To view the November 4, 2025 HSA Meeting Minutes, please click here.
Archives for 2026
Join Screenwise Families DC – Stay Connected on Tech & Kids
Following last week’s sold-out Screenagers screening at the Avalon Theatre, many families expressed enthusiasm for staying connected and continuing the conversation—and we’re excited to help!
We invite you to join Screenwise Families DC, a new WhatsApp group designed to connect, inform, and support families who want to work together to delay the introduction of social media and smartphones, and to help children build healthy, thoughtful tech habits.
📱 Join Screenwise Families DC here
Let’s keep the conversation going and support one another in raising screenwise kids!
Capital Cotillion – Registration Now Open!
Looking for a unique opportunity for your child to build confidence, learn social etiquette, and have fun with peers? Capital Cotillion offers a wonderful program where students practice manners, dressing up, and social dancing in a welcoming, structured environment.
A Murch parent shared that their children have participated for several years and found it to be an enriching and memorable experience—and many Murch families may not yet be aware of it!
Pre-registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, and classes tend to fill quickly in the spring. Families are encouraged to sign up early to secure their preferred schedule.
👉 Learn more and register HERE
📧 Questions? Contact accounting@capitalcotillion.com
Feel free to share with friends—this is a great opportunity for students to learn lifelong social skills while having fun! 💫
Aftercare Programming Update for 2026-27 School Year
March 27, 2026
Dear Murch Families,
I am writing to share an important update regarding our aftercare programming for the 2026-27 school year.
For more than 15 years, Capitol Language Services (CLS) has been a valued partner in providing aftercare at Murch. We are deeply grateful for their long-standing commitment to our community and the care they have shown to our students over the years.
As we look ahead, the administration has been exploring ways to expand access to affordable, high-quality aftercare options for families. After reviewing multiple providers and considering factors such as program structure, cost, enrichment offerings, and capacity, we are planning to move forward with Future Stars as our aftercare and enrichment vendor beginning next school year.
Why the Change?
Future Stars will be able to offer:
- Extended care hours
- A wide selection of after-school clubs and enrichment options
- Lower overall costs for families compared with current pricing
- Flexible enrollment options
To help you learn more about Future Stars and what they offer, we are sharing their informational brochure. This includes sample schedules, program highlights, club descriptions, and pricing.
We understand that changes to aftercare routines affect families in different ways. Our goal is to provide clear, timely information and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
After spring break, we will share enrollment timelines, registration instructions, and opportunities to meet the Future Stars team.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support our students and school community. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Principal Cebrzynski and Assistant Principal Hawkins
Litter Patrol is Back!
With spring in the air, Litter Patrol is back in action! Join us on the playground from 8:15–8:30 AM every Monday (or Tuesday if there’s no school on Monday).
Meet by the Little Bear on the Big Playground to grab a bag and lend a hand. Even a few minutes makes a big difference in keeping our campus clean and beautiful!
Let’s keep Murch shining—we hope to see you there!
Smartphones & Social Media: Resources for Parents – Building Community Action
As conversations about technology’s impact on kids continue, the Murch parent-led Delaying Social Media and Smartphones Workgroup is sharing resources to help families decide how and when tech enters their children’s lives.
Why pay attention? A recent New York Times article, “A Smartphone Before Age 12 Could Carry Health Risks, Study Says,” highlights a 2026 study linking early smartphone access to higher rates of depression, poor sleep, and obesity among youth.
Need more convincing? Listen to this short clip from Michelle Obama’s interview with Jonathan Haidt about device pressure and building resilience on her podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
What action can you take now? Explore smartphone alternatives like landlines, limited-feature watches, flip phones, and more at Smartphone Free Childhood US.
It’s easier when we do it together. Join the growing community of Murch families working to delay social media and smartphones. Reach out to Meredith Katz (katzdc@gmail.com) if you are interested in hearing more!
🌱 Girl Sprouts – A New Girl Scouts Program for Pre-K Girls
Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC) invites families to explore Girl Sprouts, a new program designed especially for Pre-K girls! Girls who are at least 4 years old and will be entering Kindergarten next school year are invited to join.
Girl Sprouts introduces preschool girls to the Girl Scouts experience through fun, age-appropriate activities. Participants will explore STEM, the outdoors, and teamwork, while learning important values like honesty, kindness, sharing, and friendship—all while having lots of fun!
👉 Click HERE for more details and to register.
☀️ Wonders Summer Camp is Almost Here!
Give your child a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and fun! Campers ages 5–12 will enjoy weekly themes, exciting field trips, pool days, S.T.E.A.M. activities, sports, and hands-on learning—all in a safe, supportive camp environment.
- 📍 Location: Bethesda Elementary School
- 🕓 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Spots are filling quickly—secure your child’s place today!
Register at: wonderslearning.org/summercamp
Questions? Email summercamp@wonderslearning.org
Thank You, Murch Families! We Did It!
Thank you, Murch families! 💙 We did it! 
The Murch HSA’s 2025 Support Our School (SOS) Campaign wrapped up on December 31, and thanks to your incredible generosity, we reached our fundraising goal!
Together, we raised $110,575, which will support the programs and moments that make Murch such a special place, such as Murch Plus, Movie Night, Fall Fair, field trips, performing arts, teacher grants, student scholarships, 5th grade promotion, student council, teacher and staff appreciation, and more!
🌟 THANK YOU to every family who donated, shared, encouraged, and showed up for Murch. Your support truly makes a difference, and we couldn’t do it without you! 🌟
If you weren’t able to donate during the campaign but would still like to support our school, contributions can be made at any time through the Murch website. Thank you for your continued support!
Support a Beloved Neighborhood Restaurant: I’m Eddie Cano
Communities aren’t built overnight. They’re built one neighbor, one family, and one shared meal at a time. Since 2018, I’m Eddie Cano has been proud to be part of that story—serving classic Italian and Italian-American cuisine on Connecticut Avenue and creating a welcoming gathering place for the neighborhood many Murch families call home.
Like many family-owned restaurants, they’ve faced significant challenges over the past few years. Now, they’re inviting the community to come together once again—this time to help support their future.
Join them on Sunday, February 15 for a Venetian-themed Carnevale Cocktail Reception and Fundraiser. Guests will enjoy two drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres while browsing auction items, with the live auction beginning at 7:00 PM. The evening will also share the Papetti family’s story—where they’ve been and where they hope to go next.
👉 Purchase tickets or learn more here.
Unable to attend but still want to help? Please consider supporting their GoFundMe campaign.
Our neighborhood thrives because of gathering places like I’m Eddie Cano—and we’re proud to support the small businesses that help make our community special.