Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear Will Rogers Learning Community Families,

As we close out this remarkable school year, I am reminded of the beautiful bush in full bloom on our campus—a symbol of the growth, resilience, and transformation we’ve seen in our students. Just like that vibrant bloom, our learners have flourished in so many ways.

Last week was a powerful reflection of the incredible programming that makes WRLC so special. From our IB Programme to visual arts, music, and dance, our students showcased their talents and learning journeys with pride. These opportunities are made possible through the unwavering support of our amazing partners—SMEF, PTA and SMC. We are so grateful for the enriching experiences they help bring to life.

We hope this year has been filled with joyful exploration, deep learning, and lasting memories for your family. We are already looking forward to welcoming our students back in the fall for another year of discovery and connection.

To our promoting 5th graders and their families: thank you for being a part of our WRLC community. We hope your years here have been filled with growth, friendships, and unforgettable moments. Please know that you will always have a home at Will Rogers.

With appreciation and warm wishes for a restful summer,
Lila Daruty
Principal, WRLC

Monday 6/9= Backwards Day- Wear everything backwards

Tuesday 6/10= Fun in the sun day- Wear your beach clothes for this sunny day, Summer is coming!

Wednesday 6/11= Sports day- Wear your sporty outfit and do some sports.

Thursday 6/12= PJ Day- wear your cool Pjs ( stuffies are optional)

SMMUSD 2025-2026 Calendar

The last day of school is Thursday June 12th! It is an early dismissal Minimum Day. Report Cards will go home at the end of the day. Students leaving WRLC (5th graders or those moving), checked-out Chromebooks, hotspots, and chargers are due to the office by June 9th.

• The last day the office is open for business will be Friday, June 13th. Enrollment for incoming new students will be by appointment only; please email mnielson@smmusd.org for an appointment.
• The office will reopen for business on August 11th.
• Class placement emails will go out on August 18th, and the first day of school is August 21st.
• The school website calendar will be updated to 25-26 event dates soon.

Report Cards will go home with students on the last day of school, June 12th. Information about how to understand your child's report card can be reviewed here.

Our Lost & Found is overflowing with sweatshirts, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more! You can stop by and search for your child’s missing items anytime. Encourage your child to be responsible and check for their belongings themselves! All unclaimed items will be donated after Wednesday, June 12th—so be sure to check soon!

Library books checked out by students are now due. If your child has an outstanding library book, please start with a search of their backpack and room at home. Students and teachers will also be searching in the classroom.

If you cannot find the book, please contact Library Coordinator Shannon Sea ssea@smmusd.org about either paying for or replacing the book. THANK YOU!

And your children are ready for it! Last week, our students had the joy of meeting a librarian from the Santa Monica Public Library who introduced them to the 2025 Summer Reading Program. It’s free, fun, and full of rewards. Starting Tuesday, May 27, readers of all ages can register at smpl.beanstack.com. From June 14 through August 16, log reading minutes online, attend exciting events, and earn prizes. You can even attend the Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival. Best of all? Thousands of books are just waiting to be borrowed!

Here are a few ways to keep reading alive this summer:

The What: Reading Takes Many Forms
Reading doesn’t have to look one way. It might be:

• A picture book before bed

• A graphic novel under a tree

• An audiobook during a road trip

Let your child choose what interests them, and try reading together—even if they’re older.

The Why: Reading Prevents Summer Slide & Builds Empathy
Just a little reading each day can prevent learning loss and build confidence for fall. More than that, stories help children make sense of the world and their place in it—building empathy, curiosity, and emotional awareness.

The How: Make It a Daily Habit

• Set aside 30 minutes a day for family reading

• Turn off digital distractions

• Choose print when possible

• Create a cozy reading spot

• Talk about what you're reading

Reading isn’t just academic—it’s meaningful. Let it be a way to connect, imagine, and grow this summer.

Each fifth grader will be sent home with four wristbands on Monday, June 9th, which guarantees seating for four audience members at the promotion ceremony on Tuesday, June 10th. While these wristbands reserve seats, additional family and friends are welcome to attend. However, those without wristbands may need to stand around the perimeter or bring their chairs to sit behind the reserved seating.

Any families that will not use all four wristbands are encouraged to return the unused wristbands to their child’s teacher so they can be redistributed to guests with larger families.

Promotion Day Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 10th

• Ceremony Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

• Student Arrival: Fifth graders should arrive by 8:25 a.m.

• Family Arrival: Families may enter the campus starting at 8:45 a.m.

Please plan to arrive early, as parking is limited. Families must enter through the 16th school entrance ( on 16th street; the front gates will be closed, as school is in session.

Parking:
Parking permit restrictions will be lifted on the morning of June 10th within a two-block radius around the school. Please be sure to observe all posted street signs, including those related to street cleaning or other regulations.

Additional Notes:

• If you bring balloons or stuffed animals, please wait until after the ceremony to distribute them so they do not block views or distract other guests.

• After the ceremony, families will have the opportunity to sign out their child and continue celebrations. Sign-out sheets will be posted in each classroom.
• For families who would like younger siblings to attend the ceremony, please have them attend the ceremony in your care. They do not need to check-in with their teacher first. If you would like them to attend school following the ceremony, parents should sign them in through the front office.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making this special day memorable for our fifth graders.

Hot off the Press! 5th Grade Exhibition in the SM Daily Press

https://smdp.com/news/education/will-rogers-5th-graders-close-the-year-with-international-baccalaureate-presentations/

We thank you for your years of service to WRLC and SMMUSD. Wishing you the very best on this next journey!

• Victoria Escobar- Cafeteria Worker
• Florinda Vila- Bilingual Community Liaison
• Victor Ward- Custodian
• Sara Rodriguez- Paraeducator 1

Order your book here: https://web.treering.com/create-account/1013782539131906?PassCode=1013782539131906

As an International Baccalaureate Programme School, we believe there is a broad range of capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. We make a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

This month our Learner Profile is Communicator. Students who are COMMUNICATORS are able to think and communicate in more than one language. They can express their ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols.

How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?

Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other countries by writing letters, using the phone, sending email or Skyping. When working on math homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture. Ask your child thought provoking questions and encourage them to discuss them with you. For example: Is there anything you cannot buy with money? Should you get an allowance? Why or why not? Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.

Our Will Rogers Counseling team is providing a two-part Transitioning to Middle School workshop to all 5th grade classes. Our goal is to provide a space for students to learn more about what to expect and discuss options to prepare for the transition to middle school. It is a big change, and we aim to create a space so students can reflect and notice they are not alone in this transition (and not alone in the big feelings related to this change!). Students will have an opportunity to ask their questions to a current JAMS student and get helpful answers and strategies to ease anxiety and get ready for middle school!

Are you interested in learning more about Physical Education / Independent Study P.E. at JAMS next year? Below is a shareable link to the ISPE application for next year that incoming families need to complete.

https://www.smmusd.org/Page/824

ISPE affords students the opportunity to extend physical education learning activities beyond the school campus and regular school hours. Grading and Credit Policy

www.smmusd.org

We’re excited to share an important opportunity to support our current 5th grade students as they prepare for the transition to middle school. This summer, we’re continuing to offer a 6th Grade Transition Programthrough Summer Adventure, designed to ease both the academic and social-emotional adjustment to 6th grade. This year, Summer Adventure takes place at Franklin Elementary School.

The program runs for five weeks, but students are not required to attend all five weeks. They can participate based on their availability. Our goal is to help them feel confident and prepared for the year ahead in a supportive and engaging environment.

All program details can be found here:
👉 6th Grade Transition Program Information

And parents can learn more about Summer Adventure and register here.

Science at JAMS starts in the summer with a two-day summer science camp for all incoming 6th grade students. This year the summer science camp dates for all incoming 6th graders will be Thursday and Friday, August 14-15, 2025 from 8:30am to 2:30pm at JAMS.

The summer program will be the first science classes for all incoming students. In the two-day session, each student will attend classes, learn new lab skills, become familiar with JAMS campus, and meet other incoming students. The summer science camp for sixth graders is NOT mandatory.

Summer science camp will cost $150 per student for the two-day camp which includes lunch. We also have many payment options for students on the free or reduced lunch plans. At JAMS, we ask that you pay what you can for science camp, We also appreciate donations for students in need.

Spaces are limited!

Sign-ups are online:

https://jamssciencemagnet.org/summer-science-camp

Dates: June 23- July 25, 2025

Location: Franklin Elementary School

Scholarships are available for qualifying SMMUSD students.

After-care is available with CDS for an additional fee.

Online registration begins March 3 at 7:30 a.m.

Need registration support? In-person assistance is available on March 3, 7:30am-11:30am at Lincoln Middle School (1501 California Avenue).

NEW THIS YEAR: You must fill out the Medical Information Form during registration. You will need the name and contact info for your child's doctor and dentist, the name of your insurance company, and information about allergies and medications.

Visit us at summer-adventure.org

• Local's Lunch - The Sunset Restaurant - Experience a delicious lunch with other Malibu residents at fun local eateries (RSVP required). Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Spring Fling Summer Fun: Concert & Ukulele Strum-Along: Cali Rose & The CC Strummers invite you to sing along, play along, and enjoy an afternoon of feel-good music. Bring your own uke, borrow one of ours or check out a Library Ukulele RED Kit. June 7, 2 -3:15 p.m. Email library@santamonica.gov to request song sheets. SM Main Library, 601 SM Blvd.

• The City of Santa Monica presents SaMo Pride: a month of events and activities for all ages that celebrate our city’s inclusive and diverse spirit. SaMo Pride Drag Bingo, AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival, Family PRIDE & Rainbow Family Storytime, LGBTQ+ Self Defense Training, PRIDE Sunset Swim plus Happy Hour, Pride at the Pier Beach Volleyball & Sporting Experience, Pride Disco and Kid Zone, Comedy and Pride on the Pier Dance.

• Welcoming the Summer: The Lyric Chorus of Santa Monica Emeritus College: Sing along with the Lyric Chorus as they celebrate summer with a performance of favorite Broadway tunes. June 12, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., SM Main Library, 601 SM Blvd.

• Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival For families. Enjoy summer treats, play carnival games, win prizes and watch Michael Rayner’s Found Object Juggling Show! June 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., SM.

• Mil Colores: Bilingual Concert with Nathalia: Colombian-born songwriter/performer gets families singing, dancing, and learning Spanish in a fun and interactive presentation for families. Wednesday, June 18, 3-4 p.m. Pico Branch Library 2201 Pico Blvd., SM.

The IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM