PTA Newsletter
October 14, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
Have I gone deaf? Wait--there are birds chirping and horns honking; my ears are indeed still working. My aural senses must have been thrown off by the termination, at exactly 8:38 am this morning, of the Skibidi-Sigma-what-the-sus-bruh-six-seeeeven-yeet five-day monologue. While I bask in the mostly pleasant sounds now entering my ears, please allow me to tell you about all the PTA news of the week.
Last week we had the misfortune of poor weather on our Walk & Roll to School Day!☔Please mark your calendars for our rescheduled event, one week from today: Tuesday, October 21 (all details below). And don't forget to bring your clothing contributions by the lower level of the school this week to drop off in preparation for our Clothing Swap this Friday!
Have a wonderful week full of (hopefully) mild fall weather!
🍂
-Aimee
The Fall for Ross fundraiser ticked up 5% this past week, reaching 55% of our $50,000 goal! Our PK4 Llamas still hold the lead at 55% participation, followed by 2nd grade (41%) and Kindergarten (41%). 67 families of 181 have participated (37%) and we'd like that be 100%! Remember that any amount, large or small, counts toward your class participation. Please consider giving today!
Everyone belongs! At Ross, every family, every teacher, and every staff member is a valued member of the Ross PTA. Instead of an annual membership drive, every fall we invite all members of our community to Fall for Ross.
We encourage families to consider a financial donation of $50/month ($600 annually) to help the PTA maintain its strong programs and investments in school operating costs. We understand this isn’t possible for every family. Please give as you’re able. Small or large, every donation is important and contributes to improving the learning environment for every student at Ross.
What does the Ross PTA Do?
- Hosts events to build community
- Supports Ross teachers and staff
- Raises significant funds to offset school operating costs and non-personnel expenses. This enables Principal Searl to increase Ross staffing beyond the school's DCPS budget allocation.
Our engaged school community is an essential part of what makes the Ross environment such a welcoming, supportive place for our children to learn and grow.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 this fall and to connect with every Ross family. Please join us today!
**All classes that reach 100% participation, or the class with the highest participation rate when Fall for Ross ends, will win a popsicle party and an extra recess!**
Update: A Visit to Sumner Archives
4th grade students recently spent a morning with Kimberly Springle at the Charles Sumner Museum and Archives to learn about the Charles Sumner School’s historic significance and why preserving artifacts from DC Public Schools is so important. They were able to view materials related to Ross, explore Sumner’s exhibits, and test their school story knowledge through a game of BINGO.
Led by Ms. Juriga, this project is part of our school's project with the Story of Our Schools, a year-long research quest to uncover Ross’s history. The students are conducting archival research and oral history interviews, as well as participating in walking tours and field trips. At the end of the school year, their findings will be transformed into a permanent, museum-quality exhibit that will be installed in our school (slated for fall 2026).
We need your help! Personal stories and photographs from school community members not only fill in research gaps, but they also give the final exhibit a true voice. If you’d like to participate, or know someone who should, please answer our digital questionnaire or reach out to marybeth@storyofourschools.org or Lisa Juriga at lisa.juriga@k12.dc.gov.
Do you know organizations or businesses in our community that would be interested in contributing financial resources to the installation of The Story of Our Schools exhibit? Contact PTApresident@rosselementary.org.
Watch a video here about Ross and Story of Our Schools.
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.
This Friday, October 17, the PTA will host the Back to School Clothing Swap and Costume Exchange, a wonderful opportunity to refresh your child’s wardrobe and connect with our community!
From 8:00 to 9:00 am and 3:00 to 5:30 pm, visit the Ross picnic tables (rain or shine) to "shop" for gently used clothing and costumes. There is no contribution required and all Ross families are welcome to “shop” the swap! There is now a drop-off bin available for donations on the school's lower level. For donations, we ask that you please bring items from size 5T to 12 in good, usable condition—clean, odorless and without rips, tears, or broken zippers. In addition to clothing, we welcome donations of weather-appropriate accessories (such as hats, gloves, scarves, and snow suits), as well as costumes and shoes. Please place your donations in labelled bags with gender (boy, girl, or unisex) and size. Black pants and white shirts in all sizes (for recitals) and swim goggles for 3rd grade swimmers are especially welcome.
Any clothing items remaining after the swap will be donated to a shelter or organization recommended by the PTA and Mental Health Team, ensuring that your contributions benefit students and families in need. We are seeking caregivers and parents to assist with setting up and managing the swap event. Even thirty minutes of your time is appreciated! If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Nathalie Nuta at NathaliefNuta@gmail.com
*Consider bringing a reusable bag with you when you visit the swap!
Join us Tuesday, October 21, as we celebrate bicycling and walking to school during our first of two National Walk & Roll to School Day events this year! This event has been rescheduled due to rainy weather on October 8.
Students can ride their bicycles or scooters or walk with their classmates or parents. With a police motorcycle escort leading the parade, we will meet at the corner of 15th and R St NW at 7:50 am and make our way to Ross at 8:00 am. We will be joined by a representative from the Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and are looking for as many parents on bicycles to join the parade as we can find. If you are interested in riding or have more questions, please contact Joseph Jones (text 202-375-9859/email mwcumd@icloud.com).
Once the parade concludes at Ross, we will be greeted by Krispy Kreme donut holes and coffee, and WABA will be handing out bicycle safety and advocacy swag. Please join us!
Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:00 AM at Fletcher’s Cove for the fourth annual Run 4 MK. In partnership with Bishop’s Events, we’ll come together to run in support of ending chronic homelessness in Washington, DC.
Distances: 500 M dash, 5K, and 10K — plus a virtual option if you can’t join in person!
By participating, you’ll support Miriam’s Kitchen’s essential programs and services. The run is scheduled near Veterans Day and at the start of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov 16–22), aligning with the heart of the work and people Miriam’s Kitchen serves in our community.
This year, the Ross Elementary community is lacing up to support Miriam’s Kitchen. You can join us in two ways:
Fundraise/Donate: Anyone can donate or create a fundraiser—whether or not you’re running. Every dollar helps fight homelessness in DC.
Ross Team Fundraising Page
Run (in-person or virtually!): Sign up to run with the Ross Roadrunners team. Registration is required separately from fundraising.
Run 4 MK Registration
Let’s show our Roadrunner spirit by running, fundraising, or cheering from the sidelines! #Run4MK #RossRoadrunners
Questions? Contact Becky Ballard at beckyball@gmail.com.
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.