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.
Archives for 2025
Join Us for Murch International Night – June 5 from 6-8PM!
Join us for Murch International Night on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, as we celebrate the rich diversity of our community! The evening will feature live performances and cultural tables with delicious food and information from around the world.
Students will receive a Murch Passport at check-in, which they can get stamped at each table they visit for food or cultural insights. Cultural attire is encouraged, and the event is free and open to all Murch families. We can’t wait to come together and celebrate!
Want to participate?
Our list of represented countries and states continues to grow—it’s not too late to join! You can still sign up to host a table or perform by clicking HERE.
This year’s event will feature food, displays, or performances representing: Bulgaria, Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Ethiopia, France, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Louisiana, Moldova, Nashville TN, Native American cultures, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Carolina, South Korea, Syria, Texas, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Lend a hand!
We’re also looking for volunteers to help at the check-in desk or assist with sound during the event. If you’re able to support in this way, please sign up HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hettipola at Arunakanthi.Hettipola@k12.dc.gov or arunihettipola@gmail.com
RISE at Alice Deal Middle School
Attention 5th graders! Did you know about RISE?!
- Opportunities to build relationships with teachers, staff, and fellow students,
- Important middle school transition skills (such as keeping organized for multiple classes, checking your grades, and keeping up with assignments),
- Time to engage in fun, engaging team-building activities,
- And more!
- Week 1 (July 7 – 10) – Last Names A – F: Register Here
- Week 2 (July 14 – 17) – Last Names G – N: Register Here
- Week 3 (July 21 – 24) – Last Names O – Z: Register Here
Girl Scout Troops at Murch
Have you ever thought about participating in Girl Scouts? There are currently two troops of Murch students (one Daisy troop of 1st graders, and one Brownie troop of 2-3rd graders, but Scouting is open to kids K-12) with plans to open more if there is interest!
If you’re curious to read more about what Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is and does, click here (including resources in other languages here). To date, our scouts have grown their confidence and interpersonal skills through creating art, learning cultural songs and dances, hiking, investigating and practicing personal safety skills, building their own stuffed animals, investigating water conservation, and are preparing to visit a local mechanic to study engineering. Although individuals are welcome to register for Girl Scouts at any time through the local council website, we have had great experiences in building and deepening relationships for our scouts through the formation of troops within our Murch community.
If you are interested in joining Girl Scouts, please contact Kassi Chappell (Kindergarten & 1st grade mom and Daisy Troop Leader) to help us coordinate our numbers. She can answer any questions you may have and put you in touch with the corresponding age level leaders.
November 12, 2024 – HSA Minutes
To view the November 12, 2024 HSA Minutes, please click here.
October 8, 2024 – HSA Minutes
To view the October 8, 2024 HSA Minutes, please click here.
Capitol City Little League Spring 2025 Season
Capitol City Little League (Cap City) offers Spring and Fall baseball and softball for kids 4-14 years old. Register now through mid-February for the Spring 2025 season. Games and practices will start in mid-March. Learn more and register at: https://capcityll.org/
No experience is necessary—this is an outstanding league for all players from 4-14, from novices to travel team-level players. The league has pitching and skills clinics and a wonderful group of volunteer parent coaches. All Murch students are welcome to play with Cap City, regardless of where they live.
Questions? Contact registration@capcityll.org.
No School, No Problem! Join HoopEd Camps at Murch!
March 13, 14, April 7
REGISTER for upcoming off school days
Questions? Email info@hoopeducation.com.
Girls FlagStar Football Promo Days
Are you a girl who is interested in trying flag football? FlagStar Football is hosting promo days around the DC area throughout the next few months.
What is a promo day? It’s FREE and works similarly to a typical FlagStar flag football practice. By attending, you can see if you like the experience. If so, you can then sign up for the FlagStar spring season!
Who can come? Girls in 2nd – 8th grade.
Interested? Email Murch alum, Zoya Anderson, at zoya.anderson31@gmail.com with your child’s name and grade.
Kids Up Reading Coaches
Is your child or teen reading below grade level? Is spelling a struggle? Is it affecting their self-confidence?
At Kids Up Reading Coaches we help students catch up to their peers in MONTHS, not years, with:
- 1-on-1, evidence-based instruction, customized to YOUR student’s needs
- 30/45/60 minute sessions over Zoom, to accommodate your schedule
- Weekly progress updates for parents
We follow the Science of Reading and use the Orton-Gillingham approach to phonics. We work with students in grades 1-12, including those with dyslexia, learning disabilities in reading and writing, ADHD, ASD, and more.
Our Guarantee: Try it for a week. Love it, or it’s on us!
Visit KidsUpReadingCoaches.com to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.