Dear Parents and Students:

At RC Murphy we are getting ready for many of the activities and programs that relate to the fourth quarter of school, the upcoming State Assessments in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, and the spring season.

Information regarding year-end Regents Exams, final exams, and end-of-the-year schedules and programs will be sent out in late May or early June.

At this time, we also would like to ask parents/guardians to encourage students to be kept and well-groomed at all times.  Even though 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.  For girls, clothing, which is too revealing or suggestive, such as halter tops, tube tops, short shorts, short skirts, and midriff tops are discouraged.  For boys, sleeveless undershirts and sagging jeans or shorts are discouraged. 

As we implement the State Assessment program, please note the following information that is provided by the State Education Department.

To provide schools, teachers, and parents with an assessment of student achievement, New York State has developed the New York State Testing Program. These standardized tests will be given each year at the same time and will challenge Grades 3 through 8 students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

The New York State tests are designed to measure how well students have mastered necessary skills and to monitor the effectiveness of instructional programs. Although testing is not the only measure of a student’s knowledge and abilities, it is a vital part of our educational process. The testing helps assess both student achievement and the progress of our schools. The purpose of the tests is to:

• measure a student’s knowledge and overall achievement

• measure a student’s mastery of specific skills

• provide information to schools that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs

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 spring days.  Please continue to keep in contact with the staff at Murphy.

Yours truly,

Vincent Vizzo 

Principal

Patrick J. DiClemente

Assistant Principal