Will Rogers Roundup
August 15, 2025
Principal's Pen
Dear Will Rogers Parents and Guardians,
It is my honor and joy to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with joy, rest, and meaningful moments with loved ones. Thank you for choosing Will Rogers—we are excited to partner with you in helping your child learn, grow, and thrive.
As an International Baccalaureate Primary Years 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.
A warm welcome to our new families—whether you are joining us from another SMMUSD school, or from a different city, state, or country, we are so glad you’re here. We can’t wait to share with you all that Rogers has to offer. We believe you will soon see why Will Rogers Learning Community is such a special place for all children.
This year brings something truly exciting: the opening of our new Early Learning Building! This state-of-the-art, Reggio-inspired space will house seven TK/K classrooms designed to spark curiosity, inspire play, and foster exploration. From the very start of their educational journey, our youngest learners will be immersed in an environment that nurtures inquiry-based learning through a holistic approach. Our teachers have poured love, creativity, and thoughtful planning into these spaces—now we just need our students to bring them to life!
Grounded in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s values of Belonging, Curiosity, and Empowerment, Will Rogers will continue to deepen our work in building community and finding harmony in our diversity. This year, our work will be guided by four key commitments:
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Critical Humility – examining our professional practices and beliefs with openness and courage.
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Commitment to BIPOC Students – We are dedicated to actively affirming and uplifting the voices, brilliance, and potential of our BIPOC students. Grounded in our district’s mission of achieving extraordinary outcomes for all students, we recognize that by removing barriers and creating opportunities for those furthest from equity, we elevate learning and achievement for everyone.
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Collective Efficacy – believing that together, we have the power to ensure every student succeeds.
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Academic Fidelity – aligning instruction across grade levels to amplify our impact.
You will find out your child’s teacher name and classroom number on August 19th by the end of the day. If you do not receive this information—or if you have twins—please contact the front office so we can ensure you have the correct details and you are receiving our emails/texts through parent square.
We know the start of a new school year can bring both excitement and a few jitters—for students and families alike. Class placements are made with great care and consideration for each child’s needs, strengths, and growth. If permitted at all, class changes will not be made without first allowing a two-week period for students to adjust. This time helps children get to know their teacher, make new friends, and settle into their learning community. Your confidence and positivity about your child’s placement go a long way—students often take their cues from our enthusiasm and optimism!
Our success as a school is powered by the commitment of our families. Please visit the Will Rogers PTA website to learn about membership and volunteer opportunities, and consider donating to both the Santa Monica Education Foundation and PTA. These contributions fund vital programs such as music, visual arts, our Regenerative Farm, and our school-wide composting program. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us create transformative experiences for our students.
Stay connected by reading the Will Rogers Roundup each Sunday evening for important updates from the school, PTA, SMEF, and our community partners. Links are posted on our school website. Please also complete your annual Aeries Parent Portal data confirmation and electronic first-day packet by Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
I look forward to another year of collaboration as we work together to provide your children with an effective, engaging, and inspiring education. Thank you for being a positive partner in your child’s educational journey.
In partnership,
Ms. Lila Daruty
Principal, Will Rogers Learning Community
ldaruty@smmusd.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fri. 8/15 PTA Sponsored TK/K Playdate @10:00 a.m.
Mon. 8/18 All SMMUSD Staff Convocation Event @ SAMOHI 8-3 p.m. (Rogers office closed)
Tues. 8/19 Classroom/teacher assignments will be emailed to families by the end of the day.
Wed. 8/20 TK/K Meet and Greet @ 10:30 a.m. meet in front of school on 14th street
Thurs. 8/21 First Day of School! Arrival at 8:25 a.m. Minimum Day: TK/K dismissal @12:10 1st-5th @1:00 p.m.
Thurs. 8/21 Boo Hoo/Yahoo Coffee Social @8:30 a.m. in the library.
Fri. 8/22 Second day of school! No Late start. Arrival at 8:25 a.m. Minimum Day: TK/K dismissal @12:10 1st-5th @1:00 p.m.
Fri. 8/22 Welcome Back Picnic on the track/field @1:00-3:00 p.m. ( bring a chair or blanket)
Tues. 8/26 Minimum Day: Arrival at 8:25 a.m. Minimum Day: TK/K dismissal @12:10 1st-5th @1:00 p.m.
Tues. 8/26 Volunteer Training @3:00 and 5:00 p.m. in the library
Tues. 8/26 Back to School Night Grades TK- 2nd @ 5:30 p.m.
Tues. 8/26 First PTA Association Mtg. of the year 7:00 p.m. in the library
Thurs. 8/28 New Peacemaker Parent Information Meeting@ 7:00 p.m. via (zoom)
Fri. 8/29 First late start of the year. School begins @9:45 a.m.
Fri. 8/29 First Friday Assembly of the Year on the track/field. Parents/Guardians welcome! @ 9:45 a.m.
Fri. 8/29 New Peacemaker Parent Information Meeting @9:45 a.m. in the library and via (zoom)
Mon. 9/1 NO SCHOOL- Labor Day
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
We are so excited to welcome our students into their classrooms! It is incredibly important that parents show support and confidence in their child’s class placement. Children feel our enthusiasm and take their cues from us—your positivity helps set the tone for a great year.
Please know that careful thought and consideration went into every placement decision. No class changes will be made during the first two weeks of school. This adjustment period is essential, giving your child time to settle in, get to know their teacher, and begin building strong relationships with classmates.
You will find out your child’s teacher name and classroom number on August 19th by the end of the day. If for some reason you do not receive a notice, or if you have twins, please contact the front office so we can share the information with you.
We are confident in the skill, dedication, and care of all our teachers, and we know that each child will be supported, challenged, and inspired in their classroom. Together, let’s start the year with excitement and optimism!
BELL SCHEDULE 2025-2026
Will Rogers Learning Community
Morning Procedures
Monday-Thursday Arrival
8:10 Breakfast in the cafeteria. Yards open.
8:20 First bell rings. Students line up for class.
8:25 All students TK to 5th grade in classrooms.
Late Start Friday Arrival
9:20 Breakfast in the cafeteria. Yards open.
9:40 First bell rings. Students line up for class.
9:45 All students TK to 5th grade in classrooms.
Recess
*No morning recess on Fridays, if it is a late start.
PreK/TK/K Early Learning Yard
9:40-10:10 TK/PreK (eat 9:40-9:55/play 10:00-10:15)
10:15-10:45 Kindergarten (eat 10:15-10:30/play 10:30-10:45)
*TK/K students use bathrooms in room 804
Grades 1-5 Playground and Track/Field
9:50-10:10 1st & 2nd grades (eat 9:50-10:00/play 10:00-10:10)
10:15-10:35 3rd & 4th grades (eat 10:15-10:25/play 10:25-10:35)
10:40-11:00 5th grade (eat 10:40-10:50/play 10:50-11:00)
Lunch
Grades TK/K Early Learning Yard
11:30-12:15 TK (eat 11:30-11:50/play 11:50-12:15)
12:00-12:45 Kindergarten (eat 12:00-12:20/play 12:20-12:45)
*TK/K students use bathrooms in room 804
Grades 1-5 Playground and Track/Field
11:30-12:15 1st & 2nd grades (eat 11:30-11:50/play 11:50-12:15)
12:00-12:45 3rd & 4th grades (eat 12:00-12:20/play 12:20-12:45)
12:30-1:15 5th Grade (eat 12:30-12:50/play 12:50-1:15)
Dismissal
1:45 TK/Kindergarten
2:55 1st to 3rd Grades
3:00 4th and 5th Grades
Aftercare
1:45 Kindergarten Dismissal - CDS School Age Program (SAP) staff meets students on K yard
2:55 Grades 1-3 Dismissal - CDS School Age Program (SAP) students walk to their classrooms
3:00 Grades 4-5 Dismissal - CREST students walk to their classrooms
MINIMUM DAYS: 8/21, 8/22 no late start, 8/26, 9/2, 11/5, 11/6, 11/7 no late start, 12/19 no late start, 3/26, 6/11
Parent/Guardian Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
For the first two days of school Grown-Ups are invited onto campus to drop off at their child's classroom.
Arrival to school: Gates open at 8:10 a.m.
- TK/Kinder use the designated TK/K gate off of 14th street. Students and families may play, and wait for pick-up from their teachers on the (old) TK/K yard. @ 8:25 teachers will meet and walk students and accompanying grown-ups to the new early learning building.
- 1st - 5th may use either the front gate on 14th street or the pedestrian gate on 16th street. Students and families should proceed to their classrooms.
Dismissal from school: (All teachers will escort students to these areas)
- TK/Kinder meet your children at the designated TK/K gate (adjacent to the old TK/ K yard) on 14th street.
- 1st - 2nd meet your children the TK/K gate (adjacent to the old TK/ K yard) on 14th street
- 3rd should be picked-up from the front gate on 14th street.
- 4th and 5th should be picked up from gate on 16th street.
REMINDER: Parent parking can be found on the neighborhood streets. Be sure to read the street signs! Please do not park in the staff parking lots or block driveways of our neighbors. We will continue to offer a valet on 14th street in front of the school.
Beginning, Monday, Aug. 25th, we ask that you say your goodbyes at the gates!
Cellphone/electronics policy
- At WRLC, we make every effort to avoid interrupting instructional time and therefore do not allow cellphones and other electronics to be used during the instructional day. Students are not permitted to wear smartwatches or Gizmos in the classrooms. If your child wears a smartwatch, or has a smartphone, please remind them they are to be kept in their backpack turned off or on school-mode during the school day. We encourage parents to support us by leaving these items at home.
- Students are never permitted to use cell phones on campus. In the event of an emergency, the administration carry radios, teachers have cellphones and there is a school phone in every learning space. Under the advisement of our SMPD school resource officers, individual student cellphone use can actually hinder the delivery of important messaging necessary in a true emergency.
- Other personal electronics from home, such as Nintendo Switches, iPads, Kindles etc. are not permitted on campus. If a student uses their cell phone during school hours, it will be confiscated and held until the end of the school day and must be picked up by a parent. In no event or circumstance, will the district or its staff be held responsible or liable for the loss, theft, or damage to any such device.
- Please help us ensure that our students have an electronics free learning zone at school.
Please do not forget to send with your child every day:
- School materials including books, homework, projects, etc.
- Re-fillable water bottle ( We have several refilling stations on campus)
- A morning snack
- Lunch is available to all students free of charge. You may also pack a lunch from home.
- Sunscreen (put on prior to arriving at school)
- Hat
- Layers of clothing (sweatshirt, windbreaker, etc.) Keep an eye on the weather.
- A growth mindset for a successful day!
LUNCH MENU
Breakfast and lunch are free for all students! Make a plan with your child each week about the days they will be eating food prepared at school or bringing lunch from home.
https://www.smmusd.org/domain/476
We encourage you to pack a snack for your children for morning recess.
Please send your child to school with a re-fillable water bottle! We have water stations located throughout campus.
WRLC is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years School (PYP)
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. We do this through the development of students according to the IB learner profile. The profile aims to develop learners who are:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
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.
Contact Us
Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364