{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Richard Murphy K-8 School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6163968,"projectId":9882442,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students, faculty, and administration at the Murphy School, I am writing to express our sincere appreciation for your generous donation of volleyball and badminton nets to our Physical Education program. Your thoughtful contribution will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive physical education experiences for our students in grades 5th through 8th, directly supporting their developmental needs during these crucial middle school years.\r\n\r\nThe nets you have provided are instrumental in helping us meet the Boston Public Schools Health and Wellness Standards, which emphasize the development of motor skills, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits. These standards recognize that middle school students require diverse opportunities to explore different sports and activities as they develop their physical literacy and discover their personal interests in movement and athletics.\r\n\r\nYour donation directly addresses the unique needs of our Murphy School students during this pivotal developmental stage. Students in grades 5th through 8th are experiencing rapid physical, social, and emotional changes, and net sports like volleyball and badminton provide ideal opportunities for them to develop coordination, timing, and spatial awareness while building confidence in their abilities. These activities align perfectly with our health and wellness standards that emphasize age-appropriate skill development and progressive learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe volleyball and badminton nets support several critical areas of our physical education curriculum. Net sports require students to develop hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making skills. As outlined in the BPS Health and Wellness Standards, these cognitive-physical connections are essential for developing well-rounded students who understand how physical activity enhances both their physical and mental capabilities.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, these nets enable us to provide meaningful team-building experiences that are particularly important for middle school students. Volleyball and badminton naturally foster communication, cooperation, and sportsmanship – values that extend far beyond the gymnasium. Our health and wellness standards emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning through physical activity, and team sports provide authentic opportunities for students to practice leadership, conflict resolution, and mutual support.\r\n\r\nYour generous contribution also supports our commitment to inclusive physical education. Both volleyball and badminton can be modified to accommodate students of varying skill levels and physical abilities, ensuring that every Murphy School student can participate meaningfully. Whether through lowered nets, modified rules, or adapted equipment, these sports offer flexibility that aligns with our district's equity goals and our dedication to meeting each student's individual needs.\r\n\r\nThe nets will enable us to introduce students to lifetime sports that they can continue to enjoy well beyond their school years. The BPS Health and Wellness Standards emphasize the importance of exposing students to activities that promote lifelong fitness habits. Volleyball and badminton are accessible sports that students can play recreationally throughout their lives, supporting our goal of developing physically literate individuals who value and pursue regular physical activity.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, these net sports provide excellent cardiovascular exercise while developing specific motor skills such as serving, spiking, and strategic positioning. This combination of fitness and skill development perfectly aligns with our standards that call for activities promoting both health-related and skill-related fitness components.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends beyond physical development. Research demonstrates that participation in team sports enhances academic performance, builds self-esteem, and develops critical thinking skills. By providing our Murphy School students with quality equipment for volleyball and badminton, you are investing in their overall educational experience and personal growth.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support of our Physical Education program and your investment in our students' health and well-being. The nets will be put to immediate use, and we look forward to sharing stories of student success and engagement in these exciting activities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous contribution to the Murphy School community.","fullyFundedDate":1769607957724,"projectUrl":"project/smash-it-in-pe/9882442/","projectTitle":"Smash it in PE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palmieri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6163968"},{"teacherId":1558732,"projectId":10168936,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for fully funding my DonorsChoose project \"Science of Reading\" This project has kept me updated regarding reading. Specifically, this subscription has allowed me to have access to updated instructional evidenced-based strategies aligned to the Science of Reading.\r\n\r\nThis project has positively impacted my structured literacy instruction and all student learning in reading and writing. As a result, this project has led to an increase in student growth and achievement.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMr. Arlauskas","fullyFundedDate":1775743660076,"projectUrl":"project/science-of-reading/10168936/","projectTitle":"Science of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arlauskas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1558732_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475271027090","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-arlauskas"},{"teacherId":1558732,"projectId":9593199,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for supporting my DonorsChoose project \"Class Supplies. This project has positively impacted student learning this year. \r\n\r\nAcademically, the headphones have given all students access to assignments. Specifically, they can listen to books read aloud and use features like speech to text to write. Additionally, class is now more healthy with the hand sanitizers, tissues, and wipes. This has helped to ensure we remain healthy to have good attendance and participate fully in class.","fullyFundedDate":1756432247385,"projectUrl":"project/class-supplies/9593199/","projectTitle":"Class Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arlauskas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1558732_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475271027090","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-arlauskas"},{"teacherId":5262090,"projectId":9985440,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to my project to bring creative materials to our school library so that our students can not only read about things, but then create as well! I know that these materials will be especially appreciated by our young students with different needs, as they need materials they can hold and touch to truly experience the topics we are learning about each day. Thank you so much for helping us to build a library that goes beyond just books and meets the needs of all our different learners.","fullyFundedDate":1776168872413,"projectUrl":"project/creating-in-the-library/9985440/","projectTitle":"Creating in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waterbury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5262090_orig.jpg?crop=707,707,x64,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768481136232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5262090"},{"teacherId":5262090,"projectId":10073313,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to my project to bring ABC related materials to my library. As we begin to move towards being a fully inclusive school, meaning all classrooms in our school will be inclusion, it is vital to build a collection of materials that goes beyond just books and devices. Our students with different needs utilize actual hands on materials to experience the world and learn. These manipulatives will be perfect for teaching our youngest learners the alphabet and help them begin to learn to read. I know they will be used for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1776168871753,"projectUrl":"project/a-b-c-in-the-library/10073313/","projectTitle":"A, B, C in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waterbury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5262090_orig.jpg?crop=707,707,x64,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768481136232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5262090"},{"teacherId":1877293,"projectId":9948691,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! On behalf of my students and DonorsChoose, I am writing to share a quick update on the project you supported.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students enjoyed a fantastic classroom pizza party! It was a wonderful opportunity for them to feel rewarded and enjoy some quality community time. The room was full of laughter and school-related discussions, all while the kids enjoyed every bite of the delicious pizza you provided.\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for your support. If you are interested in following our classroom's journey or supporting us again in the future, please visit our page at donorschoose.org/ychen to see our classroom projects!\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and wish you all the best!","fullyFundedDate":1766010632359,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-pizza-party-for-hardworking-mat/9948691/","projectTitle":"New Year Pizza Party for Hardworking Math Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ychen"},{"teacherId":2953492,"projectId":10017670,"letterContent":"The students have benefited greatly from all our new sensory items. Having these available as needed and not having to leave our environment helps students regulate and return to the task! Students are learning to use visuals to support their communication to express what sensory needs they have and use a fluid check in check out system to access the tools you have all donated to us! \r\n\r\n When parents saw our new room they were overtaken with joy! knowing their students have a place that meets all their needs is a wonderful feeling. \r\nThank you, \r\nRm 112","fullyFundedDate":1771515985713,"projectUrl":"project/meeting-our-needs/10017670/","projectTitle":"Meeting Our Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2953492"},{"teacherId":6240795,"projectId":9827704,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous contribution of art materials to our students. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, providing students with the tools they need to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and express themselves in new and exciting ways.\r\n\r\nAccess to quality art supplies opens doors for imagination and confidence-building. Because of your kindness, our students are able to engage more deeply in their artistic projects and take pride in their work. For many, these materials are not just supplies—they are opportunities to discover new passions and talents.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' education and creative growth. Your generosity is truly appreciated, and it has had a lasting impact on our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1767145628203,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-focus-during-art/9827704/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Focus During Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bodkin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6240795_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714962572135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6240795"},{"teacherId":6163968,"projectId":9951824,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students, faculty, and administration at the Murphy, I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of balancing boards to our elementary Physical Education program. Your thoughtful contribution will have a lasting impact on our students' physical development and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nThe balancing boards you have provided align perfectly with the Boston Public Schools Health and Wellness Standards, which emphasize the importance of developing fundamental movement skills and promoting lifelong healthy habits. These standards recognize that physical education is not just about exercise, but about building the foundation for students to lead active, healthy lives throughout their academic journey and beyond.\r\n\r\nYour donation directly supports several key areas of our health and wellness curriculum. The balancing boards will help our students develop proprioception and spatial awareness, which are essential components of motor skill development outlined in our physical education standards. Through regular use of these boards, students will improve their core strength, stability, and coordination while engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities that make learning enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThe BPS Health and Wellness Standards emphasize the importance of providing diverse movement experiences that accommodate different learning styles and physical abilities. Your balancing boards offer exactly this type of inclusive equipment, allowing students of varying skill levels to participate meaningfully in physical activities. Whether used for basic balance challenges, dynamic movement sequences, or as part of obstacle courses, these boards will provide countless opportunities for students to build confidence in their physical abilities.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the balancing boards support our commitment to developing students' understanding of how physical activity contributes to personal health and fitness. As outlined in our wellness standards, we strive to help students recognize the connection between regular physical activity and their overall well-being. The engaging nature of balance activities will encourage students to view exercise as enjoyable rather than burdensome, fostering positive attitudes toward physical fitness that will serve them throughout their lives.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also supports our efforts to create an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. The balancing boards can be adapted for various activities and skill levels, ensuring that every child in our program can participate and experience success. This aligns with our district's commitment to equity and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality physical education experiences.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation extends beyond the gymnasium walls. Research consistently shows that physical activity enhances cognitive function, improves focus, and supports academic achievement. By providing our students with engaging physical education experiences through equipment like your balancing boards, you are contributing to their success across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your investment in our students' health and education. Your support demonstrates a commitment to the whole child approach that Boston Public Schools values so highly. The balancing boards will be put to immediate use, and we look forward to sharing updates about the positive impact they have on our students' physical development and enthusiasm for healthy living.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous support of our Physical Education program and our students' well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1769801387089,"projectUrl":"project/balancing-the-future/9951824/","projectTitle":"Balancing the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palmieri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6163968"},{"teacherId":5262090,"projectId":10132634,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously contributing to my project to help create a story box for the beloved children's book \"Is Your Mama a Llama,\" by Deborah Guarino. This story box will be especially beneficial to our youngest students with different learning needs, as they love to hear stories with props to help them fully understand the text. But it will also be used by other young students when they visit the library each week. I know it will soon become a favorite of our students! I appreciate your help as we continue to create a collection in our school library that meets the needs of all of our different learners.","fullyFundedDate":1773886591795,"projectUrl":"project/is-your-mama-a-llama/10132634/","projectTitle":"Is Your Mama a Llama?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waterbury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5262090_orig.jpg?crop=707,707,x64,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768481136232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5262090"},{"teacherId":10357519,"projectId":9911946,"letterContent":"We have received your generous donation of headphones for our students and wanted to take the time to thank you. We value and appreciate your assistance in helping our students gain access to programs that will help increase their overall achievement within the classroom. \r\n\r\nOur students were excited to receive new, properly working headsets, as they utilized them to access their specialized reading program. Our students also used your generous gift during their yearly language assessment. They were extremely thankful to have new equipment that helped them to focus on the task at hand, rather than worry about not being able to hear properly due to frayed wires. \r\n\r\nYour donation has made a tremendous impact on our community, specifically our multilingual students. We are forever grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1767218151692,"projectUrl":"project/an-ear-resistable-approach-to-building-r/9911946/","projectTitle":"An Ear-resistable Approach to Building Reading Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10357519"},{"teacherId":10340149,"projectId":9912847,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to fully engage in hands-on, creative learning experiences in our art room. Over the past few weeks, we have used these materials across several key lessons, including neurographic line drawings, a personal album cover project, and our current 3D Food Truck project.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful supplies has been the black Sharpies, which have played a major role in each of these lessons. During our neurographic line drawings, students used Sharpies to create bold, continuous lines that helped them explore creativity and relaxation through art. The strong lines made their work stand out and gave them confidence in their designs.\r\n\r\nIn the album cover project, students used black Sharpies to outline and define their images, symbols, and lettering. This helped bring clarity and contrast to their work, making their designs more polished and visually powerful as they expressed their identities and personal interests.\r\n\r\nNow, in our 3D Food Truck project, students are again using Sharpies to finalize their designs—adding logos, menus, and details that make their trucks unique. The bold outlines help their ideas come to life and give their finished pieces a professional look.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were genuinely excited. Many immediately started sharing ideas like, \"I'm making a pancake truck!\" or \"Can I add opening windows?\" It sparked creativity right away and helped even some of my more hesitant learners feel motivated to participate.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been seeing students who don't always feel successful in traditional academic settings take pride in their work. Watching them carefully design, build, and problem-solve has shown just how powerful hands-on learning can be.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue developing their food trucks by adding details, refining their designs, and reflecting on their creative choices. We will also continue reinforcing art vocabulary and design principles as they explain their work and artistic decisions.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful difference in creating a space where students feel inspired, capable, and proud of what they create. Thank you for helping bring creativity and confidence into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1769192060878,"projectUrl":"project/bold-lines-big-ideas/9912847/","projectTitle":"Bold Lines, Big Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luciano-Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340149_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762276001647","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/helpmrslb2025"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62924","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":855,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":69,"percentAsian":50,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":62924,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Richard Murphy K-8 School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Richard Murphy K-8 School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/murphy-k-8-school/62924"}
Join the 1,225 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Richard Murphy K-8 School is
an urban public school
in Dorchester, Massachusetts that is part of Boston Public Schools.
It serves 855 students
in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.0:1.
Its teachers have had 634 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
84%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Richard Murphy K-8 School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 29, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Richard Murphy K-8 School
$290,981
raised using DonorsChoose
634
projects
funded
102
teachers
funded
1,225
donors
45
projects
for
basic supplies
119
projects for
technology
99
projects for
books
32
projects
for
art supplies
Richard Murphy K-8 School has received support from
821 individuals from Massachusetts and
404 individuals out-of-state.