To view the January 12, 2025 minutes, please click HERE.
December 10, 2024 – HSA Minutes
To view the December 10, 2024 HSA Minutes, please click here.
Focus Forward Coaching, Learning & Wellness
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.
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.
September 3, 2024 – HSA Minutes
To view the September 3, 2024 HSA meeting minutes, please click here.
Sleep Therapy for Adults
Luisa Palloni, LICSW is a Murch mom and DC-based clinical social worker who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Through her telehealth-based private practice, Behavioral Sleep Services LLC, she provides convenient and effective treatment to adults who are looking for a solution to their sleep problems. CBT-I is a short term, research-based treatment that is specifically designed for people who have trouble falling and staying asleep. It’s also widely considered to be the gold standard for insomnia treatment by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
If you would like to learn more, check out the practice website at behavioralsleepservices.com or reach out to Luisa directly at lpalloni@behavioralsleepservices.com.
Circle Yoga Kids & Family Yoga Classes
Circle Yoga is your neighborhood mindfulness and yoga studio for kids and adults. Their classes for kids, teens, and families are designed to teach yoga and mindfulness through the playful use of yoga poses, breathing techniques, relaxation practices, and meditation. Circle Yoga is offering one free class for new students. For more information, please click HERE.
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Academic Support from District Kids
Kristin Pillay, M.Ed, LICSW and Kim Palombo, PH.D, C-SLDS of District Kids: Center for Minds and Hearts, a comprehensive child and adolescent outpatient practice made up of former school educators, are offering additional support for children and families through Comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessments, Academic Support for kids and teens, and Child and Adolescent Individual and Group Therapy (with after school and Saturday availability now!).
Also, don’t miss theirDyslexia Screening Clinic on Saturday, October 19th. All families will receive screening results and reading resources. Sign up at www.districtkids.org.
District Kids: Center for Minds and Hearts is conveniently located at 5506 Connecticut Avenue NW between Mamma Lucia’s and Parthenon restaurant.
For more information, contact them at info@districtkids.org or 202-455-0706.
Parent Advisory and Engagement Team – Applications Due September 6
Dear Families,
Murch Elementary School is forming a Parent Advisory and Engagement Team to enhance collaboration and inclusivity within our school community. This initiative aims to ensure that all voices are heard and valued, particularly those from historically underserved and underrepresented groups.
By actively involving parents in decision-making processes and fostering an environment of equity, the team will work to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes the academic and social growth of every student. Together, we can build stronger connections between families and the school community to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.
As a member of the Murch Parent Advisory and Engagement Team, you may be asked to participate in the following:
Advocacy and Awareness: Promote awareness about equity issues within the school community. This might involve organizing workshops, creating informational materials, or leading discussions on topics like race, socioeconomic status, disabilities, and other forms of diversity.
Policy Review and Recommendations: Collaborate with school administrators to review and develop policies that promote equity. This can include evaluating current practices and suggesting improvements to ensure all students have equal opportunities.
Community Engagement: Build bridges between the school and diverse community groups. This could involve organizing events that celebrate different cultures, facilitating dialogue between parents and school staff, or connecting families with community resources.
Student Support: Work with teachers and administrators to ensure that the needs of all students are met. This might include advocating for tailored support for students with disabilities, English language learners, or those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The team requires a full-year commitment from 10-12 parents dedicated to this work. We invite you to join us on this journey.
If you are interested, please complete this simple application by Friday, September 6. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 25. Once the team has been finalized, a survey will be sent to to the group to poll future meeting dates and times.
For more information on the DCPS Equity Framework, please click here.
Best regards,
Principal Cebrzynski