PTA Newsletter
August 26, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
I woke up yesterday morning unsure which way The First Day was going to go--was this going to be like the year when my Roadrunner recreated being walked to the gallows, or the one when he ran into school headfirst with glee? I leaned over his bed and softly nudged my jetlagged bird: "Happy First Day," I whispered. One eye popped open, and a froggy voice replied, "I am not excited." So...another gallows year, then? And then, my friends, a slow roll of happiness began. I stood back, careful not to jostle the boat. By the time we arrived at school, we'd taken First Day photos with our First Day board, skipped to our proverbial Lou, and greeted old friends on the playground before the familiar lineup. I'm not sure how we ended up with a glee year, but oh boy, I'll take it. I hope yours was predictable, not a gamble, and a bit gleeful to boot. Keep your fingers crossed for our tiny Roadrunner on Thursday!
Speaking of this Thursday, make sure to grab some coffee sponsored by the PTA at dropoff (and a bit after). Mingle with new and old friends and check out some Ross merchandise while you're at it. Also make sure to mark your calendar for our Back to School Nights on September 10 (PK-1st) and September 11 (2nd-5th); more details below. Thank you to the families who have already contributed for school supplies for 120 kids! If you haven't already contributed, please do so today!
Have a super first week!
-Aimee
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.
Swing by for coffee and merch this Thursday morning (August 28). Coffee will be provided by the PTA and you'll have a chance to purchase some fresh Ross clothing and gear for the new school year!
Ross Back to School Nights will take place at school on Wednesday, September 10, (PK 4, Kindergarten, and 1st grade) and Thursday, September 11, (2nd through 5th grade) from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Back to School Nights are an opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet and connect with their children's teachers and other staff members, see the classroom and school, discuss the curriculum, and ask questions. These are adult-facing events.
This year, the PTA has worked with aftercare partners (iGen, the JCC and Keegan Theater) to extend aftercare programming for children who are already enrolled in these programs on Thursdays. We will provide more details on time and pickup arrangements for each aftercare vendor as we get into September.
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!
Get ready for a WILD Halloween night out! Boo at the Zoo, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s beloved family-friendly Halloween celebration, returns Oct. 17, 18 and 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Put on your favorite costume and explore the Zoo after hours, collecting treats at 30 trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. Watch as animals enjoy jack-o'-lanterns and other spooky enrichment surprises, and stroll past whimsical Halloween scenes featuring skeletons and fantastical creatures along the main walkway.
Tickets available here after August 28 (or now for members).
Friends of Mitchell park will show “Little Miss Sunshine” in the park on Thursday, September 4, at 7:45pm. Showtime is at sunset and light refreshments will be available. Mitchell Park is located at 2222 S St NW.
On Monday, September 8th at 6PM, Dog Daze (1100 Rhode Island Ave NW) will host The Great Zucchini, an award winning local children's entertainer. Tickets are $10 per child, and adults are free! Families can purchase tickets at the door or use this link.
Registration is now open for DC Girls in Gear ("Life Skills Through Bike Skills"). The program is back with a full line-up of fall programming across Washington, DC, with bikes and helmets available for anyone in need. Learn more at www.girlsingear.org and register today!
For 65 years, DCYOP has proudly served young musicians across the region, offering high-quality music education that helps children grow, learn, and find joy in making music together. We welcome students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, whether they are just starting out or already have experience.
What We Offer:
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Ages 4.5–13: Beginner classes (no experience needed; instruments include strings, winds, brass, percussion, and harp)
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Ages 4.5–18: 9 ensembles for students with at least 1 year of experience, ranging from beginner to advanced (4 string orchestras, 2 wind ensembles, and 3 full orchestras)
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Classes and rehearsals are held on Saturdays at Takoma Elementary School beginning in September.
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Tuition assistance and payment plans are available; no one is turned away due to financial need.
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After-school programs for this year are set to continue at a few schools, and we hope to expand to more in the future with additional funding.
This season, we are also celebrating our 65th Anniversary Gala in November and preparing for a 2026 South Africa tour with our top ensemble, the Youth Orchestra!
There’s still time to register! Learn more and sign up here: https://www.dcyop.org/registration/
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.