Murch families—along with other elementary schools in the Deal MS feeder pattern—are invited to a special screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition at the Avalon Theatre on April 28!

Admission is FREE, thanks to the parent associations at Murch, Hearst, and Lafayette!

• 📍 Location: Avalon Theatre
• 🕔 Doors Open: 5:45 PM
• 🎥 Film Begins: 6:00 PM
• 💬 Q&A: 7:00–7:30 PM

This thought-provoking film explores the impact of screen time on young children and offers practical strategies for families navigating the digital world.

Reserve your tickets at: eventbrite.com/e/1985059846437

 

The Jackson-Reed Crew Team is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year—a spring plant sale!

Now through March 31, you can purchase annuals and native perennials, with free delivery available for homes within four miles of the school. Deliveries begin May 9, just in time for Mother’s Day and right after the last frost—perfect timing for spring planting!

👉 Order Plants Here: https://go.rallyup.com/c32965/Campaign/Details

Looking to refresh your garden beds as well? The Jackson-Reed Ultimate Frisbee Team is holding its annual mulch sale (with an option for delivery).

📅 Mulch sale closes: March 23
📦 Pickup/Delivery begins: March 28

👉 Order Mulch Here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/tigersmulch/items

Support students at our neighborhood public high school while getting your yard ready for spring! 🌷🌿

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 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.

Girl Sprouts Spring 2026

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

 

RISE is a summer bridge program designed to help rising middle school students feel confident and excited about their transition to Deal. The program introduces students to all things Deal—from opening a locker to learning about the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program—while building connections and confidence.

RISE includes: 

• Opportunities to build relationships with teachers, staff, and fellow students
• Essential middle school skills (organization, managing multiple classes, checking grades, and keeping up with assignments)
• Fun, engaging team-building activities
• And more!

Eligibility & Enrollment: 
Students must be fully enrolled at Deal for the 2026–27 school year to participate in RISE. Enrollment opens Friday, March 27 and can be completed online at https://enrolldcps.dc.gov or in person at Deal.

Program Dates & Registration 
Students attend RISE during a week assigned alphabetically by last name. Space is limited.

• Week 1: July 6–9 | Last Names A–F – Register Here
• Week 2: July 13–16 | Last Names G–N – Register Here 
• Week 3: July 20–23 | Last Names O–Z – Register Here 

👉 For more information, click HERE.

Looking for a fun, active option on days off from school? HoopEd is offering All Sports & Games Student Holiday Mini Camps at Murch!

📅 Off-School Day Camp:

• April 6 — Register now for upcoming no-school days at hoopeducation.com/schedule

 

🌸 Spring Break Camps:

• Planning ahead for spring break? Register for Spring Break Camps at hoopeducation.com/schedule

Questions? Email info@hoopeducation.com

🏫 Deal In-Person Open Houses

Prospective families are encouraged to visit Deal during one of their upcoming open houses. These events include opportunities to meet current students, participate in an informal Q&A with Principal Neal, and enjoy student-guided tours.

Families planning to attend are asked to sign up in advance to help with event planning.

📅 Saturday, February 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📅 Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, May 20 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM