Archives for January 2026

We’re thrilled to announce that the Murch Musical kicks off this March with an exciting new format—one that puts each child’s experience center stage. This year, students won’t just perform; they’ll collaborate on every aspect of creating their very own musical. From developing characters and scripts to choreography, music, and building confident performance skills, this is truly a from-the-ground-up theater experience.

The program will be run by the Educational Theater Company, with support from our incredible Murch parents and the HSA. 🌟

Program Details 

• Who: Open to 4th–5th grade students
• Tech Crew: A small group of 5th graders will join during Tech Week
• Rehearsals: Mondays & Thursdays after school, March–May | 3:15–5:30 PM
• Plus: Two Saturday rehearsals in May (dates TBD)
• Tech Week: Extended rehearsals during the week of performances

Performance Dates 

• 🌟 Evening Shows: May 21 & May 22 at 7:00 PM
• 🏫 In-School Performance: Tuesday, May 26

🎟️ Want to Learn More? Join Our Virtual Parent Info Session!

Curious to learn more about the program? Join us for a Virtual Parent Info Session on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 PM. We’ll walk through the program details, expectations, and ways families can get involved—plus time for questions.

📍 Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85822118458
Meeting ID: 858 2211 8458  Passcode: Murch

We hope to see you there!

All Pre-K through 5th grade students are invited to participate in our annual Murch Lip Sync Show! Lip sync acts can be performed individually or in groups and involve mouthing the words to a song while performing a choreographed dance and wearing fun, appropriate costumes. This is a high-energy, creative event that’s open to all students—no experience required!

📅 Lip Sync Show: Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 PM 
📍Location: Murch Gym

🗓 Important Dates 

Interest Meeting: Thursday, February 5 at 3:30 PM in the Pre-K Commons
Tryouts: Tuesday, February 17 & Thursday, February 19
Dress Rehearsal: Tuesday, March 3

We encourage all interested students to attend the interest meeting to learn how to get involved. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Miller or Ms. Hitree. We hope you’ll come out to support our students and enjoy this fun-filled event!

Basketball season is underway, and our Murch Boys Basketball Team is ready to hit the court! We invite families and friends to come out, show your school spirit, and cheer on our players throughout the season. All games begin at 4:30 PM.

📅 Boys Basketball Game Schedule

• Thursday, January 29 – Janney ES @ Murch ES (Home)

• Tuesday, February 3 – Eaton ES @ Murch ES (Home)

• Thursday, February 5 – Murch ES @ Hearst ES (Away)

• Monday, February 9 – Stoddert ES @ Murch ES (Home)

• Wednesday, February 11 – Garrison ES @ Murch ES (Home)

🏟 Home games are played at Murch Elementary School.
📣 Bring your Mustang spirit and help create an energetic, supportive crowd for our team!

Go Mustangs! 💙💛

Murch Track & Field is gearing up for another great season, and we’re looking for parent volunteers to serve as assistant coaches—no prior running or coaching experience required!

Murch teacher Jack Ryan will serve as head coach, with Clare Carr and Mary Eckstein supporting administrative duties. Assistant coaches help keep practices running smoothly twice a week, assisting with attendance, supervision, and student safety (including street crossings).

 Why it matters: Last year was an outstanding season, with Murch earning 3rd place in the district at the girls’ meet and 1st place at the boys’ meet. Your support helps keep this strong tradition going!

 Interested in helping?
Please contact Coach Clare Carr at clareondrey@gmail.com.

Join us for Curriculum Night on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Murch for an evening of learning and community fun. This year’s theme celebrates Women Who Changed the World through Words & Numbers, highlighting the powerful role of literacy and math in shaping history and inspiring future changemakers.

Families can enjoy engaging activities, games, a raffle, and plenty of opportunities to connect while learning more about what’s happening in our classrooms. It’s sure to be a fun and meaningful night for the whole family—mark your calendars and we hope to see you there! 

Questions? Contact Ms. Walton (deanna.walton@k12.dc.gov), Murch Instructional Coach.

Live from Murch… it’s SATURDAY NIGHT!

The 2026 Murch Auction takes the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 PM, bringing big SNL energy to a night of laughs, great company, and moments that are definitely not a rerun—all while raising funds to support our amazing school and students.

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 Purchase Tickets
Tickets are on sale now—with flash sale pricing available, so don’t wait!

Level up your night by adding:

 Whiskey Club Membership
Love top-shelf bourbon and single malts? Don’t miss this fan-favorite add-on!
Early Bird pricing: $55 through February 15
 Questions? Email murchwhiskey@gmail.com

 Tequila Club Membership
Tequila lovers, this one’s for you! Enjoy top-shelf tequila for sipping and mid-level tequila for cocktails.
Pricing: $35 (single) | $65 (double)
Grab your membership before prices increase!

 Best of Live Raffle Ticket
Want the ultimate edge? Add a Best of Live Raffle ticket for a chance to choose any live auction item before bidding even begins!

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 Donate Auction Items 
Vacation home stays, sports or concert tickets, brunch baskets, fitness classes, and more—all donations help raise critical funds for Murch.
 To donate, email murchauction@gmail.com

 More details on sponsorships and item donations can be found on the Auction Website HERE.

Don’t miss this can’t-miss event—it’s going to be a five-star performance. More details coming soon!

The Winter Session of Murch Plus kicks off on Wednesday, January 14, from 3:30–4:15 PM! Emails with class assignments will be sent on Monday, January 12.

Students will be dismissed from Murch Plus at 4:15 PM to either their after-school program or to parents/guardians.

• After-School Programs: Students enrolled in Wonders or CLS will be released directly to their program.
• Parent Pick-Up: Parents will meet students outside the front entrance on Davenport Street and should wait until their child is brought out with their Murch Plus group.

Questions? Please contact Rebecca Dufresne.

Amore Learning’s after-school winter enrichment classes have begun, but you can still join!

Mondays: Creative Writing (Grades 2-5)
Tuesdays: Curious Minds Lab (Pre-K–1) & STEAM Explorers (Grades 2-5)
Thursdays: Storybook Artists (Pre-K–1) & Acting 101 & Beyond (Grades 2-5)
Fridays: LEGO Engineering (Pre-K–1)

Click on the links above for more information and to register.