The 5th grade class will come together for a panorama photo taken by Freed Photography on Monday, May 12. You can pre-order your photo now to save on shipping fees.
Please click HERE for more information and to pre-order.
Archives for 2025
Parent Volunteers Needed to Assist with 2nd Grade PE Bike Unit
As part of the DCPS curriculum for PE, Murch second graders get to enjoy a bicycle unit for approximately 2 weeks in the spring. Due to space constraints, the PE teachers usually split the classes into outside and inside groups, allowing students the opportunity to work closely with teachers to learn to ride indoors or to hone their skills on an outdoor course. To make this possible, Mr. Hayden seeks the assistance of parent volunteers, beginning on Monday, May 5. Volunteers will help set up an outdoor bike course and supervise/assist riders as they navigate the course.
If you have time in the morning, whether you have a second grader or not, please consider signing up for a block (or a few blocks) of time. Our future bike riders (and Mr Hayden) will be so grateful!
To sign up, please click HERE. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please email Mr. Hayden (daniel.hayden@k12.dc.gov) with questions.
The HSA Needs Your Help Next Year!
Nominations for the 2025-26 school year are open! This is your chance to get involved, meet new people, and make a difference in our community!
We know we have an incredibly talented parent community. Would you please consider helping Murch by volunteering for the Home and School Association (HSA)?
The following HSA volunteer positions are open to nominations. Each position is a two-year term:
- Co-President: The role of the co-president is to lead the HSA Executive Board and oversee the day-to-day operations of the HSA. The co-presidents are responsible for leading monthly board meetings, overseeing decisions, managing committee chairs, signing contracts and purchase requests, and working closely with the Murch administration and support staff to meet the needs of the school.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the receipt and disbursement of all HSA funds and maintaining up-to-date financial records. This role includes providing financial reports at meetings, signing checks, and ensuring accurate tracking of the HSA’s financial condition.
All parents interested in any of the HSA positions should please email murchnominations@gmail.
Questions about the HSA positions or elections process can also be directed to murchnominations@gmail.com.
** In addition to the elected roles listed above, the HSA has over 25 committee positions that support our event planning, communications, fundraising, teacher/staff appreciation initiatives, and more! For more information, please email hsa@murchschool.org.
Join the LSAT for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Interested in joining the LSAT next year? We are looking for 4 parents to join the LSAT Team for the 2025-2026 School Year!
The Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) is a group of elected and appointed members that exists for every DCPS school. The team consists of parents, teachers, non-instructional school staff, and a community member to advise the principal on matters that promote achievement for all students. As a team, we strive to get an array of parent representatives that reflect our entire school community.
Please complete the Candidate Submission Form by Friday May 9!
Questions? Email LSAT Chair Emily Blake.
Murch Plus and Spring After School Program Information
Murch’s beloved after-school program, Murch Plus, is back! A big thank you to our wonderful teachers and the HSA for making this program possible.
The Spring session will take place on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:15PM for 6 weeks starting on Wednesday, April 30 and ending on Wednesday, June 4.
Please pickup your student(s) promptly at 4:15PM by following these instructions:
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
- Enter the Commons through the blue and yellow gate on Davenport Street.
- Wait inside to pick up your child from the Gym.
- Priority pickup will be given to Kindergarten and 1st Grade, followed by 2nd and 3rd Grade.
- After pickup, exit through either of the Gym’s side doors (toward the big playground or Reno Road).
4th – 5th Grade
- Pickup will take place in front of the school’s main entrance on Davenport Street.
We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping this process run smoothly!
In addition to Murch Plus, Murch is partnering with Silver Knights Chess Academy (formerly Magnus Chess Academy!), Amore Learning, and Kaizen Karate to provide more after-school options this Spring!
Chess Academy is offering an after-school chess program at Murch on Mondays from 3:30-4:30PM for 6 weeks from April 28 – June 9 (except May 26). For more information about Chess Academy, please click HERE.
Amore Learning after-school classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM for 8 weeks starting April 22 (Tuesday) and April 24 (Thursday) and ending on June 10 (Tuesday) and June 12 (Thursday). Click on the links below for more information and to register.
Tuesday Class Options:
- LEGO Engineering (PreK-1)
- Graphic Novels (2-5)
- *Write Away (4 & 5)
- Thursday Class Options:
- Fossil Finders (PreK-1)
- Newsbreakers (2-5)
- *Write Away (4 & 5)
*Please note Write Away will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 9 sessions from April 22 – May 20.
For more information about Amore Learning classes, please click HERE.
Kaizen Karate is also back for Spring! Classes will be held on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM for 6 sessions from May 1 – June 12. For more information and to register karate, please click HERE.
Murch Spring Musical Tickets – Now On Sale!
Buy Tickets To See Murch’s Spring Musical: James and the Giant Peach, Jr.!
Join us for this delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure featuring our talented 4th and 5th graders. Based on the beloved story, this musical adaptation will transport you to a world of magic and adventure. Buy tickets here. 
Performance Details-
Dates:
Thursday, May 15th AND Friday, May 16th
Time:
6:30pm (doors open at 6pm)
Performances are general admission and seating is first-come, first-served. Your ticket is for an unassigned seat.
Location:
UDC Theater of the Arts
4200 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008
Located at the intersection of Windom Pl NW & Connecticut Ave NW
Walking is highly encouraged. There is metered, street parking as well as a parking garage on Van Ness St NW which is part of UDC.
Produced by:
Stage Left Events
Show Synopsis:
James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a lively and whimsical musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. The story follows a young boy named James, who, after a tragic event, embarks on an incredible adventure.
Don’t miss this delightful show! To view a printable flyer, please click HERE!
Enroll/Re-Enroll Today for SY25-26!
Enrollment begins March 28th for the 2025-2026 school year, and we need your help meeting district benchmarks!
- DC Public Schools requires students to re-enroll each year.
- Enrollment begins March 28th
- Families can enroll at https://aspen.dcps.dc/aspen-login/go (this is the preferred/online method via ASPEN). For issues regarding ASPEN, please email MurchESEnroll@k12.dc.gov.
- Families can download enrollment forms at http://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/76 & enroll in person
- Please attach your proof of residency and any other supporting documents into ASPEN or bring them with you (if enrolling in person).
- If your student will not return to Murch next school year, please notify us via email at MurchESenroll@k12.dc.gov and request a withdrawal form.
- Grade-Level Challenge: The grade with the highest percentage of re-enrolled students (with complete packets) by June 6th (at noon) will win a Pizza Party & Pick Your Activity Session with the Resource Teachers!
For more information, visit https://enrolldcps.dc.gov.
We look forward to receiving your enrollment packet. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at MurchESenroll@k12.dc.gov or 202-282-0130.
Focus Forward Coaching, Learning & Wellness
Focus Forward Coaching, Learning & Wellness is a new practice located in the heart of Potomac, MD (Potomac Village), but also offers virtual coaching and consulting to clients anywhere in the world. Kristelle Kambanis, Owner & Founder, works with both students and adults who want to fine-tune their executive functioning skills, reduce overwhelm, and create a clear path forward. Whether it’s a student struggling with ADHD, an executive navigating leadership challenges, or an adult feeling stuck at a crossroads, coaching provides the strategies, structure, and accountability to move forward with confidence. If you or someone you know might benefit, Kristelle is happy to answer any questions and offers a complimentary 15-minute call to explore how she can help. Email Kristelle at Kristelle@ffclw.com.
Murch Parent Engagement Survey
We want to hear from YOU! 
The Murch Parent Engagement Committee is working hard to find ways to create more meaningful opportunities for families to get involved at Murch.
- We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for every family.
- To ensure we provide the best support possible, we need your input!
- Your voice matters, and your feedback will help us create an environment where every family feels valued and supported.
Please take a moment to participate in our Parent Engagement Survey.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community – we truly appreciate your time and insights!
Murch International Night Information
Save the date and help us bring International Night back to Murch! Last held in 2019, our much-anticipated International Night at Murch will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 5 from 6:00-8:00PM. 
We are looking for families to share their culture through art, music, crafts, dress, and food. If you would be willing to participate in this exciting community event, you can sign up HERE or email Ms. Hettipola at Arunakanthi.Hettipola@k12.dc.gov or arunihettipola@gmail.com.
Here are three ways you can help:
1. Information or Cultural Tables Set up an information table for your country or state. You may show pictures, maps, books, clothes, flags, music, cultural items etc… and answer any questions that visitors have. You can also set up an interactive game or other cultural activity!
2. Food Tables. Set up a food table. You may cook or buy a traditional dish from your culture and serve it in the buffet line. Food items should be cut into bite-sized portions, and must be accompanied by a list of ingredients (as a reminder, this event will be nut-free). We strongly recommend serving food that can be kept at room temperature. If food must be kept hot or cold, you must provide a way to heat or cool it so that all food safety requirements are met. We can connect you with others of similar background/country who volunteer so that you can coordinate, if you’d like.
3. Performances. If you, your child, Murch alumni, or someone related to Murch are part of a performing group that represent your culture, we are looking for cultural acts (dance, music, singing, etc)
Please consider signing up to share your country and culture with our wonderful Murch community! There are many ways to help – SIGN UP HERE!
So far, the countries (and states) that will be represented are: Syria, Jordan, Peru, Iran, Moldova, Venezuela, Israel, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Nashville TN. Is your country missing from this list? Please help us represent it!
If you’re interested or if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hettipola at Arunakanthi.Hettipola@k12.dc.gov or arunihettipola@gmail.com