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.

Did you catch the surprise pop-up of the New Morning Farm Market across from Murch last week? If not—no worries! They’ll be back every Tuesday in September from 3–7PM on Ellicott Street (in the parking lot of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church).

This local farm stand brings the best of the PA–DC region right to our neighborhood, including fresh-picked produce, homemade baked goods, local honey, cheeses, eggs, cider and more!

Come shop after school, say hello to neighbors, and support local farms—all just steps from Murch!

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.