PTA Newsletter
August 12, 2025: Late Summer Updates
Dear Ross Community,
Do not be alarmed: summer is not over yet. Some may say the countdown has begun, but here's our current scene: I'm writing this to you from California, it's morning, I have my coffee in hand, all kids are still lazed in their beds, and my Roadrunner just called out for a strawberry lollipop--I immediately responded "sure," so I think you can gauge how close we are to counting down. Let me take one more quick sip of coffee to get closer to this mindset, and...let's go.
My name is Aimee Stoltz, and I will again be serving as your intrepid Secretary for this year. I am entering my fourth year of Ross mom pride and love everything about our school and community. Each week, I will be sending a newsletter on behalf of our dedicated PTA, giving you all the news, updates, and events with a light-hearted flair. If you are new to Ross, welcome to the PTA! At our school, everyone is a PTA member, and we look forward to your participation in our vibrant community this year. We will be sending more detailed information as we get closer to school starting, including all the ways you can volunteer and contribute. So without further ado, let's chat about some back-to-school resources, reminders, and updates!
-Aimee
**Stay tuned for your back-to-school checklist in next week's newsletter. School starts Monday, August 25, for Kindergarten through 5th grade, and Thursday, August 28, for PK4!**
Here at Ross, families who are able are asked to contribute $100/student to cover the cost of school supplies. This money is then distributed to teachers, who purchase supplies directly for their classroom. This system saves parents a trip to the store as well as ensuring equity among students. You may also donate additional funds to help cover the costs for families who are unable to contribute the full amount. Please order your child's school supply package by August 25 at this link!
We have two useful calendars for bookmarking this year: the DCPS School Year 2025-2026 calendar as well as the new Key Dates for Ross Families. Keep these handy for reference throughout the year!
This year there is a new Ross Family Handbook, with all your need-to-know information in one place! Check it out here and reach out to Principal Searl and/or Assistant Principal Miller if there's anything you'd like to see included.
Join students, families, teachers, and staff on Thursday, September 18 from 5:30-7:30pm to celebrate the beginning of a new school year with a potluck picnic at the Stead Park Rec Center and playground! Pizza and sweet (cold) treats will be provided by the PTA. Please sign up here to contribute food and/or beverages for the event. We also need a few volunteers to help set up, serve pizza, and assist with clean up. Your support is very appreciated!
Fall registration is now open for Volo Kids, which provides free sports programs for kids in eight cities in the US, including Washington, DC. There are multiple sports to choose from (soccer, basketball, flag football, and more) at locations near Ross and throughout the city. Classes are after school and on the weekends. Learn more at their website and register today!
FALL AND SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS AT NOON TODAY AND TOMORROW:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 - AQUATICS PROGRAMS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 - ALL OTHER PROGRAMS
Fall and school year program highlights include:
- Aquatics programs, including learn to swim, DC Wave competitive swim team, junior lifeguard academy, and senior aqua fitness
- Afterschool/Out-of-School-Time programs, including Afternoon Access and Enrichment Zone for students ages 6–13 years old, as well as Young Ladies on the Rise and Young Men, Future Leaders.
- Cultural arts, including ballet, guitar, theater, dance, sewing, arts & crafts, and more.
- Team sports and athletics, including gymnastics, cheer, soccer, pickleball, tennis, and lacrosse.
- Fitness classes like bootcamp, Zumba, cardio, bike spin, yoga, and senior fitness
- Cooperative Play programs for children 18 months - 4 years old
Beginning January 1, 2026, changes to DC Medicaid eligibility will take effect. To learn about the changes, you are invited to a Community Leadership Awareness Briefing to receive important information regarding the eligibility changes and the steps the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) is taking to ensure District residents remain connected to quality health coverage and care.
To ensure our community is well-informed and remains connected to coverage throughout this transition, the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) and the DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) invite you to attend an upcoming awareness briefing. Details: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1:00 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Public Library, 901 G Street, NW - Event Space (5th Floor). Register here by August 26!
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-board/
Location: 1730 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.673.7200
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Do you have updates or announcements that you think would be of interest to our school community? If so, please email me here.