PTA Newsletter
September 2, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
It's September, which means we are all quickly settling into new school routines, breathing sighs of relief for mild weather, and getting ready for everything pumpkin spice. Wait--that last part might not be universal. But I know this part is: many aftercare programs start today and you can take that deep breath of relief you've been waiting for. You deserve it. Good luck to all as you finish adding in all the components of new routines this week!
Back to School Nights are coming up next week on Wednesday, Sept 10, and Thursday, Sept 11. Our Back to School Picnic will be held the week after at Stead Rec Center on Thursday, Sept 18. And finally, save the date for our first PTA Clothing Swap and Costume Exchange, coming up on October 17! We hope to see you at one of these events. Until then, as I always do when the clock strikes September, I'll be lurking at Three Fifty trying every pumpkin spice latte and muffin they have on offer.
-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 at this link if you have not done so already!
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 Wednesdays and Thursdays. These three partners will remain open, with PTA funding, until 6:30 pm on both Back to School nights. Please pick up your children promptly by 6:30 pm.
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!
Pack a picnic blanket and snacks for activities in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden! Educators from the National Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art will be in the garden encouraging artful connections with the flora and fauna around you. Paint your own little beast, make observations of specimens from the National Museum of Natural History's education collection, and more!
Extend the fun and explore the exhibition Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building. This exhibit features specimens from the National Museum of Natural History’s collection and artworks from the National Gallery of Art. Interested in exploring more “Little Beasts” in Natural History’s collections? Head on over to the Natural History Museum and check out the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals on the 1st floor, Bone Hall on the 2nd floor, and the O. Orkin Insect Zoo on the 2nd floor!
In case of inclement weather, this event will be relocated to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Atrium.
Visit the event webpage here!
Grab a blanket and join us for a sing-along movie night under the stars! September movie (rescheduled from July): Wicked! RSVP to stay in-the-know for this event. Movie starts at sundown (approximately 7:30 PM), and the field opens 45 minutes before for picnicking and field games. Come out early and play some games, have some popcorn, pack a picnic, and enjoy the early fall evening under the stars!
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.