ABOUT ME

My name is Alex McMurray and I am excited to be your child's teacher this year at Creekside Middle School in 6th grade English language arts, Social Studies, and possibly Quest or Journalism. I've been teaching at Creekside since 2016. My teaching career began in 2001 here in Castro Valley Unified . I spent 15 years teaching at Proctor Elementary School. For the first 12 years of my career I taught 5th grade, and for three years I taught first grade. I have been involved with our district's summer school program for 19 of my 22 years.

In 2015 and 2016, I served as the elementary summer school principal at both Chabot and Vannoy Elementary School. I also served as an assistant summer school principal, Special Education supervisor, English Learner coach, PBIS facilitator, Writing Mentor Teacher, Common Core Math Site Leader, Acting Principal, and Lead Teacher.

I completed my schooling in 2000 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies at CSU Hayward. In 2008-09 I returned to CSU-East Bay and completed my M.S. in Educational Leadership and also obtained my Tier I Administrative Credentials.

My wife, Kari, and I were married in 2000 and we have three children: Claire, William, and Grace. We live here in Castro Valley.

I am a huge sports fan. I enjoy rooting for the Oakland A's and 49ers . I also really like the Golden State Warriors and Cal Bears .

I am an avid collector of all things Hot Wheels. I run the Creekside Racing Club for monthly drag races. That is a LOT of fun! I'm always hunting for Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and other diecast vehicle. I'm also an avid reader of comic books and visit our local Crush Comics every Wednesday for new books. So naturally, my two favorite teacher gifts are Hot Wheels (Target/Wal-Mart/Amazon gift cards) and Crush Comics gift certificate.

I enjoy going to the movies, out to eat, and to sporting events. My go-to theater is Chabot Cinema and Cinemark. My favorite local restaurants include Southern Comfort Kitchen and The Cannery.

Reading is my favorite hobby! I'm currently in the middle of two books:

Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success by Dr. Christopher Emdin
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

This summer, I read the following books:

The King of New Orleans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Professional Wrestling's First Black Superhero by Greg Klein
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Restart by Gordon Korman
Why Would I Lie? by Adi Rule

I'm also a HUGE comic book lover! Every Wednesday I pick up the latest titles at Crush Comics here in town! My favorite #TeacherGift is a Crush Comics gift card! Currently I'm in the middle of this year's major Marvel event, Empyre. I'm also following the DCeased storyline, Batman's Grave, and Justice League Dark in the DC Universe.

You'll notice a huge spoon collection around the classroom. These are from over 47 countries and almost all of the United States. As I have never left the 48 contiguous United States, these are donated to me from former students, friends, and family that have traveled all over the world! Many of the spoons I have received from my younger brother, Dallas, who dances with the Mark Morris Dance Group based in Brooklyn, New York.

This year I look forward to working with your child and getting to know their interests and talents! I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Creekside Middle School. I'll look forward to seeing you at school events and activities this year!

In partnership,

Mr. McMurray

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