From Our Own Betsy Knox ~
I have to share my feelings surrounding this morning’s 9/11 assembly. The design of having all students and faculty outside surrounding the flag, leaving and returning to the building in silence, the pledge introduced by Mr. Vizzo, the chorus singing America the Beautiful, the “bells” as the flag was lowered to half mast, and the moving words of explanation to honor those who have fallen, the entire assembly brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. I feel honored to be a member of the Murphy family.

On Saturday March 5th, RCM's Science Olympiad Team participated in the Eastern Suffolk Regional Competition at Candlewood Middle School in Melville, NY. Murphy's three teams finished first, third and sixth out of 38 teams. Murphy's first place team won 8 first place metals in the 16 events they competed in. In total, Murphy placed in 18 out of 20 events. Science Olympiad is a challenging competition with events ranging from building and engineering to biology, chemistry and geology. Our school is named after Robert Cushman Murphy; a scientist and naturalist who would be proud of the students following in his footsteps.

We are pleased to announce that our Chamber Orchestra, 9th grade Orchestra and Chamber Choir participated in the Music in the Park competition at Hershey. Our Chamber Orchestra and 9th grade Orchestra, under the direction of Geri Lisanti Levy received FIRST PLACE with a SUPERIOR RATING. Our 9th Grade Chamber Choir, under the direction of Anthony Pollera received FIRST PLACE and the ESPRIT DE CORPS AWARD. We are so proud!

Congratulations to 7th grader Ashley Hong who won Murphy's first Spelling Bee!
Hannah Yen (8th grade) Second
Ramya Rao (8th grade) Third
Brianna Mauren (7th grade) Fourth
Dasha Shavarina (8th grade) Fifth

Murphy would like to congratulate 7th grader Jasper Chen. Jasper qualified for the New York State level of the National Geographic Bee. Best of luck Jasper!

The Eighth Annual Cabaret Night 2010 sponsored by the RCM Theatre Department & RCM PTO was another great success! Highlights Included: Performed and Organized: 300 students, 72 teachers, 35 parents. With 850 Tickets sold. Proceeds from Cabaret Night have purchased or supported a wide variety of RCM groups and activities.

The Science Bowl is a competition sponsored by the Department of Energy in the hope that more students will pursue a career in the sciences and Alternative Energy.
Twenty teams from across Long Island competed against each other in a Jeopardy style format of questions and answers. The subjects covered are math, physical science, life science, Earth and Space science and chemistry. There is also a car racing component to the competition. The students have to design and build a car using a Hydrogen Fuel cell kit supplied by the National Science Bowl organization.
The overall winner who represents the Region is the winner of the Academic component. Our team #1 won an exciting final match to become this year's Champs!!!