Such statistics aren't lost on the children or parents of Murphy schools. Before they talk about the fun and educational benefits of after-school activities, they commend the schools for keeping children safe and out of trouble. The schools are seen as neighborhood oases for children. On almost any afternoon, one can find former Murphy students who have moved on to Carl Hayden and Central high schools hanging around the field house at Garcia School. Many more come back for the midnight basketball program that runs on Friday nights.
Kids say they come back to the school mostly because it's a place they feel safe.
All of the boys say they know someone who has been shot or stabbed. They say there's too much violence, but they don't know what they can do about it. They also come to the gym because there is no other in the area. They wish there was a safe park with a teen center nearby. They say after-school programs are fine for younger children, but they want something more for older kids.