Student Programs & Enrichment

Author Visits

In coordination with the Murray librarian, different authors are chosen to make presentations to each grade engaging the students and sharing insights into their writing process. This is a unique opportunity for students to meet an author and enrich their learning about reading and writing. In addition, book sales are often arranged so that students may buy a signed copy of an author’s book.

Building Bridges

Officially titled, "Building Bridges: Understanding People Living with Different Disabilities.” The goals of Building Bridges are to increase students’ awareness and understanding of people living with different disabilities; to provide experiences that develop respect, empathy, and compassion; and to reinforce the belief that all people, whether their differences are visible or invisible, are more alike than different on the inside.

Community Outreach

The Community Outreach Committee works to educate Murray Avenue students about the need for, and value of, community service. Through school-wide and grade-specific projects, the students learn how easy, rewarding, and fun it can be to incorporate service ideas into their lives.

Every year, committee members work with teacher representatives to determine the focus of the grade-specific projects. Committee members strive to provide the teachers with the resources they need to offer students an enriching, age-appropriate experience. Examples include providing topical books to be read in the classrooms, and arranging for speakers from the benefiting charities to come to Murray to talk to the students about how their donations will be used, and how their efforts have made a difference in the lives of others.

The committee members liaison with local organizations to help provide a bridge from which Murray Avenue students can feel connected to the larger community.

Cultural Arts

Cultural Arts arranges artistic programs and workshops for each grade that further the cultural experience of students. Programs are selected in consultation with the teachers and the administration. A wide variety of artists have been brought in by this committee in the past—Native American storytellers, drama instructors, master puppeteers, Latin American musicians and much more.

Movie Night

Welcoming students and families back to school, the outdoor movie night is an opportunity to gather families together and kick-off the school year in a fun way.

5th Grade

Celebrating the students final year at Murray, the PTA 5th Grade committee organizes events and activities throughout the year, culminating in a graduation celebration.

Green Tigers

Green Tigers develop, promote and organize environmental awareness efforts, recycling, composting and educational programs for the Murray community. They plan events to raise awareness and take action on Earth Day and in our everyday lives.

Library Book Project

Working closely with the school librarian, the PTA provides funds for the purchase of new and additional books for the Murray library.

Murray Meadow and Garden

The Murray Meadow and Garden is a place for students to learn and grow by planting and harvesting edible plants and flowers. Student activities are woven into the curriculum in a collaborative effort with teachers and all grades participate. It is also a place for children to write, draw or sit quietly and observe. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for plantings, harvesting, and general maintenance; time commitment will vary seasonally.

Murray Musical

The Murray Musical showcases singing and dancing talents of our students in Grade 3-5. Almost 3 weeks of daily rehearsals culminate in fun and exciting shows. The Musical choice changes every year with a variety of parts for the different grades. With ~150 students participating every year, the Musical has 2 different casts. Everyone gets a part and everyone gets to perform on stage. Click here for more information

PTA Grants

Every year Murray Avenue parents generously support our three major fundraisers: The Book Fair, Parents' Night Out, and Spring Fair. It is through the success of these fundraisers that we are able to make PTA Grants possible.

In the fall, teachers and staff have the opportunity to apply for a PTA grant. PTA grants provide funding for creative programs or materials to enhance our rich curriculum. Grants may be requested for an individual classroom, a grade level, a special or the entire school. Once the applications are submitted, they are thoroughly reviewed by the the PTA Grants Committee, the Principal and the PTA Executive Board. After careful review, grants are awarded based upon those which will have the greatest positive impact on our students. Click here for how to apply and additional information.

School Pictures

In early fall, professional photographers come to Murray. Individual and class photos are taken during the day. Photos are ordered online and delivered later in the fall. Chairs are responsible for coordinating with the photographer, staffing and running the photo day and distributing photos to students.

Science Fair

The Science Fair encourages children in grades 3-5 to investigate a topic and share results verbally and through a presentation board/project. Parents and children attend this evening event in the Spring, and students in other grades walk through the Science Fair earlier in the day. Click here for additional information.