Good morning Murch Families:
As we close out this school year, I wholeheartedly believe most of us, in some way, shape, or form are happy to have gotten here. I think I could use every cliché possible in describing this past year but the message I would want to have everyone walk away with is that we did our best with what we knew, what we had, and who we are. We will learn from our failures and celebrate our successes. We intend on coming back next school year to a stronger community, a more knowledgeable teaching staff, and a clear focus on our goals.
This past year+ was historical in many ways, and although all of us faced numerous challenges, probably more than could be handled at times, there are many things to celebrate as a community. We came together and made the most out of an unprecedented situation. I congratulate all the families of Murch, for wearing multiple hats and keeping things afloat at home while trying to maintain your personal and professional lives. I acknowledge that this was never an easy thing to do.
The Murch staff rose to the occasion, and we saw a rise in student achievement scores, with us making noticeable gains on closing the achievement gap. I am honored to lead such an incredible group of professionals. The credit for what we accomplished goes to the teachers. They created, innovated, persevered, and were resilient. I also want to acknowledge that teaching in this environment is a massive challenge and required great focus and stamina. Thank you, teachers, for creating possibility and opportunity for our students.
Early next school year, I will be hosting an evening event to discuss academic successes, how areas for improvement ae being addressed, and to share information about all the assessments we use and why we are required to do so. Most importantly, we would like to share how we intend to provide support for you to work with your child at home if that is something you can view as beneficial. This will be a simulcasted event so you could either attend this event in person or watch it from the comfort of your home.
We have already begun planning for next year, and unlike last year, we know what to expect. We will be opening Murch’s doors for students starting on Friday, August 27th, with a Murch tradition, our sneak-peek. We will be prepared to open strong, focus our efforts on reestablishing relationships, tending to the social aspect of learning, and working on providing a quality instructional program.
On a side note, our welcome center staff will begin to work virtually from home as well as taking much deserved leave, starting on July 8th until the first week of August. They will still be able to register your child, answer questions, and address concerns you may have. Both my assistant principal and I will be on leave starting July 1st until July 20th. I will not be posting any information on my blog (murchschool.org) until August 2nd. All important information for the upcoming school year will be posted on this site electronically throughout August, prior to our sneak-peek, which is on Friday, August 27th.
Finally, I would like to wish our three retirees, Ms. Roxanne Bentley, Dr. Christopher Lyon, and Ms. Wendy Cresswell all the best in their new adventure, post retirement. They were leaders in their field and respected by parents, colleagues, and students alike. They influenced the lives of many and always put the students first. I will miss all of them and hope they find their way back to Murch to volunteer or even try their hand as a substitute teacher.
Thank you all for being part of this great adventure this past year. As best as possible, enjoy your summer and we look forward to starting a new school year with the first day of student attendance on August 30th.
Thank you everyone!!
Principal Cebrzynski