Dive into books this summer with the Discover Summer program at the DC Public Library! Complete a summer reading bingo card by doing activities such as reading for 20 minutes or asking a librarian for a book recommendation. Do just three of these activities and you will earn two FREE tickets to a Nats game AND a mini custard at Shake Shack.

The program is for kids and adults, so you can sign up the whole family! Register online or at any branch of the DC Public Library.

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!

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! 💫

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.

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.

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.