DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Mon., February 27^th: Birthday Book Celebration 7:30am, Jump Rope for Heart

Tues., February 28^th: School Council 7:30-8:30am, Jump Rope for Heart, PTA Day at the Capitol

Wed., February 29^th: Jump Rope for Heart

Thurs., March 1^st: Chorus Concert 7:00-8:15pm, Jump Rope for Heart

Fri., March 2^nd: Spirit Day, Sunshine Math Cycle 3 Packets Due, Jump Rope for Heart, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Read Across America

PTA REFLECTIONS WINNER: Congratulations to Trey S. He is a state PTA Reflections winner in the category of photography! What an accomplishment for Trey – we’re so proud to have him represent Murdock! Way to go!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART: Murdock Elementary will be having it's annual Jump Rope for Heart 2012. Envelopes are coming home and you can start the fund-raising immediately. We are setting our school goal at $8,000. The event will take place Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday the 29th during your child's P.E. class. All parents, siblings, cousins, etc.. are welcome to attend the event and have a JUMPING good time with your child. One great way to fund-raise is to use the internet. Please read your child's Jump Rope for Heart envelope on how to get started using the web to bring in money for the American Heart Association. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of $8,000! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Renna. All Envelopes are due Wednesday, February 29th.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BUY A YEARBOOK!:

The last day to order is Friday, March 23, 2012!

To order, simply click the link at the bottom of the Murdock webpage or go to www.jostensyearbooks.com . Contact Sally Allison at murdockmama@msn.com with questions. (Yearbooks could only be purchased online this year; they were NOT sold at Meet and Greet or through the PTA order form.)

DODGEN MIDDLE SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR: On Thursday, March 1^st from 4:30-7:30, the Dodgen Middle School Cafeteria will be transformed into a health and fitness exposition for families and students K-12. Everyone will have fun learning about important aspects of healthy living. This Health Fair is FREE and open to the public. The Dodgen PTSA is organizing the Fair in conjunction with Life South Blood Center’s Annual Blood Drive at Dodgen. Dodgen Middle School is located at 1725 Bill Murdock Road, 60062.

Come and receive vital information from over 50 experts - including the CDC and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta.

· Fun games & activities!

· Drawings for FREE Massages, & Facials for Parents; Sports Camps & Equipment for Kids!

· High School SPIRIT-WEAR!

· FREE Screenings!

· FOOD!

· Meet an Olympic Gold Medalist!

For more details, visit https://sites.google.com/site/dodgenhealthfair

ECCC PTA LUNCH & LEARN FOLLOW UP PRESENTATION: Sarah Kodinksy a volunteer with the Feingold Association of the U.S. and Kelly Heard, RN, an allergy nurse at a North Atlanta ENT office will be participating in a follow up presentation to the Lunch and Learn held at the Mountain View Library this past week. This will be held on Wednesday, February 29^th, 10:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Library. Please RSVP to Amy Waldner, ECCC Health and Wellness Co-Chair, at kurtamyw@gmail.com

EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN- COME TO THE EXCEPTIONAL EXPO: A resource fair for parents of exceptional children, K-12! Psychologists, Therapists, Educational Consultants, Tutors, and Educational Advocates – all under one roof to help you and your child! This event will be held on Tuesday, February 28^th from 6:00-7:30 pm in the East Side Elementary School Cafeteria. Please come to meet people who can help your child succeed in life! This event is co-sponsored by the East Side Elementary School PTA Exceptional Children’s Committee and the East Cobb Satellite of CHADD. Contact Cappie Suttle at 404-368-9394 for more information.

COBB HOBBLER 2012: 10K, 5K & 1-mile run @ Lassiter HS – Saturday, March 24th.
The Cobb Hobbler is an opportunity for the East Cobb Community to get together and support education, physical activity, and the well-being of the community! The race begins and ends at Lassiter and begins at 7:30am. Registration available up to the day of the event. 10K registration begins at $30, 5K at $20 and fun run is $10. Fees will increase as the date approaches, so register early. All registrations include a t-shirt and chip timing for the 5K and 10K races. Register at http://cobbhobbler.org/ or fill out a registration form and send to the address shown. Sponsorship opportunities still available. Please visit: http://cobbhobbler.org/products/become-a-sponsor . For more information, please contact Adina Lambert at adinatlambert@gmail.com. Stay strong, stay fit!

2012 CAMP BREATHE EASY: Celebrating 32 years of providing camp for children with asthma. Registration has begun for camp the week of June 10-16, 2012. Please visit www.campbreatheeasy.org or call 404-231-9887 ext. 235 for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Fri., February 17^th: RAD DADS Cocoa Cafe

Mon., February 20^th: President’s Day-NO SCHOOL

Wed., February 22^nd: 5^TH Grade Book Club 2:30-3:30pm

Fri., February 24^th: Spirit Day

 

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART: Murdock Elementary will be having it's annual Jump Rope for Heart 2012. Envelopes are coming home and you can start the fund-raising immediately. We are setting our school goal at $8,000. The event will take place Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday the 29th during your child's P.E. class. All parents, siblings, cousins, etc.. are welcome to attend the event and have a JUMPING good time with your child. One great way to fund-raise is to use the internet. Please read your child's Jump Rope for Heart envelope on how to get started using the web to bring in money for the American Heart Association. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of $8,000! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Renna. All Envelopes are due Wednesday, February 29th.

PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2012-2013: If you have been looking for a way to get more involved at Murdock, the PTA has some great opportunities. The following committees are in need of chair people for next year: Calendar, Website/ENews, Health & Wellness, Media Lab, Meet & Greet (Co-Chair), After School Activities Coordinator, Reflections (Co-Chair), Yearbook (Co-Chair), Boxtops (Co-Chair). Please contact Beth Rezendes (a.rezendes@comcast.net) if you are interested in learning more about any of these exciting opportunities.

PENNIES FOR PATIENTS THANKS YOU: Murdock's Student Council Representatives & School Counselors wish to thank our community for the overwhelming response to this year's Pennies for Patients fundraiser. We surpassed both this year's goal and last year's donation total! Thanks to your generosity, we are donating $5053.85 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Mrs. Thornton's 5th grade class had the highest donation total for the school with $512.64, and will be rewarded with a catered lunch from the Olive Garden. The classrooms with the next highest totals will receive pizza parties. They are: Mrs. Gutman's & Ms. Gill's 5th graders, Mrs. Kvenild & Mrs. Armour's 4th graders, Mrs. Lazarus's 2nd graders, and Mrs. Kastner's 1st graders. Thanks to ALL families who contributed and made a difference in the lives of others affected by blood cancers.

LOLLIPOPS OF LOVE THANKS YOU: Thank you to the many Murdock families who sent Lollipops of Love to our students and staff on February 14th. This Relay for Life fundraiser raised nearly $800 for the American Cancer Society. While sending your sweet messages, you also donated to a worthwhile cause!

DODGEN HEALTH FAIR:

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR & BLOOD DRIVE

Thursday, March 1st, 4:30-7:30

For: Parents & Students: K-12

Vital information from experts: CDC, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta & 50+ more!

Fun games & activities!

Drawings for FREE Sports Camps, Equipment, SPIRIT-WEAR!

FREE Screenings; FOOD!

Meet an Olympic Gold Medalist

Dodgen Middle School: 1725 Bill Murdock Road

https://sites.google.com/site/dodgenhealthfair/

"PARENTING THE INTERNET GENERATION": All Parents of Middle and High Schoolers are invited to "Parenting the Internet Generation" - taught by Bobby Gatlin (JF Student Minister, MS & HS) Thursday, February 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m. ~ Student Center South, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. As parents of teenagers to this generation, we must go beyond simplistic answers to the tough questions such as "How can my kids be truly 'safe' online?" "What’s appropriate?" and "What are they really doing on the Net?" This seminar will share strategies and steps parents can take to inform themselves and help their kids appropriately engage in the internet and social media.

Parents can register by calling Marianne Taylor at 770-794-2981 or emailing marianne.taylor@jfbc.org

PTA DAY AT THE CAPITOL-FEB. 28:

Sign up for PTA Day at the Capitol. The featured speaker, State Supt John Barge, will speak on current education initiatives. Learn about the current bills being considered that will affect your child and learn how to advocate effectively. Come see your legislators at work. This event includes lunch and all the legislators have been invited to join us.

PTA FINAL MEETING: The PTA's final meeting of the year will take place on Thursday, March 8th at 6:30 pm. During this meeting, elections will be held for the PTA officers for the 2012-2013 school year. The following is the proposed slate:

For Co- President: Jennifer Katz
For Co- President: Derrick Cathey
For Co-Vice President: Mary Mitchell
For Co-Vice President: Helaine Mark
For Co-Vice President: Mary-Lindsey Grady
For Secretary: Stacey Parker
For Treasurer: Allyson Winbush

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Tues., February 14^th: GECKO meeting 2:30pm, Valentine’s Day

Wed., February 15^th: Last Day to Order Yearbooks

Thurs., February 16^th: PTA Committee Meeting 7:30am, MESF Board Mtg. 6:00pm

Fri., February 17^th: Spirit Day

PTA TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO SCHOOL WEEK: To celebrate National Take Your Family to School Week, we are encouraging all parents to join their child in the Murdock cafeteria for lunch one day during the week of February 13th. This is a great opportunity to go through the lunch line and enjoy a meal with your child.

MORNING WALK INVASION: As part of “Take Your Family to School Week” and in conjunction with our RAD DADS program the PTA invites MOMS & DADS to join their child(ren) for morning walk during the week of February 13th. Monday, 2/13 will be 1st and 2nd Grades, Tuesday, 2/14 will be 3rd & 4th Grades & Wednesday, 2/15 will be 5th Grade. Please be at the school on your designated day at 7:30am.Please note that this event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or temperatures below 32°.

PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2012-2013: If you have been looking for a way to get more involved at Murdock, the PTA has some great opportunities. The following committees are in need of chair people for next year: Calendar, Website/ENews, Health & Wellness, Media Lab, Meet & Greet (Co-Chair), After School Activities Coordinator, Reflections (Co-Chair), Yearbook (Co-Chair), Boxtops (Co-Chair). Please contact Beth Rezendes (a.rezendes@comcast.net) if you are interested in learning more about any of these exciting opportunities.

LOLLIPOPS FOR LOVE: Send a special Murdock Mustang a sweet treat while helping our Relay For Life team raise money for the American Cancer Society! Your message and a lollipop will be delivered to that special Mustang’s classroom on Tuesday, February 14^th. Lollipops with message are $1 each.  Please send cash or a check made out to the American Cancer Society, along with your message(s) in an envelope marked “Lollipops for Love Order” by Monday, 2/13. *Need more message slips?  Contact your child’s teacher for extras.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART: Murdock Elementary will be having it's annual Jump Rope for Heart 2012. Envelopes are coming home and you can start the fund-raising immediately. We are setting our school goal at $8,000. The event will take place Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday the 29th during your child's P.E. class. All parents, siblings, cousins, etc.. are welcome to attend the event and have a JUMPING good time with your child. One great way to fund-raise is to use the internet. Please read your child's Jump Rope for Heart envelope on how to get started using the web to bring in money for the American Heart Association. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of $8,000! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Renna. All Envelopes are due Wednesday, February 29th.

HEALTH & WELLNESS: ECCC PTA is sponsoring a Lunch & Learn presentation on how small changes in diet can make a difference for ADHD and other children on Wednesday, February 22 at the Mountain View Library at 10:30.

CALLING ALL GREYHOUND FANS:

Presenting the PJC Winter Cheer Clinic.  February 21 - 23, 2012.  Dodgen Middle School Gym 4:45 - 6:00pm. Hosted by the Pope Junior Cheer program with support from the Pope High School Cheerleaders. The clinic will be open to 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade students. The cost is only $20 for all 3 days if you register by Feb. 15th and $25 after that until the first day of the clinic. Join us to learn jumps, motions, cheers, chants and a dance routine! Go to www.popejrcheer.com to register for the event and for more details. Go Hounds!

UPWARD BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL:  It is not too late to register for Upward Baseball or Upward Softball! Cost includes a player's entire uniform, clinics teaching fundamentals, end of the season awards and a return trip to Turner Field for the End of Season Celebration! Softball Divisions for Girls 4 years old -13 years old and Baseball Divisions for Boys 4 years old- 11 years old. Upward Baseball, Softball and T-Ball introduces and enhances basic baseball fundamentals while teaching the value of both teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun environment. Check out www.johnsonferry.org/baseballandsoftball for more information!

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR & BLOOD DRIVE:
Thursday, March 1^st, 4:30-7:30
For: Parents & Students: K-12
Vital information from experts: CDC, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta & 50+ more!
Fun games & activities!
Drawings for FREE Sports Camps, Equipment, SPIRIT-WEAR!
FREE Screenings; FOOD!
Save a life: Learn CPR; Give Blood
Dodgen Middle School: 1725 Bill Murdock Road
https://sites.google.com/site/dodgenhealthfair/

COBB COUNTY DISTRICT NEWS:

District Prepares To Address Tight Budget For FY2013.

The Cobb County School District is looking ahead to the 2012-2013 school year, as the budget for Fiscal Year 2013 comes into focus. Based on initial enrollment and revenue projections, the school system faces the challenge of addressing a potential $62.3 million deficit. Georgia's slow economic recovery has not yielded an increase in the District's two primary revenue streams - state funding and local property tax collections.

In anticipation of the shortfall, Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa has identified some preliminary budget reduction solutions that include:

·         A 175-day school year (three fewer than in 2011-2012)

·         Slight increase in class sizes district-wide

·         Five furlough days for all school district staff

·         Delayed salary step increase for eligible employees

Read the January Budget Update here.
The latest Board of Education meeting schedule can be found here.
During the Jan. 18 work session, the Board appointed two new members to the Facilities & Technology (F&T) committee. Kathleen Angelucci appointed Richard Williams to replace Alan Massey and Scott Sweeney appointed Roger Phelps to replace Larry Savage. .

 

ADVOCATING FOR EVERY CHILD

GEORGIA PTA'S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR JANUARY 29, 2012:

What Happened this Week:

Status of Existing Bills:

HB 713: Delays for one year, until fall 2013, the implementation of career pathways. - Passed House

SB 49: Increases the compulsory age of attendance from 16 to 16½. There are several Senate and House bills attempting to increase the compulsory age beyond 16. If any of those bills start to move they will be reported in detail. Passed Senate Ed.

SB 87: Allows vouchers for children of active military or foster children. Passed Senate Ed.

HB 187: Exempts certain medically fragile students from the requirement of attending a public school for one year before qualifying for a special needs vouchers. Passed Senate Ed.

HB 659: Hazing bill - will be heard in subcommittee on Wednesday but no vote will be taken

HB 731: Parent Trigger Act - A majority of parents in a specially called meeting may petition the local school board to convert the school to a charter under certain circumstances. This bill was scheduled to be heard this past week but will now be heard this week.

New Legislation:

HR 1162: Constitutional Amendment: Changes the definition of special schools to include charter schools and would allow the state to take funding from local school systems to fund new charter schools that have been authorized by the state.

HB 797: Charter schools denied by a local board and subsequently approved as a state charter school would receive local tax dollar per student funds as calculated by the State. Charter applications would be simultaneously submitted to the local board, the state and the General Assembly. If a local board doesn't approve the charter the state is authorized to investigate withholding all funds from the local school system. Officials who are not accountable to the voters would be deciding how local dollars are spent.

HR 1150/SB 738 (twin bills in House and Senate): Defines division of Education SPLOST fund between county and independent school districts to be based solely on the FTE (full time equivalent) count. Each district would get funding prorated based on actual number of students in the system.

HOPE Legislation: Several bills were introduced to modify the qualifications for HOPE scholarships and grants:

·         SB 334: Changes the Zell Miller scholarship by eliminating the current eligibility requirements and making the top 3% of the graduating class qualified

·         SB 335: Eliminates maintaining a minimum GPA to retain a HOPE grant

·         SB 336 Caps who would be eligible to receive HOPE based on household income.

Education Report - New Resource

The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE), a non-profit organization that conducts research and non-profit advocacy to influence education policy, presented its annual Top Ten Issues to Watch in 2012, which outlines the top education issues. The report is available electronically on the GPEE website: http://www.gpee.org/fileadmin/files/PDFs/Top_Ten_2012_Final_01.pdf

PTA Day at the Capitol-Feb. 28

Sign up for PTA Day at the Capitol. The featured speaker, State Supt John Barge, will speak on current education initiatives. Learn about the current bills being considered that will affect your child and learn how to advocate effectively. Come see your legislators at work. This event includes lunch and all the legislators have been invited to join us.

Important Dates:

Feb. 9 - PTSA Day at the Capitol

Feb. 28 - PTA Day at the Capitol

sign up: www.georgiapta.org

Your Legislators:

State Senate - Judson Hill (R-32)
State House - Matt Dollar (R-045)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Fri., February 3^rd: Little Lion Savers Deposit Day 7:25am

Mon., February 6^th: Room Parent Meeting-CANCELLED

Wed., February 8^th: Spring Individual and Class Pictures

Thurs., February 9^th: 4^th Grade Performance and Art Show 6:30pm

Fri., February 10^th: Spirit Day

LITTLE LION SAVERS DEPOSIT DAY, FRIDAY 2/3: Fidelity Bank will be in the Murdock Cafeteria tomorrow, Friday, February 3rd from 7:25 - 7:55 am to accept deposits into your child's Little Lion Savers account. Any deposit amount will be accepted, including change. It's never too late to sign up! Forms are available online HERE, in the Murdock lobby or at the branch. For more information, please contact Jane McCollister at the Merchant's Walk Fidelity Branch at 404.553.2376.

SOLES4SOULS: Community Outreach is collecting shoes of all kinds for the Nashville-based charity, Soles4Souls. Since 2005, almost 16 million pairs of shoes have been distributed to over 125 countries with a new pair of shoes being distributed every 7 seconds. Over 300 million children in the world do not own a pair of shoes, but together we can change that. Please drop your gently worn shoes in the large box located next to the white bin in the school lobby through Friday, February 3. Changing the world, one pair at a time ®

LOLLIPOPS FOR LOVE: Send a special Murdock Mustang a sweet treat while helping our Relay For Life team raise money for the American Cancer Society!

Your message and a lollipop will be delivered to that special Mustang’s classroom

on Tuesday, February 14^th. Lollipops with message are $1 each.  Please send cash or

a check made out to the American Cancer Society, along with your message(s) in

an envelope marked “Lollipops for Love Order” by Monday, 2/13.

*Need more message slips?  Contact your child’s teacher for extras.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART: Murdock Elementary will be having it's annual Jump Rope for Heart 2012. Envelopes are coming home and you can start the fund-raising immediately. We are setting our school goal at $8,000. The event will take place Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday the 29th during your child's P.E. class. All parents, siblings, cousins, etc.. are welcome to attend the event and have a JUMPING good time with your child. One great way to fund-raise is to use the internet. Please read your child's Jump Rope for Heart envelope on how to get started using the web to bring in money for the American Heart Association. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of $8,000! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Renna. All Envelopes are due Wednesday, February 29th.

YOUR PTA FUNDS AT WORK FOR MURDOCK STUDENTS!: Due to the generosity of our Murdock families during our fall donation drive, the PTA has been able to purchase new recess equipment for all of the 4th and 5th grade classes. This equipment includes soccer balls, footballs with flag football belts, NERF baseball bats, balls and bases, and much, much more! The children have been so excited to use all of this new equipment!

“PANTHER PREVIEW NIGHT AT DODGEN”:- Rising 6th graders
Tuesday February 7, 2012 @ 6:30.
A fun-filled evening is coming this February to highlight the choices in our
performing arts departments and the many clubs that are offered at Dodgen.

POPE HS INTERACT CLUB HOSTING PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: Parents, Great News! The Pope HS Interact Club is hosting another Parent's Night Out on Friday, Feb. 10th from 6-10p in the Pope HS cafeteria! What a great time to set up that special Valentine's Day date while the high schoolers babysit your children! The cost is $20 for one child, $25 for two and $30 for three or more! Your children will enjoy dinner, snacks, games, movies, and crafts. This is the best deal in town and all proceeds go to charity! Download the form HERE or email Pam Kretzmer at pam.kretzmer@cobbk12.org Bring application along with payment to the front office. Hurry, only 40 spaces!

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Mon., January 30^th: Box Tops Due, New Family Welcome 8:30am

Tues., January 31^st: PTA Speaker Series #3 – Lisa Glickman on Executive Function Skills 8:15am

Thurs., February 2^nd: Groundhog Day

Fri., February 3^rd: Spirit Day, Little Lion Savers Deposit Day 7:25am

2011 SINGLE STATEWIDE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM (SSAS) AWARDS: The hard work of our students, faculty, and community has earned Murdock a gold award for outstanding student achievement. MES is one of only 35 elementary schools in the state of Georgia to receive this award for the 2010-2011 school year. Congratulations to all for your continued spirit of excellence.

YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED: The yearbook needs your pictures! Please submit pictures from your class, your grade level or from any Murdock event or afterschool club. It's easy!

1. Go to www.replayit.com

2. Register as a new user (upper right corner/ yellow bar says find your school to register)

3. Find Murdock -- HINT: Make sure it is the Marietta, GA Murdock

4. Passcode: mustang12

5. Site will send confirmation email to user

6. Upload photos with thorough description

7. HOORAY!

Please email Sally Allison at murdockmama@msn.com with any questions.

NEW FAMILY WELCOME: We would love to welcome all the new families who have arrived at Murdock after the school year began in August. Please come and meet representatives from the PTA, Murdock Foundation, Counseling Staff and Administration on Monday, January 30th at 8:15am in Room 15. In addition to giving you an opportunity to meet other new families, we will be there to provide information and to answer any questions you may have.

4^TH GRADE PERFORMANCE AND ART SHOW: Our 4th grade will perform under the direction of our PE teacher, Mr. Renna and Music teacher Mr. Tighe on Thursday, February 9, 2012 beginning at 6:30 pm. There will also be an art show for your enjoyment. Please note that this is a new date. It was previously scheduled for February 2nd.

PENNIES FOR PATIENTS 2012:  Our Pennies for Patients fundraiser will begin on Monday, January 30, 2012. Pennies for Patients raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Students are given a collection box and asked to collect any spare change they can find. Many of our Murdock families are familiar with this campaign and helped make our 2011 campaign the most successful one yet! Last year, our Murdock community raised just over $4,100.00!  The students were all really enthusiastic and more than willing to contribute to a great cause! Not only does this program help so many lives, but it also gives our students the opportunity to build their character by participating in a service project. Be on the lookout for more information to come!

PTA SPEAKER SERIES #3: Please join other Murdock parents for an educational workshop presented by Lisa Glickman on Tuesday, January 31st at 8:15am in Room 15. Lisa Glickman is a learning specialist and educational consultant who offers this parent workshop on Executive Function Skills. The workshop focuses on organization, planning and working memory. It also covers time management and homework/study skills. The workshop highlights how these skills affect academic, social and emotional performance. In addition, it provides tools and strategies that parents can take home and actually use!

LITTLE LION SAVERS DEPOSIT DAY, FRIDAY 2/3: Fidelity Bank will be in the Murdock Cafeteria tomorrow, Friday, February 3rd from 7:25 - 7:55 am to accept deposits into your child's Little Lion Savers account. Any deposit amount will be accepted, including change. It's never too late to sign up! Forms are available online HERE, in the Murdock lobby or at the branch. For more information, please contact Jane McCollister at the Merchant's Walk Fidelity Branch at 404.553.2376.

SOLES4SOULS: Community Outreach is collecting shoes of all kinds for the Nashville-based charity, Soles4Souls. Since 2005, almost 16 million pairs of shoes have been distributed to over 125 countries with a new pair of shoes being distributed every 7 seconds. Over 300 million children in the world do not own a pair of shoes, but together we can change that. Please drop your gently worn shoes in the large box located next to the white bin in the school lobby through Friday, February 3. Changing the world, one pair at a time ®

THE COBB COUNTY FOUNDATION: Your donation would directly support Cobb County specifically for college scholarships, SAT Prep course and ASP Scholarships. If you would like to donate to the foundation please do so in the envelope coming home the week of Feb 6^th. Thank you for your support!

Jump Rope for Heart: Murdock Elementary will be having it's annual Jump Rope for Heart 2012. Envelopes are coming home and you can start the fund-raising immediately. We are setting our school goal at $8,000. The event will take place Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday the 29th during your child's P.E. class. All parents, siblings, cousins, etc., are welcome to attend the event and have a JUMPING good time with your child. One great way to fund-raise is to use the internet. Please read your child's Jump Rope for Heart envelope on how to get started using the web to bring in money for the American Heart Association. Please help us reach our 2012 goal of $8,000! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Renna. All Envelopes are due February 29th.

ICE CREAM PARTY WINNER!:  Congratulations to Mrs. Kantis's Kindergarten class! They reached 100% PTA participation and will receive an ice cream party within the next few weeks. Way to go Classy Cats!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Keep current on legislation impacting schools. The Georgia State Legislature is back in session, and the Georgia PTA is already tracking education legislation. To find out more, see Capitol Watch at: www.georgiapta.org/issues-capitol-watch.html Learn about federal legislation impacting schools at National PTA's Take Action at http://www.pta.org/public_policy.asp Your voice matters.

HOLD THE DATE-- PTA DAY AT THE CAPITOL - FEBRUARY 28, 2012: Join PTA leaders, members and supporters and become more familiar with the legislative process and actively speak with legislators about education and children's issues. Develop and put your advocacy skills to work under the Gold Dome and over lunch with your state legislators. Let your voice for children be seen and heard. More information coming soon.

POPE HS INTERACT CLUB HOSTING PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: Parents, Great News! The Pope HS Interact Club is hosting another Parent's Night Out on Friday, Feb. 10th from 6-10p in the Pope HS cafeteria! What a great time to set up that special Valentine's Day date while the high schoolers babysit your children! The cost is $20 for one child, $25 for two and $30 for three or more! Your children will enjoy dinner, snacks, games, movies, and crafts. This is the best deal in town and all proceeds go to charity! Download the form HERE or email Pam Kretzmer at pam.kretzmer@cobbk12.org Bring application along with payment to the front office. Hurry, only 40 spaces!

DODGEN MIDDLE SCHOOL IS HOLDING A HEALTH FAIR AND BLOOD DRIVE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012 FROM 4:30-7:30:

The Fair will be composed of informational booths and interactive demonstrations for parents & teens ranging in topics from Asthma to Zumba. Life South blood mobile will also be on site. A person is able to donate blood if the (s)he is 16 years or older, weighs 110 lbs. or more and is in good general health. For more general information, please visit the Health Fair website: https://sites.google.com/site/dodgenhealthfair/

PINK OUT AT POPE BASKETBALL TO BENEFIT CURING KIDS' CANCER:

WHO: Pope High School Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams

WHAT: Pope High School boys and girls varsity and ninth grade basketball teams will participate in a “Pink Out” game to benefit Curing Kids Cancer in honor or student Killian Owen who would have graduated this year with his brother Garrett, but lost his battle to leukemia as a third grader in 2003.

Both the boys and girls basketball teams will wear pink t-shirts throughout the day at school and during warm-ups to bring attention to the fundraiser. The girls will also wear pink uniforms during the game. T-shirts will be available for sale to fans at the game to encourage a “pink out” in the stands, as well.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ninth Grade games start at 4:30 p.m.

Girls Varsity Basketball Game vs. East Paulding at 6:00 p.m.

Boys Varsity Basketball Game vs. East Paulding at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pope High School

Game to be Broadcast Live via GHSA Network at www.ghsa.tv/pope http://www.ghsa.tv/pope

WHY: All proceeds from the sale of t-shirts at the game and passing the bucket at halftime will benefit Curing Kids Cancer. All money raised will be used to help fund cutting edge treatments for children with cancer who are treated at the Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For more information contact: Christi Ratte at Christi@curingkidscancer.org or on 678-575-6563

TO PARENTS OF RISING 6^TH GRADERS at HIGHTOWER TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL SAVE THE DATE!: The Annual HIGHTOWER TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL HUSKY 101 CAMP

Saturday, May 19 (Session 1: 9AM-12PM or Session 2: 1PM-4PM)

Husky 101 Camp is for rising 6^th graders only. It is designed to help students get rid of the jitters by learning their way around the school, practicing opening lockers, meeting some teachers and much more. This year’s camp has been modified to two half-day sessions due to renovations beginning May 26^th at HTMS.

More information to come via your 5^th grade teacher’s blog.

THE GEORGIA PRIMARY IS COMING UP! Voter registration deadline is Monday, February 6, 2012. The Georgia presidential primary is on Tuesday, March 6. If you haven't already, register to vote by February 6, see: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/how_to_register.htm Your vote counts.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Mon., January 23^rd: Birthday Book Celebration 7:30am, Last Day Kid Chess

Tues., January 24^th: School Council 7:30-8:30am, MESF Pizza Night

Wed., January 25^th: 5^th Grade Book Club 2:30-3:30pm

Fri., January 27^th: Spirit Day

BOXTOPS: The next submission date for Boxtops is January 30. You can find Boxtops on products such as: General Mills, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Ziploc and many more. Please send in your Boxtops in ziploc bags labeled with your child's full name, grade, teacher's name, and number of Boxtops. Please bag in groups of 25 or 50, if possible. You can deposit the Boxtops in the big, plastic bin by the front office. The three classes with the most Boxtops collected for the year will receive a pizza party. Also, please go to boxtops4education.com and register for various BOXTOPS giveaways and coupons. Last school year, Murdock earned over $2,000 from the Boxtops program! This school year, we have already had over 150 students turn in boxtops and we have already earned over $900. These funds go directly to enriching the education of all of our students. Thanks for your support!

MURDOCK PICTURE DAY: Murdock Picture Day is Wednesday, February 8th. Class and Individual pictures will be taken. All Class pictures must be pre paid. Picture envelopes will go home soon. All individual pictures will be sent home for approval.

SCIENCE FAIR 2011-12 WINNERS!:

Kindergarten 1st = Brandon B., 2nd = Adarsh K., 3rd = =Griffin D.
First Grade 1st = Sanjay R., 2nd = Aurora F., 3rd = Amelia R.

Second Grade 1st = Anoushka G., 2nd = Lorel G., 3rd = Jeremy S.

Third Grade 1st = Allison G., 2nd = Oliver L., 3rd = Jonathan R.

Fourth Grade = Elizabeth M., 2nd = Adam B., 3rd = Jordan M

Fifth Grade = Jade W. & Karen L., 2nd = Griffin H., William W., & Jackson W.,

3rd = Lydia S.

FYI: The 1st place winners in third, fourth, and fifth grade will advance to compete in the county wide science fair which will be held on Saturday, January 28th at Kennesaw Mt High School.

We would like to thank the judges from the following businesses for taking time to support our science fair: General Electric - Power Systems, Coca-Cola Freestyle, Michael's, Lakeshore Learning, and Walton Robotics.

SPELLING BEE NEWS: Congratulations to the Spelling Bee winner Jordan M. and the Spelling Bee runner up Erin C.!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MURDOCK FIRST FLL ROBOTICS TEAM!: Murdock Elementary School FIRST FLL Robotics Team just won a place to compete at the State competition at GaTech on Saturday, January 28th! Let me begin by telling you that FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, and FLL is for FIRST LEGO League. This level of competition is for students ages 9-16. This is essentially our rookie year! And they have done an outstanding job representing themselves, the values of FIRST, Murdock and the Cobb community. On December 3rd at the qualifier at Walton High School, Our team the LEGO Lords, won 1st place for the research presentation on Food Safety. They developed and performed a humorous skit call "High 5 to Survive" that encompassed 5 simple rules to help keep our food safe. We have shown it to our school in various classes and in our after school program. We have plans to share this with more people in our community too as time allows.

Yesterday, January 14th at SPSU, our team was the only Cobb County Team to compete at the Sper-Regional Invitational Competition. Most teams there were Middle school teams, community teams, and Private school teams. Public school elementary teams are definitely under-dogs! Their robot scored 13th out of the 41 teams competing in the robot rounds. These 41 teams represented the top 25% in the state! Due to their hard work and dedication, we have now secured a spot to compete at the State Competition at GaTech on Saturday, January 28th! I have never had an FLL or FTC robotics team advance this far!

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS WORKSHOP: What Are They and How Can I Help Strengthen My Child’s E.F. Skills? In the 21st century, parents and teachers have expectations for the way children use their executive functioning skills to progress through
childhood. The main obstacle is that many of us do not understand what executive functioning skills are and how they affect school performance. During this workshop Lisa Glickman, Learning Specialist and Educational Consultant, will discuss executive functioning skills and offer parents strategies for helping their children in areas of organization, time management, planning and more. The workshop will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 8:15am in Room 15

EDUCATION - CONGRATULATIONS GEORGIA!: A report released today by Education Week ranks Georgia seventh in the nation for overall education quality. The annual "Quality Counts" report is an investigation of key education outcomes that provides ranks and grades for each state based on their commitment to improve educational policies and practices. This year's report gave Georgia a grade of B-. Read the press release from the State DOE and the full report from Education Week.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Keep current on legislation impacting schools. The Georgia State Legislature is back in session, and the Georgia PTA is already tracking education legislation. To find out more, see Capitol Watch at: www.georgiapta.org/issues-capitol-watch.html Learn about federal legislation impacting schools at National PTA's Take Action at http://www.pta.org/public_policy.asp Your voice matters.

ANNIE JR. AT DICKERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL: Blake Cooper Productions, Inc. is proud to present the musical Annie, Jr.! The Dickerson Middle School Cast tells the story of Annie, a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Shows are January 27 & 28 at 7:00pm, January 29th at 3:00pm, Dickerson Middle School Theater. Tickets and order forms are available online at www.bcprod.org . All seats are $10 general admission.

THE HIGHTOWER TRAIL SCHOOL COUNCIL: The Hightower Trail School Council will be meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 8am in the Hightower Trail Middle School TIPS room (Media Center). Agenda items include School Parking Lot and Carpool Improvements and discussion of additional School Council focus areas. Ideas and suggestions are welcome at kbaillie@bellsouth.net. Parents, Staff and members of the public are welcome to attend.

HIGHTOWER TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA NOMINATIONS: Hightower Trail Middle School is starting the nominating process for potential PTSA Executive Board Members for the 2012-2013 School Year. We are looking for 1 President, 2 Co-Presidents, 2 Secretaries and 1 Treasurer, no experience necessary. It is a wonderful way of getting involved at HTMS while getting to know the friendly Administration and Staff. They are great to work with, and the current PTSA Executive Board is more than willing and able to train any and all positions. Please contact Susan Welborn at swelborn@bellsouth.net with any questions and/or nominations. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

POPE HS INTERACT CLUB HOSTING PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: Parents, Great News! The Pope HS Interact Club is hosting another Parent's Night Out on Friday, Feb. 10th from 6-10p in the Pope HS cafeteria! What a great time to set up that special Valentine's Day date while the high schoolers babysit your children! The cost is $20 for one child, $25 for two and $30 for three or more! Your children will enjoy dinner, snacks, games, movies, and crafts. This is the best deal in town and all proceeds go to charity! Download the form HEREor email Pam Kretzmer at pam.kretzmer@cobbk12.org Bring application along with payment to the front office. Hurry, only 40 spaces!

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Thurs., January 12^th: Science & Technology Night 6:00pm

Fri., January 13^th: Little Lion Savers Deposit Day 7:25am

Mon., January 16^th: MLK Day, No School

Tues., January 17^th : GECKO Meeting 2:30pm

Wed., January 18^th : Visiting Author Eric Litwin

Thurs., January 19^th : MESF Board Mtg. 6:00pm

Fri., January 20^th : Spirit Day, Sunshine Math Cycle 3 Sent Home, Last Day Kid Chess

IT'S TIME TO ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR PTA OFFICERS!: The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting and presenting the slate of officers at the election meeting in March. We are accepting nominations for the following positions: Co-President, Co-Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. We are also accepting nominees for the appointed positions of Parliamentarian, committee chairs, or members. (The Nominating Committee is not responsible for selecting the Parliamentarian, committee chairs, or committee members however; will forward all names to the elected Executive Committee for their consideration.) If you would like to make a nomination (you can nominate yourself too!) please download the form (HERE), complete and return/email to Ann McDermitt or Lisa Hatch at ptamurdock@gmail.com by Wednesday, February 8th. You may also pick up/drop off your form in the Murdock front office.

 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NIGHT THURSDAY JANUARY 12TH, 2012 6:00PM - 7:30PM:

Please come to see the amazing things involving Technology here at Murdock Elementary!

·         See what your students have been learning in the Computer Lab with Mr Tener

·         Listen to a presentation on Safe Internet Researching from Barbara Schmidt

·         See how technology supports and enhances learning in your grade level model classrooms

·         See all the impressive knowledge behind our first Science Fair!

If you are entering a project for the science fair, please bring it or have it delivered to the school on Thursday before 2:00. Any special instructions for display should be included. Volunteers will work diligently to follow the instructions. Please ensure that your project is clearly marked with your Name(s), Grade, Classroom Teacher, and Project Title. If your project involves electricity, please include a labeled extension cord. Judging will take place in the afternoon, and students do not need to stay after school and will not "present" their projects. The projects must be brought home that evening after the awards ceremony at 7:15.

If you volunteered to help with set-up, please arrive at school by 2:30. If you volunteered for clean-up, please remain after the awards ceremony. Thank you!!

 LITTLE LIONSAVERS DEPOSIT DAY, FRIDAY 1/13: FidelityBank will be in the Murdock Cafeteria tomorrow, Friday, January 13th from 7:25 - 7:55 am to accept deposits into your child's Little Lion Savers account. Any deposit amount will be accepted, including change. It's never too late to sign up! Forms are available online HERE, in the Murdock lobby or at the branch. For more information, please contact Jane McCollister at the Merchant's Walk Fidelity Branch at 404.553.2376.

 2012 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEYS:  Murdock needs each family to complete a School Improvement Parent Survey.  Look for a large 10 X 13 envelop with a letter from our superintendent and the survey.  The survey will take about 15 minutes.  Please use a #2 lead pencil.  Return with your student.  Do not put a name on the survey.  All responses are anonymous.  Thank you for your time!

 THE YEARBOOK NEEDS YOUR PICTURES!: We need pictures from each class, we need grade level pictures and we need pictures from any Murdock event or after school club.

It's so easy! Here's how to download:

1. Go to www.replayit.com

2. Register as a new user (upper right corner/ yellow bar says find your school to register)

3. Find Murdock -- HINT: Make sure it is the Marietta, GA Murdock

4. Passcode: mustang12

5. Site will send confirmation email to user

6. Upload photos

7. HOORAY!

Please be sure to include a description or details of the picture!

Please direct any questions to Sally Allison at murdockmama@msn.com.

 SUNSHINE MATH: Please join us this Friday, January 13th from 7:30am (until we're done) for a Prep Party! We will be stuffing Cycle 3 into packets and grading a few stragglers from Cycle 2; socializing all the while! Please RSVP to Sheryl Harvey at speterson2@yahoo.com with an approximate time of when you will be dropping in. Stay 15 minutes or the entire time... we appreciate any help you can offer!

 J. TOM MORGAN TO PRESENT AT DODGEN MIDDLE SCHOOL ON JAN 18TH, 7PM: J.Tom Morgan is a nationally recognized expert on the prosecution of crimes against children. He served as the District Attorney of DeKalb County, Georgia for twelve years and was the first prosecutor in Georgia to specialize in the prosecution of crimes against children. J.Tom is currently a trial lawyer in private practice in Decatur, GA specializing in criminal and civil litigation. J.Tom has spoken to tens of thousands of teenagers and parents regarding Georgia laws that impact young people and has listened to their stories. The insights J.Tom has gained from speaking with teenagers, as well as his experience as a prosecutor and private attorney, inspired J.Tom to write Ignorance is No Defense, A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law. Realizing that many teenagers often do not fully understand the law and its consequences, J.Tom explains Georgia laws in a readable, informative way using real-life examples. Ignorance is No Defense aspires to help teenagers avoid situations in which they violate the law or are hurt by others who violate the law.Copies of Ignorance is No Defense, A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law will be available at Dodgen. If you have any questions please contact Marge Cavitt & Clairevon Nixon at co-president@dodgenptsa.org.

HIGHTOWER TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB: will present "GET UP AND GO" on Thursday, January 26th at 7 p.m. in the school theater. Great show for kids and adults!

“GET UP AND GO!” is a collection of humorous sketches which explore the world of travel and transportation, and answer the timeless question that has plagued mankind from the beginning: “Are we there yet?” Whether walking, on wheels, with wings or by water, performers and audience alike will embark on a rollicking, hilarious adventure about the human need to get from one place to another.

Tickets are $5.00 and will be on sale starting in January. Please email Judy Condon at judith.condon@cobbk12.org for more ticket information.

 POPE’S HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!: Pope's Habitat for Humanity is looking for Sponsors to financially support the building of Pope's 14th Habitat Home. We must raise $30,000.00 in order to build a home this year! Please go to www.cobbhabitat.org click on the “Special High School Plea” tab on the home page. This page tells you about how several of our area high schools are helping build homes. Scroll down to the orange DONATE NOW button and on that page select: Program: Cobb County and Directed Giving: “Cobb Area high school build fund”.  Remember: all donations are Tax Deductible! For questions, other ways to donate and information on how you can help; Please contact:Tracy Merriman (tracy.merriman@cobbk12.org ) or Cindy Holland (cynthia.holland@cobbk12.org)

GIRLS JR GREYHOUND LACROSSE OPENINGS:
For Girls Grades 1-5
Spring 2012 Lacrosse is HERE!
Here’s some info:
· Practices begin late Jan/early Feb.
· Registration information (costs/forms,etc.) can found at http://www.jrgreyhoundlax.com/
· Girls don’t wear all that equipment like the boys do…you’ll need a stick, eye goggles and a colored (no clear or white) mouth guard, and cleats if you want them, that’s all!
· HOME games are played at Hightower MS.
· Games are played on Saturdays
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!
Contact: John Haag (John.Haag@RaymondJames.com) or Sarah Mandell (mandell4@att.net)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Fri., December 16^th: Sunshine Math Due, Last Day for Brumby Giving Tree, PTA Membership Forms Due

Tues., December 20^th: Kindergarten Holiday Party

Wed., December 21^st: Holiday Parties (1^st, 2^nd, 5^th), 5^th Grade Book Club 2:30-3:30pm

Thurs., December 22^nd: Holiday Parties (3^rd & 4^th), End of 2^nd 9 Week Grading Period, Spirit Day, Spelling Bee 4^th & 5^th

Fri., December 23^rd – Mon., January 9th : No School - Winter Break

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA- MURDOCK SPIRIT WEAR!: If you are looking for a last minute gift, please consider purchasing a Murdock Spirit Wear t-shirt or hoodie sweatshirt for your child. Various sizes and colors are available. Please check with our wonderful front office staff and they will assist you with your purchase. Short sleeve shirts are $12 and sweatshirts are $20. Cash or checks made out to Murdock PTA will be accepted!

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT- A HUGE SUCCESS!!: The PTA sends a big "THANK YOU" to our Murdock families who set up booths and to all Murdock families who attended this wonderful event celebrating our school's diversity!

PTA APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE: Due to the generosity of our Murdock families during our fall donation drive, the PTA has been able to purchase Mentor Text sets for the different grade levels. These texts are excellent children’s books that were selected by the teachers to help make concepts taught in class come to life!

EARN AN ICE CREAM PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD'S CLASS!-DEADLINE APPROACHING!: If you have not had a chance to join PTA please consider doing so NOW! The Murdock PTA is now only 29 memberships away from reaching our Target Membership Goal. Mrs. Kantis's class has already earned an ice cream party with 100% participation! All other classes who reach 100% participation by the start of winter break will receive an ice cream party too! The Murdock PTA calendar and the PTA Directory are free with your $8 membership. Forms are available in the front office or online at www.murdockpta.com. Please contact Jen Katz at volkatz@yahoo.com for any questions. The deadline is Friday, December 16^th. Please send in your form ASAP!

COATS FOR COBB DRIVE: Coats for Cobb is an initiative designed to collect coats and distribute them to those in need – right in our own backyard. All donations will be given to residents of Cobb County through MUST Ministries. The coat drive will run until Tuesday, December 20. Please look through your closet, and drop off extra coats that you no longer need in the Coats for Cobb boxes near the front office. All sizes welcome! Please share this information with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to maximize the benefits of this worthy cause and make a very measurable and MUCH-NEEDED impact in our community. This holiday season, let’s keep Cobb warm!

BRUMBY GIVING TREE: Additional gift tags are available on the tree in the school lobby. Gift tags are marked with the age/gender of a Brumby child (or sibling) and a specific gift that they would like to receive. If you would like to participate, please select a tag, purchase your gift item for the child, attach the tag to the wrapped present, and place item in the large white bin located in the hallway leading to the cafeteria before Friday, December 16. In addition to the specially requested items, the families could use Publix or Kroger gift cards for food, as well as blankets. Please deliver gift cards directly to Brenda Holmquist in the front office.

SUNSHINE MATH: SUNSHINE MATH PACKETS ARE DUE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH! Please have your child turn them into their teacher before the end of the day. Thank you to you and your children for all of your hard work!

POPE’S HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!: Pope's Habitat for Humanity is looking for Sponsors to financially support the building of Pope's 14th Habitat Home. We must raise $30,000.00 in order to build a home this year! Please go to www.cobbhabitat.org , click on the “Special High School Plea” tab on the home page. This page tells you about how several of our area high schools are helping build homes. Scroll down to the orange DONATE NOW button and on that page select: Program: Cobb County and Directed Giving: “Cobb Area high school build fund”.  Remember: all donations are Tax Deductible! For questions, other ways to donate and information on how you can help; Please contact:

Tracy Merriman (tracy.merriman@cobbk12.org ) or

Cindy Holland (cynthia.holland@cobbk12.org)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Sun., December 11^th : Murdock Chorus Concert at St. Peter/Paul 4pm

Wed., December 14^th: PTA Staff Holiday Luncheon

Thurs., December 15^th : MESF Board Mtg. 6pm

Fri., December 16^th  : Sunshine Math Cycle 2 Packets Due, Spirit Day

EARN AN ICE CREAM PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD'S CLASS!-DEADLINE APPROACHING!: If you have not had a chance to join PTA please consider doing so NOW! The Murdock PTA is only 40 memberships away from reaching our Target Membership Goal. All classes that have 100% participation will receive an ice cream party. The Murdock PTA calendar and the PTA Directory are free with your $8 membership. Forms are available in the front office or online at www.murdockpta.com. Please contact Jen Katz at volkatz@yahoo.com for any questions. The deadline is Friday, December 16^th.

IT'S TIME TO ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR PTA OFFICERS!: The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting and presenting the slate of officers at the election meeting in March. We are accepting nominations for the following positions: Co-President, Co-Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. We are also accepting nominees for the appointed positions of Parliamentarian, committee chairs, or members. (The Nominating Committee is not responsible for selecting the Parliamentarian, committee chairs, or committee members however; will forward all names to the elected Executive Committee for their consideration.) If you would like to make a nomination (you can nominate yourself too!) please download the form (HERE), complete and return/email to Ann McDermitt or Lisa Hatch at ptamurdock@gmail.com by Wednesday, February 8th. You may also pick up/drop off your form in the Murdock front office.

PTA HOLIDAY BREAKFAST: Attention all PTA Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs! Please join the PTA Executive Committee and Administration as we celebrate the season and spend some time getting to know our fellow chair people. Feel free to drop into La Madeline's on Roswell Road from 9-10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 13th. An Evite was sent out last week. Please let us know if you will be able to attend.

STAFF HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The PTA Staff Holiday Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 14th from 9:30-1:30. If you would like to send in some items for this luncheon, a sign up website has been set up. The link is http://murducksa.pleasebringit.com/public/PqCHBeo8bgs. Also, if you would like to join our staff appreciation committee, please contact Marie Inserra at inserrafam@comcast.net

PTA COMMUNITY OUTREACH; BRUMBY GIVING TREE: Murdock PTA's Community Outreach committee is sponsoring a Giving Tree for our sister school, Brumby Elementary. Gift tags will be hung on our tree in the school lobby. A code indicating the family member who the item is for will be on the front of the tag, and on the back of the tag will be the gift item and size, if applicable, that the child would like to receive. If you would like to participate, please select a tag off the tree, purchase the designated gift item for the child, wrap the gift, attach the tag to the outside of the wrapped present, and place wrapped gift in the large white bin located next to the tree before Friday, December 16^th. In addition to the specially requested items, families could use blankets as well as Publix/Kroger gift cards for food. Please deliver gift cards directly to Brenda Holmquist in the front office.

KINDERGARTEN PARENTS: Sunshine Math will begin for Kindergarteners in January! If you did not sign your child up this fall and would still like to, please email Sheryl Harvey at speterson2@yahoo.com with your kindergartener's name and teacher, and whether you would be willing to grade math packets. Sunshine Math is a voluntary program for students looking for math challenges beyond what is given in the classroom. Math packets are distributed quarterly; kindergarteners will begin 3rd quarter.

SUNSHINE MATH: Cycle 2 of Sunshine Math is due Friday, December 16th! Please encourage your children to keep working hard and get those packets turned in ASAP! We're so proud of them all!

POPE’S HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!: Pope's Habitat for Humanity is looking for Sponsors to financially support the building of Pope's 14th Habitat Home. We must raise $30,000.00 in order to build a home this year! Please go to www.cobbhabitat.org , click on the “Special High School Plea” tab on the home page. This page tells you about how several of our area high schools are helping build homes. Scroll down to the orange DONATE NOW button and on that page select: Program: Cobb County and Directed Giving: “Cobb Area high school build fund”.  Remember: all donations are Tax Deductible! For questions, other ways to donate and information on how you can help; Please contact:

Tracy Merriman (tracy.merriman@cobbk12.org ) or

Cindy Holland (cynthia.holland@cobbk12.org)

The Lost and Found is located in the Cafe. All items not collected by Jan 31 will be sent to MUST MINISTRIES.

View our interactive online calendar HERE

Fri., December 2nd : Little Lion Savers Deposit Day 7:25-7:55am
Mon., December 5th: Birthday Book Celebration 7:30am
Fri., December 9th : Spirit Day

EARN AN ICE CREAM PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD'S CLASS!!!: If you have not had a chance to join PTA please consider doing so NOW! The Murdock PTA is only 50 memberships away from reaching our Target Membership Goal. All classes that have 100% participation will receive an ice cream party. The Murdock PTA calendar and the PTA Directory are free with your $8 membership. The deadline is Friday, December 16^th. Forms are available in the front office or online at www.murdockpta.com. Please contact Jen Katz at volkatz@yahoo.com for any questions.

PTA HOLIDAY BREAKFAST: Attention all PTA Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs! Please join the PTA Executive Committee and Administration as we celebrate the season and spend some time getting to know our fellow chair people. Feel free to drop into La Madeline's on Roswell Road from 9-10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 13th. An Evite was sent out last week. Please let us know if you will be able to attend.

 STAFF HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The PTA Staff Holiday Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 14th from 9:30-1:30. If you would like to send in some items for this luncheon, a sign up website has been set up. The link is http://murducksa.pleasebringit.com/public/PqCHBeo8bgs. Also, if you would like to join our staff appreciation committee, please contact Marie Inserra at inserrafam@comcast.net

LITTLE LION SAVERS DEPOSIT DAY, FRIDAY 12/2: Fidelity Bank will be in the Murdock Cafeteria tomorrow, Friday, December 2nd from 7:25 - 7:55 am to accept deposits into your child's Little Lion Savers account. Any deposit amount will be accepted, including change. It's never too late to sign up! Forms are available online HERE, in the Murdock lobby or at the branch. For more information, please contact Jane McCollister at the Merchant's Walk Fidelity Branch at 404.553.2376.

MEDIA CENTER MITTEN TREE: The Media Center's tradition of decorating a Mitten Tree with gloves, mittens, hats and scarves for the children at Brumby Elementary continues this year. Bring your items to the Media Center through Friday, December 16th and hang them on our tree. Then they'll be taken to Brumby and distributed to children who need warm items for the winter. They'll be warm on the outside and you'll be warm on the inside!

SUNSHINE MATH: Sunshine Math needs your help! We have had such great school participation that we are struggling to get all of the packets graded each Cycle. We are asking for 2 parent volunteers per classroom to take home their classroom's packets to grade at their leisure. Spread out in front of the TV with 5 or 6 packets at a time, and in a 30 minute sitcom you'll be done! (yes, we provide the answer keys!) Graded packets will be due the first week after the Winter Break. Please contact Sheryl Harvey at speterson2@yahoo.com with your name and your child's classroom information.

GET READY FOR MURDOCK'S TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE FAIR NIGHT!:

Thursday, January 12th from 6-7:30 pm
Please check the Science Lab Blog for all the details on the Science Fair and Science Fair Extra pages on the left side of the blog. Make sure to download and fill out a Science Fair Registration Form and turn it in to the science lab by Friday, Dec 9th.
Now is your chance to get creative and explore the science that you would like!
Make sure to bring your displays on Thursday, January 12th by 3:00 pm.
Then come with your family later that evening at 6:00 to see the other entries and for Technology Night!!
You may even want to stand by your project and explain it to the students who come by!!
Awards will be announced at 7:15 pm.
The top students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will go on to the County Science Fair!

Please remember that you will need to take your projects home that evening!

PTA COMMUNITY OUTREACH; BRUMBY GIVING TREE: Murdock PTA's Community Outreach committee is sponsoring a Giving Tree for our sister school, Brumby Elementary. Gift tags will be hung on our tree in the school lobby. A code indicating the family member who the item is for will be on the front of the tag, and on the back of the tag will be the gift item and size, if applicable, that the child would like to receive. If you would like to participate, please select a tag off the tree, purchase the designated gift item for the child, wrap the gift, attach the tag to the outside of the wrapped present, and place wrapped gift in the large white bin located next to the tree before Friday, December 16^th. In addition to the specially requested items, families could use blankets as well as Publix/Kroger gift cards for food. Please deliver gift cards directly to Brenda Holmquist in the front office.

THE RAD DADS HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!!: Over Thanksgiving Break, a few RAD DADS met up at Murdock to help install sliders on the bottom of the chairs and desks! It was great to see a few dads come in to lend their support to the school over break.

RAD DADS ROCK AND ROLL JUMPSTART! What were you doing Monday morning after break? Well, if you were one of the RAD DADS who expressed interest in the Rock and Roll Jumpstart, you were standing in the rain cheering kids as they got off the bus, opening car doors, giving high fives, and groovin to the music! We hope that more RAD DADS can make it to the next "invasion!"!

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED/NEXT EVENTS:

The events below are EASY/FUN ways to get involved. If you can help out, please volunteer to help be the "Point Man" for the grade level event.

Morning Walk Invasion:

Join your child once a quarter as they get some exercise in the morning. First quarter

dates will be during the week of December 12th. Monday (12/12) for 1st & 2nd grades, Tuesday (12/13) for 3rd & 4^th grades, and Wednesday (12/14) for 5th grade.

Cocoa Café:

Become a server at our new Cocoa Café and serve hot chocolate to our students on select winter mornings from 7:15am - 8:00am. 5th Grade (Monday, December 19th), 4th Grade (Wednesday, December 7th) For a RAD DADS T-Shirt please send in your registration form as well as your payment for $5 with your child. If you need a form, please send an email to benneedle@aol.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR REFLECTIONS EAST COBB COUNCIL COUNTY WINNERS!: These entries will move forward to the state competition. This year's theme was, "Diversity means..."

Dance Choreography
2nd Grade - Eileen Z

Film Production
3rd Grade - Jenny K

Music Composition
Kindergarten - Hannah S

Photography
Kindergarten - Robert H
4th Grade - Trey S

Visual Arts
3rd Grade - Sophie E
5th Grade - Karen L

SLEIGHBELLS ON THE SQUARE 5K: Cobb County Bar Association sponsors Sleighbells on the Square 5K Race annually to gather funds for the Children’s Emergency Fund, Inc. This Year's 11th Annual Sleighbells event will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2011 on the Marietta Square. The Community Resource Fund was established for the School Social Work Department in order to assist families in crisis throughout Cobb County. There is an award each year for the school with the MOST participation, so if you sign up, please make sure you note your school affiliation! For a registration form, please email Karen.Schwartz@cobbk12.org.

JOHNSON FERRY IS NOW REGISTERING FOR THE UPWARD SOFTBALL SEASON: Early registration is $99.00 per player.  Cost includes a jersey, pants/shorts, socks, visor and end of the season awards. Divisions for Girls 4 years old -13 years old.  For more information, call 678-784-5317 or visit www.johnsonferry.org/recreation . End of Season Parade at Turner Field!!!

JOHNSON FERRY IS NOW REGISTERING FOR THE UPWARD BASEBALL SEASON: Early registration is $99.00 per player (5U Tee Ball is $95).  Cost includes a jersey, pants, socks, hat, belt (6U and Up) and end of the season awards. Divisions for Boys 4 yrs old - 11 years old. For more information, call 678-784-5317 or visit www.johnsonferry.org/recreation . End of Season Parade at Turner Field!!!