Murphy 101
Frequently Asked Questions about Archbishop Murphy High School

We are very pleased that you are considering AMHS as your school community. Your family brings special gifts and talents that make our school a great place to be. We here at Archbishop Murphy take pride in the quality of the education and formation that we provide.  We want your child to receive the care and encouragement that he or she needs to grow intellectually, psychologically and spiritually; to realize those talents that God has given him or her to share with others; and to have some fun along the way. We thank you for entrusting to Archbishop Murphy this important stage in the growth of your child.

We hope this FAQ page answers questions you may have as you begin your AMHS experience. However, if at any time you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

When does school start in the morning?  Dismiss in the afternoon?
First period begins at 8:00am and last period dismisses at 2:30pm (except on Wednesdays when we start at 8:45am). Zero period begins at 7:05am (except Wednesdays when it begins at 8:00am). There are no zero period classes on the first Wednesday of each month due to the monthly faculty/staff meeting.

What is a "Rotating Schedule"?

The class day at AMHS is divided up into six class periods. In addition, students may take a zero-period class if they desire. On a “normal” day, there is one morning break, and two lunch periods (assigned by grade). We operate on a rotating schedule, which means students visit their classes at different times during the week.

 
In addition to the above “normal” schedules, the class day may differ if there is an assembly, homeroom, a liturgy or other special events. There may be a noon dismissal, only one lunch period, or a late start due to inclement weather. Schedules are adjusted as necessary.

Do you have a dress code?
Yes. We want students to dress appropriately for class and try to look their best. We like to give students a general guideline of what is acceptable at school and then allow them to decide what is best for them. There are some things we do not allow such as hats, facial hair,  bare midriffs or clothing that is provocative in nature. We do, however, expect students to “dress up” for many of our monthly liturgies. For additional information, click here to view our Student Handbook.

What can we expect the first week of the school year?
Many things will be taking place during the first few days of the school year. Freshman Welcome Day will be held August 25. Student Orientation is August 30 and the First Day of Classes is August 31. Curriculum Night for the parents will take place September 7. This will give parents the opportunity to meet each of their student’s teachers and learn more about the expectations for each class.

How many hours of homework does a typical AMHS student have each night?
This varies for each student,  but homework is an integral part of our students’ learning process. On average, students may have approximately two hours of homework per night.

Which counselor will work with my student?
Our three full-time counselors are assigned to students by last name. They are as follows:

 
When do students receive their course schedules?
Typically, the master schedule is completed in late May and students will usually receive their schedules in mid-June. If students have questions about their schedules, they can contact their school counselor. Course changes can be made by the counselors and are done for academic reasons only (i.e., incorrect placement in a course).

How do we order textbooks?
Once students have received their schedules, the school will send the book lists for all of the courses offered at AMHS (mailing takes place in June). Families can order their books through www.myschoolbookstore.com after June 30. The school has an agreement with this company, and they guarantee they can fill all orders from our families. However, families can also pursue other options to purchase books if they choose. Ordering the correct ISBN number is very important. More information about textbooks can be found here.

Does my student have to complete service hours?
Yes, all AMHS students must complete service hours each year. Freshmen will need to complete 21 hours at an approved agency. The Campus Ministry Office provides families with a list of pre-approved agencies. We encourage all students to finish their hours over the summer, if possible. More information on our Serving People in Need (SPIN) program can be found by clicking here.

What activities can my student participate in at AMHS?
Our students are involved in sports, clubs, ASB (student government), and other activities. There is a Club Fair at the beginning of the school year where students can learn about clubs and activities.

Mr. Alex Crane and Mr. Jerry Zander, our Directors of Student Services, will provide information to the students regarding the myriad of ways they can get involved. Involvement outside of the classroom is crucial to a positive high school experience. We find that approximately 90% of our students are involved in some co-curricular activity. For a list of clubs and activities, click here.

Are there any dances at AMHS?
AMHS currently offers a school Homecoming dance in the fall (formal), a spring Tolo (casual) and Prom (formal). Various groups such as the cheer squad or class officers may organize additional dances. The school dress code applies at all dances. Appropriate conduct is mandatory.

What sports does AMHS offer?  Do you cut?
We offer a wide variety of sports for both boys and girls. (See below.) Due to the limitations on the number of players that can reasonably participate in sports such as basketball,  some teams do have competitive tryouts. It is possible for freshmen to letter in varsity athletics.

Where do the teams play?
All home events are on the AMHS campus except as follows:

Cross Country: McCollum Park
Golf: Battle Creek Golf Course in Marysville
Track: Everett Memorial Stadium (meets only)
Swimming: Mill Creek Country Club

Do I need a Sports Physical to participate in athletics at AMHS?

All athletes are REQUIRED to have a parent permission slip and valid physical form on file with the athletic office by the beginning of each sport season in order to participate. The Student Packet (which includes all necessary forms) is available on our website by clicking here. Forms can also be picked up in the athletic office located in room 104. Physicals are valid for 24 months from the date of the exam and are kept on file in the athletic office until they expire.

As a convenience for our families, we have scheduled sports physicals on campus for Thursday, June 9, 2011. Volunteer physicians, physical therapists and nurses are on hand to provide a physical for your athlete. The cost is $25.00 (cash or checks to be made out to AMHS) .  Exams will be given between 2:45 and 5:00pm and take approximately 30–45 minutes.  To sign up for a physical, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Alternatively, you can see your family physician, a walk-in clinic, or a sports medicine clinic for a physical.

How do students get to school?
Most freshmen students either carpool or their parents drop them off. Older students usually drive to school. Unfortunately, public transportation is not a viable option due to the limited bus service available in our area. Limited AMHS school bus service may be available in your area. For more details, click here.

Where do AMHS students live?  Which elementary/middle schools did they attend?
We have students who come from as far north as Mt. Vernon and Arlington, as far south as Seattle, as far west as Whidbey Island,  and as far east as Monroe. A majority of our students come from the local Catholic elementary schools, but a significant number of students also come to us from the Snohomish and Everett public middle schools, as well as other private schools in the area.

What do you offer in the area of Fine Arts?
We have a very successful and thriving fine arts department. In the performing arts, students may participate in the fall and/or spring plays; there are classes in drama, choir and band; girls can join the Show Choir; boys can join the Men’s Ensemble; there is a liturgy choir and an honors choir called Choral-Aires; the Triple Threat Club is very active (dancing, singing and acting); Pep Band is open to everyone, including parents. In the visual arts area, we have our annual Juried Art Show, classes in painting, drawing and pottery, as well as other opportunities for students to display their artistic skills and talents.

Do students have lockers?
Students are issued lockers and locks at the beginning of the year. To avoid theft or misplacing books, students should use the lockers and locks rather than leave their personal items around campus. Our daily schedule allows for students to visit their lockers during break and lunch, with two class periods in between each break.

How can I get involved in Campus Ministry?
There are many Campus Ministry events for students, including retreats, outreach opportunities  (Food Drive, Christmas Adopt-a-Family, Rice Bowl), liturgical ministries, leading morning prayer, and more. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , our Director of Campus Ministry, for additional information. Have your student stop by the Campus Ministry office (room 103) and sign up for activities in which they want to be involved.

How does AMHS communicate with our family once we are at AMHS? How can we "Stay in the Loop"?

Communication is of the utmost importance here at AMHS, and is a priority for us. We use various methods of communicating with our families, and encourage you to make use of the tools we have put in place. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Patti Means ▪ Director of Communications
(425) 379-6363 Ext. 246 ▪ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Helen Robinson or Cathy Meehan ▪ Student Services
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ▪ (425) 379-6363 Ext. 297

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ▪ (425) 379-6363 Ext. 280

Website
Our website is updated daily with important information to help keep you informed. You will find information for all departments at the school, including Campus Ministry, Athletics, Fine Arts, the Library, Student Life, Development and others.

E-mails
We regularly e-mail our families about upcoming events, reminders and other important information. Please be sure to contact Student Services to update your demographic information if your e-mail address or other contact information has changed.

Snail Mail
Periodically you will receive a mailing through the postal service which will include fliers, forms and other school-specific information.

Calendar
The school electronic calendar helps keep you informed about school events. It includes directions to events and event information such as order forms or fliers associated with the event. You can filter on events that interest you, tailor the calendar view to see just what you want to see, and track your student’s activities. You can receive automatic e-mails when events get added to the calendar, change, or are canceled. To learn more about the calendar, read this informative handout.

PowerSchool
This is our online grading system, attendance tracker and family information database, which can be accessed by parents on a daily basis. Passwords and access information is available to parents, and any questions should be directed to Student Services.

What if I need help? Where do I go? Who do I contact?

Student Services is the place to take care of many of your questions, problems or concerns. Student Services is located in Heath Hall; the entrance is on the north side of the building.

Some of the issues that Student Services can help with are:

• Attendance issues. Is your student absent, late, tardy or dismissing early? Call or e-mail Student Services.
• Students must sign in or sign out if they arrive late or leave campus early.
• Parking. Students, faculty/staff and parent volunteers are issued permits. Families will receive information during the summer.
• PowerSchool, our online school database, is kept up-to-date by Student Services. Notify them if you have a demographic change to make.
• Need to turn in forms or money for an event? Drop it off at Student Services.
• Student Services handles all cash boxes for events.
• Disciplinary issues such as detention and dress code violations are handled through Student Services.
• Can’t open your locker or lost your lock? Contact us!
• Want change for the vending machine? This is the place to come.
• Did you lose your cell phone or iPod? Come here. (Lost and Found for books and sweatshirts is located in Grace Hall).
• Any item that a parent needs to drop off for a student, such as a forgotten lunch, athletic clothing or liturgy dress, should be brought here.
• Has your student become sick during the day? They should go to Student Services.
• Need to pick up your SCRIP order? This is the place.
• Family directories will be available in Student Services after October.

Contact us! We can help or we will direct you to the correct department. For a complete faculty/staff roster, click here.

Helen Robinson or Cathy Meehan ▪ Student Services
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ▪ (425) 379-6363 Ext. 297

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ▪ (425) 379-6363 Ext. 280

How do I get some of the great WILDCAT SPORTSWEAR I see kids (and adults) wearing?
The Athletic Booster Club offers many logo items for sale. Click here for more details.

What is SCRIP?
Purchasing SCRIP (gift cards) is an easy and effective way to help support the various student programs offered at Archbishop Murphy High School. Whether at the grocery store, the gas pump or dining out, the variety of merchants available through the SCRIP program makes it easy and convenient for you to incorporate the use of SCRIP or eSCRIP into everyday life and raise money for AMHS at the same time. Families may purchase SCRIP every other week through our online ordering system. Orders are ready for pick up the Thursday of order week. For complete details on the SCRIP program, click here.

In what other ways can I help support AMHS?

The Development Office coordinates a variety of activities and events to help raise funds for Archbishop Murphy High School, to help keep tuition as affordable as possible. Click here for more details.

How can I become a parent volunteer?

AMHS wouldn't be the school it is without the involvement of its families. From helping in the office, to assisting on an athletic team, or being a helper on one of many committees, we couldn't do it without you! We ask each family to volunteer 20 service hours per school year, and there are a variety of ways in which parents can be involved. Volunteering builds community, lowers costs, and assures efficient operations. In each family's registration packet, there is a checklist which lists all our volunteer opportunities. Parents can mark on the form any opportunities that appeal to them. When the form is returned to AMHS, we record your interests, and a volunteer coordinator will contact you as opportunities arise during the school year.