Murch student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering! You should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received this email (check your spam too), please contact Freed Photography at support@freedphoto.com or call 301-652-5452.
Spring Musical Information – Auditions, Tech Crew & More!
Murch students will stage and perform James and the Giant Peach Jr on the main stage at UDC this May!
On November 20, Sarah Frances Williams and Jen Jacobs led a Zoom information session to go over details of auditioning and the role of the student tech crew as well as how parents a get involved. A recording of the meeting can be found here.
Students interested in designing sets, helping with costuming, and the overall running of the show should consider joining the Tech Crew. Any student interested in Tech should complete this Tech Interest Form here. Tech duties will begin in March and carry through to the final performance of the show mid-May. Students have until February to decide if they would like to join the Tech Crew.
There are more ways than ever for parents to get involved and help make this an unforgettable and successful theater experience for our students. From snacks, to organization, to set production and videography, we need parents! If you would like to help, please fill out this Parent Volunteer Form.Here are a few more key pieces of information:
- Rehearsals begin January 6, 2025 and will be held each Monday and Friday that school is in session from 3:30-5:30pm in the Murch Commons.
- Tech Week will involve longer rehearsal times and will take place at UDC on May 12-14.
- Performances on the UDC Stage will take place on May 15 and 16 beginning around 6:30 pm.
- Students accepting a role in the show will be asked to pay a $125 participation fee. If you would like financial assistance covering this amount, please reach out to Ms. Lauren Miller, Murch Guidance Counselor.
- Participating students will be asked to sign and adhere to an agreement outlining responsibilities and expected behavior.
- 4th grade parent, Allison Birgfeld, is the parent liaison this year. Please send any questions to her at jones915@gmail.com.
- A Parent Committee is in charge of working along side the production staff from Stage Left Events (Sarah Frances Williams and Jen Jacobs). The committee is led by Kara Chisholm (production), Kristen Batch (parent volunteers), and Allison Birgfeld (marketing and communications).
Questions? Please send Allison an email. Thank you!
Important Attendance Reminders
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school — regardless of the reason — it can cause them to fall behind academically. Research shows:
- Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd
- By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk of dropping out of school.
- By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.
Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!
Going to school regularly matters! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers: FAQ
Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
- Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpack the night before.
- Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are sick.
- Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
- Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
If your child will be absent for whatever reason, please fill out the Murch Absence Form found below. You can also find the link on the Murch website (www.murchschool.org):
As a reminder, an absence is only excused for the following reasons: Illness (a doctor’s note is needed after 5 consecutive days), medical or dental appointments, death in one’s immediate family, court activity, religious holidays or events, school visits (up to one day) or visiting a parent prior to military deployment.
For the 2024-2025 school year, DC Public Schools (DCPS) elementary schools will implement the “60/40” attendance policy as required by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This means if your child attends school for less than 60% of the day, it will be tracked as a 60/40 absence. This applies to both excused and unexcused absences. (See 5-A DCMR § 2199.1.)
To support your child being marked present for the full day, please make sure they arrive on time and stay until the close of the school day every day. Please note that the following late arrivals and/or early dismissals will result in your child being considered legally absent for the day:
- Students arriving after 11:25 a.m.
- Students leaving before 12:35 p.m.
- Students arriving late and leaving early and missing more than 40% of the scheduled school day.
You can review the complete DCPS Attendance and Truancy Policy for additional information.
Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time every day. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school at Murch ES, (202) 282-0130 or email Murch.Attendance@k12.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
Attendance Team
Sign Up for Kids Ride Free Metro Cards!
The Kids Ride Free program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District. The Kids Ride Free program ensures that enrolled District students who are also District residents can get to school and school-related activities for free. To request a Kids Ride Free card, please complete THIS form. You can also use the form to request a DC One Card.
2023-2024 Kids Ride Free Metro Cards will expire on September 30, 2024, so please request a new card by completing the form for the current school year.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. McGraw (rebecca.mcgraw2@k12.dc.gov).
Fall Fair 2021

Saturday, October 23
12–4 PM
Rain Date: Sunday, October 24
Games and Prizes • The Famous Used Book Sale
Snacks • Potomac Pizza • Ice Cream
Arts & Crafts • Ridiculously Fun Oversized Activities
Mini Putt-Putt • Photo Booth
HAVE FUN AND HELP MURCH • PROCEEDS GO TO THE MURCH HSA
Credit cards are the preferred method of payment during the Fall Fair.
There will be few opportunities/ticket booths at which we will accept cash.
We thank all Murch families for day-of donations to our Bake Sale!
Please package treats individually and drop off near the HSA Booth (head toward the gym).
Masks are mandatory at the Fall Fair.
Thank you for your cooperation!

Want to advertise your small business? Are you a crafter and want to sell your goods?
Contact the Murch Marketplace to rent a table at the Fall Fair!
- $50 for Murch families/staff
- $85 for others in the community
Email Crystal FitzSimons for details.

2021 SignUp Genius Links for Volunteers
Please click on your grade level below, then find the sign-up link for your class. Also check out the general volunteer opportunities link.

Donate your gently used books! Board books, kids books, sci-fi, novels, mystery, hardcover, paperbacks and cookbooks all accepted. Please no out-of-date travel books or textbooks.
During morning drop-off: stop by the buddy bench at the gym door. During the school day: bagged or boxed books labeled with "Fall Fair" can be dropped off at the Davenport St. entrance with the security guard.
Volunteers are needed to help sort books in the gym on Thursday, Oct. 21. Masks will be required. Click here to sign up!
Email Lesley Rich for more information.
We always need more people on our team! Email Katie Riley for more information.
Fall Fair 2022

Sunday, October 23
12–4 PM
Rain Date: Sunday, October 30
Games and Prizes • The Famous Used Book Sale
Snacks • Ice Cream
Arts & Crafts • And More!
International Table

Want to advertise your small business? Are you a crafter and want to sell your goods?
Contact the Murch Marketplace to rent a table at the Fall Fair!
- $50 for Murch families/staff
- $85 for others in the community
Email Crystal FitzSimons for details.

Please click on your grade level below, then find the sign-up link for your class.
Also check out the general volunteer opportunities link at the bottom. Middle and high school students are welcome to sign up!

Please donate your gently used books to the book sale. To donate, please leave your bagged or boxed books labeled "Fall Fair" beneath the staircase in the main entrance lobby. Deadline for donating books is Thursday, Oct. 20.
We also need volunteers to help sort the books on Oct. 20. Sign up here to help sort books.
Please email Dan Golden for more information about donating books or volunteering.
Have fun and help Murch! Proceeds go to the Murch HSA.
We always need more people on our team! Email Crystal FitzSimons for more information.
Murch is Seeking Substitute Teachers for SY24-25
Murch ES is looking for substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in learning more about being a substitute at Murch ES, please email Principal Cebrzynski (chris.cebrzynski@k12.dc.gov) or AP Hawkins (devario.hawkins@k12.dc.gov).
To view the current DCPS requirements for substitute teachers and the Substitute Teacher Application, please visit: https://dcps.dc.gov/page/substitute.
Fall Fair 2023

Sunday, October 15
12–4 PM
Games and Prizes • Arts & Crafts
The Famous Used Book Sale
Snacks • Ice Cream • Bake Sale
Murch Marketplace • International Table
And More!
Note: Credit cards are the preferred method of payment during the Fall Fair.
There will be few opportunities/ticket booths at which we will accept cash.
Volunteer
We can't do this without you! Please click on your grade level below, then find the sign-up link for your class.
Tickets
All pre-orders can be picked up at the HSA Booth located near the library after 12pm during the Fall Fair. We cannot offer refunds but we hope you'll consider any unused tickets a further donation to Murch HSA.
International Table
The International Table will be back this year at the Fall Fair! Families are invited to showcase their items from countries and communities around the world. Bring a piece of art, colorful textile, jewelry, clothing, toys, handicrafts, flags, sports jerseys, or any other items that represent your country or community, to showcase at the fair. Please drop off your items at the International Table in the Murch Marketplace anytime during the Fall Fair and then pick them up when you leave.

Want to advertise your small business? Are you a crafter and want to sell your goods?
Contact the Murch Marketplace to rent a table at the Fall Fair!
- $50 for Murch families/staff
- $85 for others in the community
Please email Rebeca Fiet for details and to sign up.

We thank all Murch families for day-of donations to our Bake Sale!
Please package treats individually and drop off near the HSA Booth (head toward the gym). All bake sale treats must be nut-free.

Donate your gently used books, puzzles, and board games for sale at the Fall Fair!
Starting Monday, Sep. 18, please leave your bagged or boxed items labeled "Fall Fair" beneath the staircase in the main entrance lobby. Please ensure puzzles and games are not missing pieces. Deadline for donations is Thursday, Oct. 12.
Please email Dan Golden for more information about donating or volunteering for the book sale.
Have fun and help Murch! Proceeds go to the Murch HSA.
We always need more people on our team! Email Rebeca Fiet for more information.
Supply Lists for 2024-25
Supply lists for the 2024-25 school year are available by clicking HERE.
If you need assistance procuring any of the suggested supplies on the list, please reach out to Ms. Lauren Miller (Murch’s guidance counselor) for confidential assistance.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
The Murch Directory
AtoZ Connect is the company we use to create our school directory and provide an easy way for you to connect with other Murch families. Families new to Murch must create an AtoZ Connect account to be listed in the directory and have access to the information online. Go to the membership toolkit and register as a new user.
For returning families, once you are logged in, you will see your contact information from last year. You can also update your contact information and privacy settings.
All families can choose what information is available for viewing by other Murch families.
There is also a mobile app called Membership Toolkit that we recommend downloading and using to find contact information for other Murch families from your phone.
Please email Rajiv D'Cruz with any AtoZ or directory questions.