PTA Newsletter
October 21, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
Did we have this many Halloween events when we were kids?! These lucky Roadrunners have an absolute bonanza of events to attend (this supports my children's multiple-costume addiction, and they're not complaining). Get out your calendars and your costume collection: don't miss the Little Goblins Parade this Saturday (**we need volunteers!**), the Mitchell Park Fun Day on Sunday, and trick-or-treating on Swann Street on Halloween night (all details below)!
Read on for all the Ross news that's fit to print, and I'll see you at every parade and fun fest this weekend in whatever costume my children deem Mom-worthy this year.
🎃
-Aimee
Last Friday's Clothing Swap and Costume Exchange was a great success--a huge thank you to Nathalie Nuta for her hard word organizing, and to volunteers for helping kids and adults "shop" for new clothes. My children have gleefully worn their new costumes and clothes already, and I hope someone enjoyed our non-descript Primary pants collection! We hope to have a repeat event in spring!
Fourth grade students are now preparing to lead their oral history interviews with long-time Ross community members to uncover more of their school story. Oral histories not only fill in research gaps, but they also promote a human connection to Ross’s history. Students are developing their interviewing techniques as they learn the difference between open-ended and close-ended questions. Some of their questions are…
- Why did you choose to help the Ross community?
- How has the community changed over time?
- Did the students have as many opportunities [in the past]?
- What do you hope for Ross’s future?
Do you know someone with a story to share about Ross? Reach out to MaryBeth Washington at marybeth@storyofourschools.org or Lisa Juriga at lisa.juriga@k12.dc.gov
Ross Families—We Appreciate You!
Our annual Fall for Ross fundraiser is off to a wonderful start! In about a month, you’ve helped raise $30,000 of our $50,000 goal. We’re deeply grateful to the more than 60 families who have already contributed—thank you for your generosity and commitment to our school community.
We also recognize that this season has brought financial uncertainty for many families, especially with the government shutdown and other economic pressures. Please know that we understand—every family’s situation is different, and every form of support matters. Whether you can give financially (any amount), volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word, your participation strengthens Ross and shows what makes this community so special.
The PTA invests more than $100,000 each year to cover important school expenses that directly benefit every child—from classroom materials to field trips, from staff support to community events. Your contributions—of any size—make a meaningful impact:
💛 $25 → Two gallons of hand soap to keep our students healthy
💛 $50 → A uniform for one of our hardworking custodians
💛 $100 → Professional development for a teacher
💛 $300 → Supplies to refresh our playground and garden
💛 $600 → Half the cost of a bus for a field trip
💛 $1,200 → Three iPads for classroom learning
While we encourage families who are able to consider a monthly pledge of $50 or a one-time gift of $600, every contribution—large or small—matters equally. What’s most important is that everyone participates in the way that works best for them. Together, we can ensure that Ross continues to be a nurturing, enriching place for all students.
Your support helps the PTA:
✅ Offset school operating costs and provide staffing beyond the DCPS budget
✅ Cover essential curriculum needs
✅ Support teachers and staff with resources and training
✅ Ensure every student can join field trips and activities, regardless of family finances
✅ Host events that build and strengthen the Ross community
And remember: Classes that reach 100% participation—or the class with the highest participation—will win a popsicle party and extra recess! **Class rankings will be updated in next week's edition!**
If your employer offers donation matching, please take advantage of it to double your impact.
👉 [Give today to Fall for Ross]
Thank you for all the ways you show up for Ross—through your gifts, your time, and your care. Together, we make this a joyful, supportive place where every child can thrive.
There will be street closures affecting R Street starting at 12 pm on Tuesday, Oct 28, for the High Heel Race. Caregivers will need to plan to walk, use public transit, or park outside of the affected zone that afternoon. Parking immediately adjacent to Ross will be unavailable on R Street.
Metro has transitioned to a new program of preventive maintenance and planned capital work. Overnight and weekend hours will be used for enhanced preventive maintenance including cable testing to prevent smoke and fire incidents, stray current testing, trackbed cleaning, switch maintenance, torqueing (tightening fasteners, joint nuts and bolts) to eliminate excessive strain on infrastructure, and track geometry work to ensure the correct rail alignment.
We’re excited to invite you to the 20th Annual Fall Fun Day at Mitchell Park! This year’s celebration will feature all the family favorites—plus a costume parade at 2:30 PM, so come dressed in your best Halloween outfit and join the fun.
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Mitchell Park, 23rd St NW & S Street NW
This year’s Fall Fun Day highlights include:
- Haunted House – a spooky neighborhood favorite
- Pumpkin Painting – decorate and take home your own pumpkin
- Live Music – tunes from the Mitchell Park Jam Band
- Fire Truck – kids can climb aboard and explore a DC Fire truck
- Fall Treats – kettle corn, popsicles, & our annual bake sale
- Crafts & Activities – face painting, hands-on fall crafts, and a moon bounce
- Community & Embassy Booths – connect with 20+ city and community organizations
- Food Options – the Two Smooth Dudes food truck will have a variety of wraps, salads, chicken fingers, and tots available for purchase
Representatives from a number of city and community organizations will join the festival, including Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Office, Smithsonian National Zoo, DC Parks and Recreation, DC Fire/EMS, Woodrow Wilson House, Hirshhorn Kids, Early Stages, Phillips Collection, Tudor House, the Washington Studio School, and more.
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
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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.