Murphy Elementary
About
Rita Murphy Elementary School, named after a highly regarded English teacher in the Bismarck Public Schools, opened in September of 1969 with an enrollment of approximately 150 students. Since that time, the district has built three additions to the school. In 2007 the last of the three construction projects was concluded, which included eight regular classrooms, several specialist areas, a library/media center, a music room, and a cafeteria/multipurpose room.
Currently the enrollment at Rita Murphy stands at approximately 570 students in grades K-5. The student base is made up of neighborhood children as well as those from rural areas to the east and northeast of the city of Bismarck.
Rita Murphy has a dedicated faculty of 27 classroom teachers as well as specialists in the areas of reading, physical education, vocal and instrumental music, library/media, gifted and talented, special education and counseling. The entire teaching staff at Murphy consists of forty-four highly qualified professional educators. In addition to the teaching staff, a support staff, made up of secretaries, custodians, a library aide, cooks, playground supervisors, a nurse, and instructional aides help the school run smoothly.
Volunteer
Murphy is thankful for their volunteers that help make a difference for their student’s each and every school day. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Reading Volunteers- Volunteer to come and read to our students within the classroom setting
- Crossing Guards- Help provide safe passage along Murphy’s streets
- Event Volunteers- There is always a need for extra help at after-school events.
Please contact Murphy’s secretary at 701-323-4190 to find out more ways that you can become involved today!
Please note: Due to the COVID-19 School Re-entry plan, access within the building may be limited.
Give Today
Murphy Elementary
Donation Category Details
Playground Equipment
Play is important to healthy brain development as it allows children to use their creatively while developing their imagination, physical, and social/emotional strength. Murphy is continually looking to enhance their playground equipment to ensure that all students, including those with physical restrictions may enjoy their recess.
Student Experiences
Field trips allow students to gain exposure to the world around them in a hands-on, memorable way. Funding would go to pay for any uncovered transport and admission fees.
Student Recognition
Reinforcing positive behavior and academic achievement through students recognition helps to guide students to showcase positive outcomes. Funding provided would be utilized for student prizes such as school apparel, reading materials, etc.
Student Needs
This funding would go to provide for students where basic needs have been identified. This would include, but not be limited to, personal hygiene products, lice shampoo, winter gloves, snow pants and coats, socks, underwear, etc.
Teacher Appreciation
Funding would go to provide appreciation gifts for teachers who a making a difference in the lives of our local youth. This could range from a small gift to a catered lunch for teachers.
Teacher Classroom Needs
There are certain needs within classrooms that are not currently funded through the existing budget. These would include Scholastic Books Sponsorship, playground balls, gum and mints (for testing), replacement school supplies (notebooks, markers, crayons, etc.), dry erase markers and Kleenex.
OUR MISSION
Partner with the BPS District to empower every learner to thrive by enhancing the services and recognition of students and staff.


Questions should be directed to:
Stacey Lang
Development Director
701-323-4093