Wow! The end of Quarter 3 is almost here. March 5th is the final day of the quarter and Parent Teacher Conferences will be held March 11 from 1 – 7 pm and March 12 from 1 – 5. Thanks for making plans to attend.

As you know, Spring Break has been altered to make up some of the many snow days we have had. March 17, 18, and 19 are now school days and students are expected to attend. HOWEVER, the school understands that plans may have been made in advance of this announcement.

IF your family has plans that can not be changed (reservations that cannot be cancelled, plane tickets reserved, deposits paid, etc.) parents are requested to call me as soon as possible. (447-2517, cell: 641-414-1065) Students who must be gone will need to make up any missed work and should notify teachers by March 5. March 17 -19 will not be counted against attendance for semester tests provided arrangements for make up work and notification by parents are made by March 5.

I strongly encourage anyone who can adjust visits to out of town family or other unreserved trips to please make those changes. It is important for students to be in school! Students will be counted unexcused absent unless I have talked to a parent. Remember, all is not lost….. students will still have a 4 ½ day weekend beginning March 12!

Thanks everyone for your cooperation. Together we will survive this winter and all the inconveniences the weather has caused!

We will soon be working on next year’s class schedules. 8th graders and their parents will meet to create the student’s four-year plan and begin choosing classes. The tentative date for this meeting is March 25.

Congratulations to all extracurricular participants! Basketball girls finished a successful season, boys are still in it at this writing…….Go Mustangs! Individual Speech, FFA, JH Choir, Math Contestants, and Weight Trainers are working hard practicing and performing. And let’s not forget the fun planned for the Dessert Concert on March 6! Get your ticket today!

As Always…..Thanks to all of you who take time to check up on your students, call with questions or just stop to visit. It is always in the best interest of the students when parents and teachers work together. I am always willing to communicate with you about your child. Feel free to call 641-447-2517, cell: 631-414-1065 or email: bbrown@murray.k12.ia.us to visit or schedule a meeting.

Credit Recovery is available to Murray School students. In addition to making up credits lost from failing classes, students may also take any classes that they feel are missing from their studies. Students can arrange to make up or take classes any time. Any courses completed between now and December 15, 2009 will be credited towards class status for second semester. For example, a student who is still considered a sophomore this fall due to lack of adequate credits may be able to earn back enough credits to be considered a junior in January. Contact me for more information.

I am always happy to talk with you about your child. Please call 641-447-2517, cell: 614-414-1065, email: bbrown@murray.k12.ia.us, or call to plan a visit. Thanks, Bev Brown