McMurray Elementary PTA Hosts Tradition with McMurray Kick-Off Night

Thursday evening, the grounds of filled with students, their families and teachers for the annual McMurray Kick-Off Night, sponsored by the PTA.

A tradition hosted by the school staff members, McMurray Kick-Off Night welcomes back students in 5th- and 6th- grade, and encourages 4th-graders to meet and greet their new classmates and upperclassmen.

Peters Township Youth Cheerleaders cheered the teachers and staff into the event, which included activities such as football toss, the High Striker, ping-pong toss and a duck pond. 

Of the most popular attractions were caricature artists, Clarence Butler and Jeff Harris—author of the Observer-Reporter newspaper’s “Shortcuts”—and a tattoo artist staffed by Mike the Balloon Guy.

Parents and family members purchased raffle tickets to win themed baskets created by the teachers in an effort to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society’s .

Teachers collected and donated items for spa, lottery ticket, cleaning product and book-themed baskets.

Spearheading McMurray Kick-Off Night were PTA members Kami Malencia, Kristin Kulikowski, Tracey Koutsogiani and Ria Kartsonas.

“Our goal this year was to organize this family- and activity-centered event so it was fun for all ages,” said Kulikowski.

“We really enjoyed planning this,” Kartsonas continued. “We each took on an event-related task and brought it all together successfully.”

“No Tune Left Behind,” a band made up of four of McMurray’s music teachers Ray Cygrymus, David DiFilippo, John Lovett and Stephen McGough, provided the musical entertainment playing popular rock classic parodies such as Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” tailored to “Rockin’ at McMurray” for students and their families.

Many songs contained anti-bullying messages reflecting McMurray’s strong anti-bullying initiative.

“It’s great for the kids to see us outside the classroom having fun and doing what we teach,” said DiFilippo. McGough added, “Being musicians, we appreciate the value in the love of music and our hope is that our kids will too.”

The McMurray PTA provided pizza, pretzels and refreshments for students and families in attendance, while parent volunteers donated cookies.

The Spirit Wear and Box Top Committees had stations for parents and students to visit. Cameron Wellness Center of McMurray set up an obstacle course students took turns navigating.

”I had fun and made new friends,” beamed McMurray 5th-grader Hayley Abt.