Dear Parents and Guardians:

The 2007-2008 school year has been filled with many accomplishments for our students and the RC Murphy community. We are thankful for your support and are eager for a strong positive finish to the academic year.

The last day of classes for all RC Murphy students is Tuesday, June 17, 2008. Beginning Wednesday, June 18, 2008, students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 will only be required to attend school if they are scheduled for an exam. The finals session will be from Wednesday, June 18h to Tuesday, June 24th. A schedule is posted on the reverse side of this letter detailing the testing and transportation schedules for final examinations. Parents are asked to assist by encouraging students to spend quality time studying and preparing for these important exams. Students are responsible for making certain they are prompt and in the proper location for their exams. Please note that New York State Examinations (Regents, RCT, and Proficiency) may not be administered as make-up exams. Extra-help sessions should be utilized; organizing student study groups is also suggested. Please call the guidance counselors at 730-4840 or the main office at 730-4800 if you have any questions or concerns.

All Murphy JHS borrowed library books and materials should now be returned. All academic textbooks should be returned to your child’s teacher. In the event that a student does not return one or more borrowed items (including resources from the library and classroom material), a fine will be assessed. If you have a question regarding borrowed items or arranging for return or payment, please place a call to the Information Center for library materials at 730-4820 or the main office at 730-4800.
Any student wishing to play a sport during the 2008-2009 year must have a physical exam and be cleared to participate by a school physician prior to the start of the season (note dates/locations listed below). All sports physical forms are available online under District Athletics and in the Health and Main Offices.
♣ Murphy: June 5, 6 (2:30 for current grade 7– 9 students); August 18, 20, 22 (7:30 a.m. for all present and incoming students); September 5 (2:45 p.m.)
♣ Ward Melville: June 2, 9 (2:00 pm); August 13, 14, 25, 26 (7:30 a.m.)
The high school JV and Varsity football tryouts begin on Monday, August 14th. All other high school fall sports start Monday, August 25, 2008. All junior high school athletics begin on Thursday, Sept 4, 2008. Should you have any questions regarding health issues, please contact the school nurse Mrs. Joyce Lydon at 631-730-4810; questions regarding athletics please contact the RC Murphy Athletic Chairperson, Mr. Steve Restivo, at 631-730-4838 or, if inquiring over the summer, the Three Village School District athletic office at 730-4980.

It has been a privilege working along with you in your child’s education. A great deal of progress has occurred this year. As we continue to work together, many more fine things will unfold. Best wishes for the coming summer days.

Sincerely,

Vincent Vizzo
Principal

Patrick J. DiClemente
Assistant Principal

Spring Updates from Mr. Vizzo and Mr. DiClemente

9th Grade Dance

Our ninth grade dance will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Lombardi’s on the Sound in Port Jefferson from 7:00 – 10:00 PM. The cost will be $50, which will include a DJ, catered buffet, Viennese table, and all decorations.

In the past, semi-formal attire has been worn - dresses, jackets, and ties. This dance is open to only 9th grade R. C. Murphy students. This is not a couples event. Limousines are not recommended. Car-pooling is more appropriate.

Our Moving Up/Awards Ceremony will be on Friday, June 13th at 8:15 AM sharp followed by the trip to Great Adventure. Students will be departing at 10:00 AM and returning to Murphy at 10:00 PM. We are alerting you to these events so that you and your child can plan accordingly.

Student Dress Code

The shared responsibility for the personal appearance of students rests with the parents, students, faculty, and administration. The majority of our students need no advice on their dress or appearance because they use good judgment. However, occasionally it is necessary to speak with students about the appropriateness of their clothing. Good taste, judgment, and the standard of the community are to be maintained in dress and grooming by all students.

In order to maintain an orderly environment, all students shall be required to meet the expectations of the dress and grooming code. Dress and apparel that unduly attract the attention of other students often precipitate comments and/or other reactions that are disruptive. Safety, general health, and hygiene are factors that are also considered in the establishment of acceptable dress.

General Criteria

The student and parent may determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that the student’s dress and grooming:

1. Does not lead school officials to believe that such dress or grooming will
disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities, and

2. Does not create a health or other hazard to the student’s safety or to the
safety of others.

We encourage students to be kept and well-groomed at all times. Even when the weather is warm, we expect shirts and shorts to be of the appropriate length and type as to not be distracting to the education process.

What does this mean?

For girls, it may mean that clothing which is too revealing or suggestive such as halter tops, tube tops, short shorts, short skirts, and midriff tops are discouraged.

For boys, it may mean sleeveless undershirts and sagging jeans that leave undergarments exposed. Bandanas are not permitted.

Additionally, our School Board’s policy prohibits hats, clothing, jewelry, and other attire which displays an expression or insignia that is obscene or libelous, that advocates prejudice or violence, promotes the use or advertises drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or is disruptive.

Sometimes children leave home dressed appropriately and either change when they arrive at school or remove a top layer of clothing. We are urging all parents to read this letter with their children and have a reasonable discussion about what is appropriate attire for school, especially with the warm weather ahead.

We, at MURPHY, will be engaged in similar discussions. We are taking time to talk with students about proper attire for school.

Feel free to share some thoughts with us in writing, in person, or on the phone.

Electronic Entertainment and Communication Devices

With the growing popularity of I-Pods and similar electronic devices, it is important that we re-emphasize our policy concerning electronic devices. For your convenience we are repeating the handbook policy here:

Electronic Entertainment and Communication Devices
All electronic devices (such as Cell Phones, MP-3’s, CD’s, Walkman’s, I-Pod’s) must be turned off and be out of view at all times from 7:45 AM - 2:30 PM. They may be used before and after school hours. If seen, heard or used during school hours, a PM detention will be
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Because we have been spending a disproportionate amount of time dealing with “lost,” “misplaced,” and “stolen” electronic devices, we would like to inform you that we will no longer investigate these matters. In order to avoid future problems, we strongly urge you to make sure that these devices remain at home.

We thank you for your cooperation and attention to this matter.