Committee Descriptions

ALLERGY AWARENESS

With a goal of making PTA events inclusive and accessible to the entire community, the allergy awareness committee works to provide allergy-friendly options at all applicable PTA events. The committee has also helped bring in speakers to educate all students about allergies and can assist classroom teachers or parents to create an allergy-friendly environment for classroom celebrations.

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. When possible, book sales are arranged so that families may buy a signed copy of the author’s most recent book.

BOOK FAIR

This important week-long fall event fosters a love of books and reading in students, creates an opportunity for parents to enhance classroom libraries, and contributes greatly to the funds the PTA has for other programs. The fair, staffed by parent volunteers, is open for browsing and buying during class visits in-school and for families after school.

BUILDING BRIDGES

This district-wide program increases students' knowledge and acceptance of people with different abilities. The program allows students to understand what it might be like to live with various disabilities through in-class activities and/or curriculum-driven speaker presentations for each grade level. This is a great program to reinforce the idea that all people, including those with different abilities, have the same social needs and feelings.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

This committee coordinates and implements school-wide and grade-specific community service programs, providing children with an invaluable opportunity to help those in need and the community at large.

CULTURAL ARTS

Cultural Arts is the PTA's largest area of enrichment. This committee arranges artistic programs and workshops for each grade that further the cultural experience of students. Programs are selected in consultation with the teachers and leadership team. 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 more.

DAYMON TERRACE DROP-OFF

The Daymon Terrace Drop-Off line is convenient service offered by the PTA. Each morning, PTA volunteers—rain, snow or shine—keep children safe and cut down on the parking crunch by directing cars and assisting children out of vehicles. Most users of the Daymon Terrace drop-off also volunteer at least once a month as they know the value this service adds to the efficiency of the morning routine! Safety is of utmost importance to all of us - volunteers are responsible for directing cars through the process and helping everyone adhere to the established rules and protocol.

DIRECTORY

PTA volunteers maintain this invaluable online resource, which includes class lists and family contact information. The directory is provided free to all families in the fall via the Membership Toolkit app.

FACULTY APPRECIATION

The staff at Murray goes above and beyond to teach and nurture our children. This committee finds creative ways to express our gratitude to our teachers, administrators, aides, specialists and building support staff during the dedicated Staff Appreciation Week and throughout the year!

FIFTH-GRADE ACTIVITIES

To celebrate 5th-graders last year at Murray, the Fifth Grade Committee plans a variety of celebratory events and special memories for the students and families including the annual Square Dance, Oral History Day, class t-shirts, class trip, and graduation events.

GREEN TIGERS

This committee develops, promotes, and organizes 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 everyday.

INCOMING KINDERGARTEN

The Incoming Kindergarten volunteers serve as important resources for parents of rising Kindergarteners. Kindergarten is a huge milestone for children and learning the ins and outs of a new school can be intimidating! Luckily, the PTA helps families through the process. The PTA leads tours of the building for incoming K parents and hosts social events at the beginning of the year to help K families get acquainted with each other. Our volunteers play a crucial role in supporting parents, answering questions, and organizing these events.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

We celebrate Murray’s diverse and global community with this committee. Activities include International Week and social gatherings.

LOST AND FOUND

The PTA maintains a Lost and Found in the lower level at Murray. Students and parents are encouraged to check there frequently for any articles of clothing or other misplaced personal items. Periodically throughout the year, after providing notice in Tiger Talk and on social media, unclaimed clothing is donated to an appropriate charity.

MEMBERSHIP

This committee coordinates the collection of PTA membership dues and required reporting to the NY State PTA. Family membership is $15; teacher membership is $7.50. A portion of these funds is remitted to the New York State PTA for legal resources, advocacy efforts and insurance.

MOVIE NIGHT

This fall comunity event is held near the beginning of the school year on the large playground. It is an opportunity for Murray families to come together to enjoy dinner and snacks and then watch a movie under the stars. A committee of parent volunteers plans and orchestrates arrangements for the movie screen, food vendors, and ticket sales for this fun kickoff event.

MURRAY GARDEN & MEADOW

The Murray Garden & Meadow are places 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. All grades participate. Our meadow 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 MERCH (SPIRIT WEAR)

This committee is responsible for designing, ordering, and tracking sales and deliveries of Murray branded merchandise. In addition to being a key fundraising initiative, this is a great way to build a sense of community and school spirit!

MURRAY MUSICAL

In conjunction with a professional production company, the Committee produces the Murray Musical in January. Students in grades 3-5 are eligible to participate (space is limited). Rehearsals occur daily, after school for approximately two weeks, and culminate in a weekend performance. The production company manages the casting, direction, music and choreography. The parent volunteers handle registration, cast coordination, ticket sales, programs, photography & video and rehearsal chaperones. This committee relies on parent participation to run and the kids love it!

NEW FAMILY LIAISONS

We love welcoming new families to our Murray community! When a family registers their child as a new student, our New Family Liaisons reach out to the family to provide helpful information, answer questions, and partner them with a Buddy Family from Murray as they get settled in their new community.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

The PNO committee organizes social events for parents through the year. Designed to be fun and welcoming, events span the calendar and include tastings, fun theme nights, and neighborhood parties. Not only do these social outings help build community among Murray parents, but it is our largest fundraising initiative and proceeds from PNO fund a bulk of the programs listed above.

PTA GRANTS

This committee assists teachers/staff with Grant Applications for submission to the Murray PTA Grants Committee and/or the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation. The committee reviews and approves Murray PTA Grant applications in the fall, distributing $14,000 to various staff members to fulfill their grant submissions. One of the most rewarding things the PTA does is support the innovation of our wonderful Murray teachers by helping to provide them with the tools they need to enrich their practice.

PTA NOMINATING COMMITTEE

A request for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee is announced in Tiger Talk in December and members are elected at the PTA meeting in January. This committee convenes in late winter/early Spring to select candidates for each PTA Executive Committee position being vacated. Nominations are announced and then voted upon at a spring PTA meeting.

ROOM REPRESENTATIVES & ROOM REP COORDINATOR

The PTA organizes two room reps for each class to act as the information liaisons between parents, the PTA and the classroom teacher. Room reps assist all year long in building community amongst parents in the classroom, sending PTA-related emails, collecting money for and buying teacher and aide gifts and also assisting their teacher with organizing field trips, class parties and special events.

The room rep coordinator solicits volunteers and assigns room representatives from those parents who have formally expressed interest. Throughout the school year, the coordinator facilitates room rep communication and assist in guiding room reps through their responsibilities and core objectives.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

In early fall, professional photographers come to Murray during the school day to take individual and class photos. Parents can order photos online directly through the photographer, which are delivered later in the fall. Chairs are responsible for coordinating with the photographer and scheduling, staffing, and running the photo day.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

A program that saves parents time and energy - and earns the PTA money! Committee chairs and teachers coordinate grade-level supply lists for the upcoming school year. Supply kits are available to purchase online through SchoolKidz.com. Online orders are packaged, labeled and delivered directly to the classroom before the first day of school. (The PTA receives a portion of the profits from every box purchased.)

SCHOOL TOURS

Typically offered once a month during the school year, PTA volunteers provide tours of the building for families new to Murray.

SCIENCE FAIR

The Science Fair encourages children in grades 3-5 to investigate a topic and share results of their scientific process through a presentation board/project. Held in the spring, students visit the Science Fair during the school day with their class and parents and are invited to view the projects at an evening event.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Murray PTA’s Instagram and Facebook pages are managed and populated by a parent volunteer. Social media is a fun and helpful resource for families to stay up-to-date on the latest PTA news and events.

SPRING FAIR

The spring event that every Murray student looks forward to, this fundraiser provides fun for the whole family, with parent-staffed games, activities, sales, crafts and refreshments. Each class sponsors a booth and parents are asked to volunteer for a one-hour shift at each of their children’s booths. Lots of work goes into making this event a success, so we ask every family to help out in whatever way they can. Bring your family and friends for a great time. All proceeds go to fund Murray PTA programming! Held on a Saturday in May.

SQUARE 1 ART

This annual fundraiser is facilitated in partnership with the Murray Art teacher. Through an outside vendor, students’ artwork can be printed on a variety of products and purchased as a special keepsake for your family and a great fundraiser for the PTA.

STAFF LUNCHEON

The committee plans and sets up a celebratory lunch at the end of the school year to thank our teachers and staff for all of their hard work. It is also a time to recognize and present gifts to any retirees for their dedication to Murray.

STEM LIAISON/SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

A liaise between teacher reps and vendors to organize science workshops in each grade K-2. The volunteer also works with The STEM Alliance to schedule Tinkering Night family events for all grade levels.

STUDENT SUPPORT COMMITTEE (formerly SEPTA)

SSC is a valuable district-wide resource for parents of children with varied learning, physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities. SSC works to promote a rewarding educational experience for all students by elevating awareness, acceptance and support throughout our schools and community. SSC holds events that provide opportunities for parents to network and support one another, sponsors programs, panel discussions and speakers for parents and funds staff grants that enhance the classroom experience for all children in the District. More information and the Murray SSC liaisons can be found on the SSC website.

WALK TO SCHOOL

This committee encourages families to walk to school as a community-building experience. During district-wide fall and spring Walk to School Weeks, all walkers are recognized and celebrated through a variety of fun programs and rewards. Walking reduces traffic around Murray, helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and a cleaner environment, and builds school and community spirit.

WEBSITE & PTA STORE

The PTA website is updated and maintained by parent volunteers and serves as a valuable resource for parents to find frequently requested links and documents. The website also includes the PTA online store where parents can purchase event tickets, register for programs, buy Murray Merch and more!

YEARBOOK

Each year the PTA Yearbook committee creates a keepsake book of Murray Memories. Committee members partner with a professional printer and work on page layouts, cover designs, photography, and facilitating orders and delivery.