From the Principal

Photo of Mrs. Ryan

Meet the Principal!

My name is Elena Ryan and I am honored to be the principal of Marie Murphy. As we work to begin a new school year, I would like to share a bit about myself. In 2003 I earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from DePaul University. I taught at Attea Middle School in Glenview District 34 for eleven years, and then moved out of the classroom to be a district coordinator and instructional coach for two years. My master’s degree in educational leadership is from Northeastern Illinois University. I am arriving in District 37 after completing four years as the assistant principal of Harper and Romona Elementary schools in Wilmette District 39. 

I love the work I do each day to support students as they learn and grow through a whole-child approach to their education. I have a first grader and a fifth grader myself, so I understand and appreciate the necessity for a strong parent to school relationship. Together we can do great things for our students! It is a privilege to be joining the District 37 team, and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Welcome to Marie Murphy! 

Marie Murphy School in Wilmette utilizes philosophical characteristics of both a middle school and a junior high school to help recognize our high expectations. We strongly believe in our mission: to ensure that every student is challenged and engaged in the learning process to the fullest extent possible, thus supporting the district’s mission of, “Maximizing the Unique Potential of Each Student.”

Marie Murphy is equipped with an outstanding facility to meet the needs of approximately 270 adolescents. The student body is a microcosm of the world-at-large, with over 20 different nationalities being represented. Our diversity yields enriching exchanges, wide ranging student talents, and richly textured classroom discussions. Our students develop a worldview that is compassionate and well-informed. They are presented with opportunities to participate in outreach projects that benefit local, state, national, and international service organizations. Simply put, our school community takes great pride in learning to make a difference in the lives of others.

Collaborative teacher teams, who author curriculum, engage in best practices in instruction, and monitor student wellbeing are at the heart of Marie Murphy's success. Each grade level has its own master schedule and is centered around a core academic course of study that includes English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Each core academic class is one-hour in duration. The daily schedule is balanced with daily classes of  physical education, world languages, and allied arts (art, creative writing, music, and theatre), which are conducted in forty minute periods.

The goal in every classroom is to promote growth and achievement for all students. We accomplish this endeavor through the promotion of student inquiry, both academically and socially. Technology is woven into classroom instruction to create unique opportunities to collaborate with peers. Every student is assigned their own laptop or iPad to help create transformative educational experiences.

Our students consistently earn accolades for their outstanding performances on national, state, and local academic assessments. Additionally, recognition for excellence in interscholastic sports, clubs, Science Olympiad, and fine arts performances and competitions occur regularly. A culture of growth and achievement permeates all we do.

CONTACT ME: [email protected]