Good Morning Mavericks! Today is Friday, November 9th, 2018

Attention Mavericks: Murphy Junior High School in conjunction with The Rotary Club announces the annual “Coats for Kendall” winter clothing drive. Please bring in any gently used coats, scarves, hats, gloves or mittens.  All collected items will be donated to local charities to ensure those in need in our local community have warm winter gear as the weather turns colder. A collection box is located in the main office. Mavericks please show you care by donating to those in need.

It's that time of year again! Beginning on November 12th running through December 17th, Murphy Junior High School in conjunction with the Oswego Fire Protection District will be participating in the Annual Toys for Tots Program. Murphy Junior High will be collecting toys to donate to families in the community who are currently having financial difficulties. Gifts should be NEW, unwrapped and can be for children of all ages. Students should bring all toys to their homeroom student council rep in exchange for a raffle ticket. A raffle will take place on December 17th, where 8 lucky winners will have the chance to serve as Murphy’s "elves for the day". These elves will leave school and eat breakfast at the Oswego Fire Department WITH a friend of choice. These students will also have their picture taken with the local fire department, which will then be submitted to the local newspaper. In addition, family members of the elves can also join in on the fun and enjoy breakfast at the firehouse. This special event will take place on Thursday, December 20th during the first half of the school day.

Here's how to win!!! First and foremost, you need to donate NEW toys! Students will need to listen carefully to each weeks dedicated "toy theme"! If a student donates a themed toy, they will receive DOUBLE raffles tickets for each toy brought in during the designated week. These tickets will go towards the breakfast at the firehouse AND by just donating, will go towards Murphy's Toys for Tots pizza party! Students will need to donate one "themed toy” from each one of our four themed categories (Boy, Girl, Game/Book, and a Sport themed toy) in order to attend the pizza party.  Again, students MUST donate at least 4 toys, one from EACH category to be eligible to attend the pizza party. 

Here's a sneak peak at next week's toy theme!! The toy theme for next week is to bring in a NEW toy for a BOY!! Pick up a NEW toy over the weekend and you'll be one step closer to attending this year's breakfast at the firehouse as well as our Toys for Tot pizza party!! The more you donate the better chance you have to participate in this special event!!

Students, interested in getting a free treat from the Cafeteria?  Take Aramark's online survey, screenshot the completion screen and take it to a cashier for your prize.  Links to the survey are posted around the cafeteria, outside student services and in this week's BULLetin. Survey closes on Friday, November 16.

Last night, the 7th grade basketball team split a pair of games against Thompson.  In the first game, the Mavericks couldn't find their rhythm to fall behind early.  Thompson used their size to control the boards and made it difficult for the Mavericks to close the gap in the 19 to 24 loss.  Jayden R. led the scoring with 6 points.  In the second game, the Mavericks aggressive play helped them take the lead.  In the 4th quarter, Thompson battled back to pull within 1 point with seconds remaining.  With the ball changing hands a few times, the Mavericks were able to hold on for the 24 to 23 victory.  Zac led the scoring with 12 points, while Jayden R. added 6 and Deondre was good for 4 points.

Last night the 8th grade boys took on Thompson.  It started off with us taking an early lead in the first quarter 12 to 5 and by half time it was 28 to 13.  We continued to hold the lead and finished strong.  We moved the ball very well and made our shots.   Leading scorers were Tre with 22, Christian 13 Michael Polblinski had 7. In the second game we came out to a David and Goliath match with the size difference.  But they battled hard and didn't let that size difference matter.  By halftime it was 21 to 14 and after that we continued to pull away and we won 44 to 27.  Leading scorers were Matthew with 13, Jalen with 10 and Robert had 8.

Attention Mavericks: Do you want to earn the chance to attend Mav-a-Palooza? Mav-a-Palooza is an EPIC one-night event, where you - the awesome Murphy students - get to rule the school. There will be inflatables, concessions, a movie theater, games in the gym, photo booth, plus more.  There will even be a famous surprise guest! Starting Monday, November 12th - students can earn a ticket to Mav-a-Palooza for displaying the following positive MAVS behaviors! M - make good decisions by receiving ZERO tardies to class, A - accept responsibility by receiving ZERO ZAPs, V - value and respect each other and our school and S - be safe by receiving ZERO disciplinary actions! This includes suspensions, detentions and office referrals through December 7th. We hope to see you there, Mavericks!

Hi, this is Janae Taylor with a message from Mrs. Zaininger and Mrs. Zawacki's Advisory class: The story “The Invisible Boy” showed us all an important message, small acts of kindness can help others feel included and visible. We challenge all Murphy Mavericks to help everyone feel visible and welcome at our school. Be kind. Don't bully. Treat others how you want to be treated. Look for opportunities to make connections with people who might feel invisible. Be a Model Maverick!"

Make it a great day Mavericks!