Welcome to Inside the Hood -The Principal’s Corner at J. Turner Hood Elementary 2025-2026

  Murphy the Therapy Dog: Spreading Joy and Support at J. Turner Hood We are lucky to have a very special and frequent member of our school community—Murphy, my certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International (TDI) . Murphy brings a calm and joyful presence to our school. From greeting students at arrival with wagging tail and plenty of smiles, to children stopping to pet him before starting their day, moments like this remind us just how much of a positive impact animals can have on children’s well-being and sense of belonging. A Special Gift from a Student Murphy even received a special gift—a beautiful seashell from Bianca! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and Murphy seemed to appreciate it as much as we did. Moments like these highlight the meaningful connections students can make with him. The Murphy Story: From Observation to Success: How Murphy Became Our Therapy Dog The professional community in our school noticed a growing need for emotional support among ou...

  🌟 Hopes and Dreams for the Year Ahead As part of our opening faculty meeting, we began the year with a tradition I hold close: a Hopes and Dreams activity. Each of us took time to reflect on two prompts: “This year, my biggest hope for our school is…” “This year, my boldest dream for my students is…” The responses, heartfelt and inspiring, paint a vivid picture of what we collectively want for our school community. I’ve organized them into themes to share here—not as a final word, but as an invitation for everyone in our community to see what we hold close as we begin a new school year. 💫 Hopes for Our School Safety & Support To have a safe, productive, and fun-filled school year Safety, kindness, community, and the joy of coming to school A safe, supportive place for all kids Positive School Culture & Community A building full of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities we have at the Hood Kindness for all members Celebrating ...