PTA Newsletter
February 10, 2026
Dear Ross Community,
Although I am reporting to you live from jury duty today, I did get a 3-minute glimpse of the weather early this morning, which seemed positively balmy after our Polar Nightmare 2026. I expect to find two flip-flopped Roadrunners at pickup today, ready for the pool.
We are gearing up for two fun events of the season: Bingo Night (next Thursday!) and our annual Auction (Apr 20-25). Please mark your calendars and join us for community and fun. Don't forget that we have a four-day weekend coming down the pike, with days off school this Friday, Feb 13, and Monday, Feb 16. Read on for all this week's news, and we hope to see you less frozen next week after some of these ice caps melt away!
🧊,
Aimee
Just one week left until the Ross Bingo Night, to be held next Thursday, February 19, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Foundry UMC (1500 16th St NW). All families and children are invited to this fun night, which will include bingo, pizza, and prizes! This year's VIP Caller will be Ms. Juriga, and we are seeking volunteers for help with set-up and clean-up--please sign up here to pitch in!
Last Friday's Coffee and Content session covered Literacy in Action: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Language in Grades 3–5: Partnering with Families to Support Growth at Home and School. Attached here you will find the slide deck used in the meeting for those who could not attend.
Thank you to all who reached out to and thanked Officer Tommy on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Our fourth grade class gifted him with a signed photo from his Story of Our Schools interview and a gift card and Ross sweatshirt!
This year, in partnership with The Story of Our Schools, our fourth graders and Ms. Juriga are uncovering Ross’s history through archival research, oral history interviews, walking tours, and field trips. This hands-on learning is helping students connect deeply with the community and explore the issues and stories that shape where they live and go to school. In recent newsletters, we've been sharing some of these stories.
At the end of the research process, students and teachers—together with The Story of Our Schools—will design and install a permanent, museum-quality exhibit in our school building to share Ross’s story with the broader Dupont Circle community. We look forward to unveiling it at a public celebration.
We are raising funds—we're at about $10,000 now, with a goal of reaching $15,000—to support the production and installation of a history exhibit in our school. The PTA will match every dollar raised. We are grateful to early supporters—including Dupont Circle ANC 2B, Dupont Circle Citizens Association, Friends of Stead Park, Swift Cleaners, and our school community and neighbors for their generous support
All contributing organizations and individuals will be recognized on a permanent exhibit plaque, and we also will promote supporters through our PTA communications.
We would be grateful if you would consider making a tax-deductible donation and helping us preserve and share our neighborhood’s history. We also would be grateful if you would help us spread the word. Donations may be made online here by February 28, 2026, though contributions are still welcome after that date. If you have any questions, please contact PTApresident@rosselementary.org.
Join the Indian Embassy as we celebrate the Holi Festival in Dupont Circle Park, complete with traditional dancers, powder, and a live DJ.
In collaboration with the Embassy of India, we will be celebrating India’s most colorful holiday, the Holi Festival, on Saturday, March 7th 2026, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Festivities begin in Dupont Circle Park with upbeat Indian music spun by DJ Pandu, followed by Indian cultural dancing on stage by renowned dance troupes including Studio Dhoom. The Indian Embassy is excited to provide masala chai and traditional sweets to fuel the festivities. The cultural dancing will conclude, and the event will erupt into a huge party featuring music, dancing, and powder throwing. This portion of the event will last from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and is also free to attend. Powder will be available to purchase ahead of time via the event’s Eventbrite link, and those who buy powder can pick it up in-person during the event by showing your receipt. Powder will not be sold at the event itself, so make sure you order your powder here!
“We are so excited to be partnering with the Indian Embassy to expand this incredibly popular festival – now in its fourth year,” said Patrick Kain, Chair of the Dupont Circle BID. “Dupont Circle is a unique neighborhood with 40 embassies, and we are glad to feature India.”
Holi is known as the Festival of Colors. The holiday is celebrated each year to welcome the season of spring and the victory of good over evil. During this time, communities come together to celebrate unity, with people from all cultures and backgrounds joining in the festivities!
RSVP to lock in your spot and get all the details sent to you. Happy Holi!
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the Washington Post underwent devastating layoffs impacting both domestic and international staff. In response, colleagues have launched fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance and security for those affected, including financial aid, job search, and other forms of assistance. To learn more and donate to this GoFundMe campaign, click here.
About the Ross PTA
The mission of the Ross PTA is to support the education of all Ross students, to support Ross faculty and staff, to foster relationships among parents, staff and community members, and to assist faculty and staff to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all students, families and faculty can thrive and grow.
Email: PTApresident@rosselementary.org
Website: http://rosselementary.org/pta
Location: 1730 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.673.7200
If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe to Ross PTA emails here.
Do you have updates or announcements that you think would be of interest to our school community? If so, please email me here.