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This past weekend, I was fortunate to be part of an event, the Murch HSA auction, that has been in the works since the last auction ended. I am not only appreciative of the hours and effort that go into the planning an event of this magnitude, but more so, I am impressed by this community’s willingness to support the initiatives and efforts of the school staff and administration. Murch Elementary School has gone through several changes over the past few years, but the constant that has been in the genuine support of the Murch community. Thank you for believing in what we are attempting to accomplish and providing us with some of the tools we will need to bring consistent and targeted effort to ensure success for every child at Murch.
Posted in Auction, Salute!
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Please keep in mind these dates:
Friday, March 23 — No school due to professional development day.
Friday, March 30 — Half day, dismissal at 12:15.
Monday, April 2-Monday, April 9 — No school; spring break!
Enjoy! See you back here on Tuesday, April 10.
You have seen these yellow-belted third, fourth, and fifth graders outside every morning, rain or shine. They are doing what they can to help morning drop-off run smoothly and safely for everyone. But … They can’t do what they do if you don’t help by parking in only designated parking zones. Drop-off zones are for dropping-off only; not for parking. We are all in a hurry, and parking can be so difficult in the morning, but your help will be so appreciated by the patrollers and other Murch students who are safely trying to get to school in the morning. Thank you!
 Congratulations to the fifth grade on a successful play and many thanks to Ms. Otten and Ms. Smith!
Last Friday, the fifth grade gave a spectacular performance of the play “Jubilee” about the Harlem Renaissance. Twenty fifth-graders acted in the play, ten students were stage crew and program designers and the entire fifth-grade participated in the chorus. Actors tried out for parts in the play last November and have been rehearsing during recesses and music class over the past several months. All their hard work paid off with a great show!
Many, many thanks to Ms. Otten and Ms. Smith for their leadership and direction of “Jubilee.” Ms. Otten directed the play, lead the rehearsals, coordinated costumes, and so much more. Ms. Smith wrote the play and many of the musical numbers and accompanied the cast on the piano. Thank you to them for all of their time and organization of this great show and providing this experience for the fifth-graders.
Teachers are preparing report cards that will be sent home on Friday, February 3. As some of you experienced last time around, there were a few errors in the report cards (missing grades, comments, etc.) We should have the kinks worked out and our goal is to be error free and 100% accurate. Report cards will be sent home in envelopes with a space for the signature on the envelope. These are to be returned to school and will be reused for the two remaining report cards.
We have received prelimary enrollment figures for next year. Being new to this system, I will be attending my first (of many, I am sure) meetings to discuss the budget process and staffing for the next school year. Community input is invaluable in this process in order for the most effective decsions to be made. The LSAT is developing a survey to ask for your input. This survey should be out later next month. Class size is an issue not only at Murch, but most schools throughout the country. We will be paying close attention to the resources that are allocated to us in order to ensure that we can keep class sizes within a reasonable range. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this, please contact me at your convenience.
The DCPS lottery opens on Monday, January 30. We are currently looking to have three Pre-K classrooms available for the 2012-13 school year.
You have recieved a marketing piece to purchase school spirit items, jackets and hoodies. Our communication prior to them being sent home fell through the cracks and I do apologize for this. If you are interested in purchasing anything, a part of the proceeds will help support our sports teams. Please direct any questions or concerns you have to me either by phone or email.
Friday is a DCPS Records Day, and school will be dismissed at 12:15pm.
 The Murch Auction is March 17–mark you calendars!–and the HSA Auction Committee is looking for fabulous getaway ideas to offer. They need vacation homes, B&Bs, inns, hotels, yachts, cabins — fun spots to stay for a fun week or weekend away. Great Getaways have long been popular items in the Murch auction, which translates into much-needed funds that enhance Murch and benefit students. If you have a connection to a terrific travel destination, mode of transportation (ie, airline tickets, limo, etc.), tour, or activity, please contact contact committee member Pam Joos.
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