Guidance Counseling
The following services are provided by our on-site counselor at Murch:
- Crisis intervention for students and families
- Coordination of screening and referral process to identify students for special services
- On-going counseling for students and parents in need
- Developmental guidance lessons
English as a Second Language
The ESL program teaches English to non-native speakers. The children are drawn from their regular classes for one to two hours a day, depending on language proficiency and grade level. Murch’s ESL program is highly effective in helping students conquer the difficulties of learning and applying a new language.
Special Education
Murch provides special education instruction and related services. Students requiring these services participate in the regular classroom setting to the maximum extent possible and in “pull-out” services as appropriate. In addition to math and reading specialists, professional experts on staff include a psychologist, occupational therapist, nurse, and speech pathologist.
Each student who qualifies for special education services will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), developed by a team of professionals, which states educational goals and objectives; describes learning needs and abilities; and lists the needed related services. In accordance with the IEP, a student is included in the regular education program to the maximum extent possible, participating in “pull-out” services and/or inclusion as appropriate.
Referral Process for Special Needs
D.C. Public Schools are required to evaluate and provide, when appropriate, services for children with special needs. These range from physical and emotional disabilities, to learning disabilities (mild to severe), and speech and language challenges. Services include specialized instruction, counseling, speech and language therapy, and psycho-educational evaluations. Contact either a classroom teacher, Guidance Counselor, or administration if you need further information.
Grievance Procedures
Grievance procedures are used to handle serious problems when students, parent(s) or guardian(s), groups of students, and groups of students’ parents, guardians, or their representatives choose or seek redress in the following instances: (a) Where it is alleged that any student or group of students is being denied access to an adequate educational opportunity; (b) Where it is alleged that the rights of students, or any individual student, are being denied or abridged; (c) Where it is alleged that any student or group of students is being subjected to any arbitrary or unreasonable regulation, procedure, or standard of conduct; and (d) Where it is alleged that any student is being denied participation in any school activity for which the student is eligible. The person or persons bringing the grievance shall make an informal complaint to the principal or other school official in the program or activity and specific procedures will be followed as outlined in the District of Columbia’s Municipal Regulations, Title 5, Board of Education.