The Murch Mental Health Team is excited to launch our Mindful Mustangs Parent Engagement Series on Friday, October 17 from 8:30-9:30am!  Every quarter we will be holding sessions for parents to dive deeper into topics related to mental health, social and emotional language and interventions and parenting.  There will be time to ask questions and connect with other parents and the community as well.

Our first session will be on the Transcend Model we are using in school and how to apply similar language and practices at home.

Click HERE to RSVP!

We hope to see as many of you as possible there!

It’s not too late to join the two Amore Learning classes happening at Murch right now!

🎨 He[art]beats (Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 PM)
It’s not too late to join He[art]beats, where Amore Learning teacher and local fine artist Drew Tye Ruby-Howe leads a dynamic art class set to music. Kids draw and paint to the rhythm of the beat, exploring creativity, expression, and the joy of making art together. Expect masterpieces to come home, creativity to soar, and friendships to flourish!

🎭 Spotlight on Acting & Improv (Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 PM)
Budding performers can take the stage in Spotlight on Acting & Improv. This interactive workshop blends improv games, script reading, and storytelling to help students build confidence, teamwork, and stage presence. Voice projection, body language, and character development are all part of the fun—culminating in a short classroom performance for families.

✨ Spots are still available at a discounted rate!
👉 Register here: amorelearning.com/booknow

• Volunteer: Each class runs a booth—sign up HERE to help make yours a success!
• Donate: We’re collecting gently used books, puzzles, and board games (complete sets only!) until Friday, October 17. Drop off bagged or boxed items labeled “Fall Fair” beneath the staircase in the main entrance lobby.
• Help Sort: Volunteers are needed on Thursday, October 23 to prepare book sale items. Click HERE to sign up!
• Be a Vendor: Rent a booth in our Marketplace! Past vendors have offered jewelry, quilts, and kids’ programs. Booths are $50—contact Kirsten Metzger-Gilbert for details.

Don’t forget to complete and submit your student’s health forms! The required forms can be found here on the DCPS website. For immunization information and pediatric immunization facilities, visit: Immunization | doh (dc.gov).

Please send your completed health forms to MurchESEnroll@k12.dc.gov. Thank you!

If your 4th or 5th grade student is interested in participating in an official DCIAA sport(s) this year— 

• Fall: Cross Country
• Winter: Basketball
• Spring: Track & Field

• The packet only needs to be completed once per school year.
• Clearance is valid for the entire year (or until the health form expires).
• Submit forms as early as possible, ideally before school starts, since the clearance process can take time.

The Murch Online Directory is the easiest way for families to stay in touch and connect with our school community. The directory is available to Murch families only, and you control what information is visible to others.

Here’s how to access it:

• New families: Create an account to be listed and gain access.
  👉 Register on Membership Toolkit

• Returning families: No need to re‑register! Simply log in to update your contact info and privacy settings.
  

Class assignments (with 2025–26 teacher names) will appear in the directory in September.

💡 Tip: The directory is online‑only again this year. For the easiest access, download the Membership Toolkit app to your phone or tablet.

Questions? Email Rajiv D’Cruz.

We’d like to remind our Murch community that there is a designated handicapped parking spot on Davenport Street, near the corner of 36th Street on the school side.

A number of our students rely on wheelchairs and accessible transportation, and this spot is essential for ensuring they can safely arrive at and leave school—especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.

We kindly ask that families refrain from parking in this space unless they have a valid need or permit to do so, so we can ensure accessibility for those who truly need it.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping Murch inclusive and accessible for all!