational needs of our children.
STUDENT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY: The Murdock Student Phone Directory is a valuable communication resource for parents and students to keep in touch throughout the year. Parents can set up carpools and play dates; students can call their peers for homework questions or to invite them to a birthday party. The design and formatting of the directory is done by a volunteer.