Superintendent Tom Murphy Lauded for Educating the Whole Child

Superintendent Thomas R. Murphy has been presented the 2007 Washington State Association Of Supervision And Curriculum Development (WASCD) “Educating The Whole Child” Leadership Award, representing the west side of the state. Superintendent Murphy was selected for his holistic approach to educating kids, his recognition of the relationship between health and learning, providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, and emphasizing the emotional and physical well-being of the students he oversees everyday. “The success of Federal Way schools stems from your outstanding leadership,” Executive Director Kathy Clayton said in her letter notifying him of the award.

Dr. Joshua Garcia, Todd Beamer High School Principal and WSASCD Board Member nominated Superintendent Murphy, writing, in part: ”Lead, inspire, and educate represent the principle philosophy by which one outstanding administrator deserves recognition for creating and shaping a district that truly educates the “Whole Child”. For the past four years, I have worked closely with Mr. Murphy and observed him meet the professional needs of his staffs and academic, social, and emotional needs of his student population. From these experiences, I witnessed his unique leadership style and passion to develop a learning environment, which advocates a positive, rigorous, and relevant standards based curriculum for ALL students. Superintendent Tom Murphy deserves remarkable recognition for his dedication, leadership and passion for making giant leaps towards increasing student achievement, teacher efficacy, positive parent and community relations, yet he deserves the WSASCD “Educating the Whole Child Award” for his unwavering dedication to help enable all children to develop their gifts and realize their fullest potential.” Read the full nomination letter.

November 7, 2007