Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear WRLC Families,

As we approach Spring Break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership. We truly could not do the great work at WRLC without the support of our parent community.

We had an amazing celebration last Friday in our SMEF Splash Zone to recognize reaching our January campaign goal with SMEF. We are excited to keep the momentum going as we grow our participation from 31%—the sky’s the limit! If you are able, please consider making a donation to SMEF in an amount that feels right for your family. We are so grateful for the incredible programming SMEF brings to our school, especially the Regenerative Farm staff, our instructional aides, and PS Arts.

We are also thrilled to open our doors to families this week for Open House! Please note that Thursday is a minimum day, and we look forward to welcoming you back at 5:30 PM—head straight to your child’s classroom for a presentation of learning.

The following spaces will also be open for viewing:

• Families of students in Special Education are encouraged to visit SAI classrooms ( Ms. Arndt and Mrs. Jackson ( Mrs. Golembeski is on maternity leave)
• Ms. Heather will showcase PS Arts in room 306
• Dr. Teplin will showcase Spanish Class in Room 508
• Our Wellness Room and counselors will be hosting visits in room 104
• The Regenerative Farm with our Cayton Children's Museum Teaching team!

Please check Lost & Found on your way out!

We will wrap up the week with fun and community as we host our 2026 Jog-a-thon—our PTA’s #1 fundraising event! Please be sure to sign your child up and start collecting donations—every dollar directly supports the PTA programs that benefit WRLC, including teacher budgets used to enhance classroom materials and resources. We encourage families to come out on Friday and be part of the event! Thanks to the generosity of local business sponsors, every student and staff member will receive a Jog-a-thon t-shirt.

• Fujiwara - 90% - needs two more signups
• Schneider - 82% - needs four more signups
• Burrows - 76% - needs six more sign ups

• Fujiwara
• Trubo
• Luciano

I hope Spring Break brings your family time to relax, recharge, and create meaningful memories—whether that means resting at home or heading out on an adventure. When we return, it’s hard to believe there will be just seven weeks left in the 2025–2026 school year.

Wishing you a wonderful and restful break!

Warmly,
Ms.Daruty
Principal, Will Rogers Learning Community

Mon. 3/23 Monday Meet-Up with the Principal 8:00-9:30a.m. in front of school

Tues. 3/24 5th grade Human Growth and Development Lessons (with Nurse Julie)

• Gonzalez/Uema 9:00am
• Benitez/Griffin 11:00am

Tues. 3/24 Incoming 6th graders to JAMS Info night RE: Math Pathways @ 5: 30 p.m. hosted by Dr. Chacon via zoom Spanish Interpretation will be available.

Wed. 3/25 @8:45 a.m. in the district office board room. SPED Parent Workshop. The topic will be “Trauma Informed Care,” which is a framework that fosters safe, supportive, and stable environments, enabling educators to recognize the impact of any type of trauma (large or small) on students' behavior and learning. See the attached flyer. Trauma informed care.pdf

Wed. 3/25 LAST Math Club in room 508 @7:45 a.m.

Wed. 3/25 ELAC meeting in room 508 @8:30 a.m.

Thurs. 3/26 Minimum Day ( TK/K dismissal @ 12:10 p.m. 1st - 5th @ 1:00 p.m.)

Thurs. 3/26 OPEN HOUSE @5:30 p.m.

Fri. 3/27 No School-Wide Assembly

Fri. 3/27 JOG-A-THON

• 9:45 a.m. NO ASSEMBLY; Get t-shirts and get ready to run!
• 10:00-10:30 TK/Kindergarten
• 10:30-11:00 1st grade
• 11:00-11:30 2nd grade
• 11:30-12:00 5th grade
• 12:00-1:15 Break for lunch
• 1:15-1:45 3rd grade
• 1:45-2:15 4th grade

Mon. 3/30 - Fri. 4/10 SPRING BREAK

Mon. 4/13 First Day after Spring Break!

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

Our community is so grateful for SMEF! We had a wild time celebrating our SMEF Campaign goal. Check-out the 3rd graders ( most donors by Jan. ) throw water balloons at our teachers and staff!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l_942A7kCNO9AINocmQuAhA4t2Jg-7Xi/view?usp=sharing

To foster a knowledgeable IB learner profile at home, parents can encourage reading books related to school topics, engage in discussions about current events, and explore new, complex concepts together. Other effective strategies include supporting inquiry-based learning, using educational games, and encouraging diverse, hands-on exploration.

At-Home Activities for Developing Knowledgeable Learners:

• Encourage reading on a wide range of topics, particularly those connecting to current classroom studies. Ask open-ended questions like "How can we find that out?" rather than providing immediate answers, promoting active inquiry.
• Ask children to connect their learning to real-world events. For example, discuss how a topic in history relates to something happening today.
• Encourage reading in the child's native language to help them make deeper, more meaningful connections to concepts they are learning in school.
• Visit museums, watch documentaries, or explore nature to broaden their knowledge base.
• Use games that involve taking on different roles or solving problems to deepen understanding of complex topics.
• Show your child that you are a learner too by researching answers to your own questions together

I want to share how we are approaching this at school. Recent reports and investigations have brought forward serious allegations that Chavez engaged in inappropriate and abusive behavior toward women and minors during his lifetime. These allegations have led organizations, including the United Farm Workers, to pause celebrations and reflect more deeply on how his legacy is presented.

In Spanish class and across several classrooms, students have been learning about Chavez as a civil rights leader, researching his efforts to support migrant farmworkers and labor unions in California. As we prepare for Open House, you may see student work that reflects this learning and highlights his historical impact. We will revisit this topic with care and continue to thoughtfully frame both accomplishments and complexities, as we do with all influential figures.

At this time, I ask that we extend grace to our students, who have invested time and effort into their projects. This moment also provides a real-world opportunity to help students understand that while we may study and appreciate contributions to society, we can also engage in thoughtful, age-appropriate discussions about the full picture of historical figures. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Last year, our school reached an incredible milestone, raising $41,000. This year, we are setting our sights even higher with a goal of $45,000 and we know we can get there together. Let’s get our students and families excited about Jog-a-Thon and the fantastic prizes they can earn along the way!

CLASS INCENTIVES

• EVERY class to reach 100% participation by having all students register online for FREE will earn a popsicle party!

• The class which raises the highest amount in donations will receive a pizza party!

STUDENT INCENTIVES

• Every student who registers (free) online will be entered in our weekly Friday raffle. Raffles will be held at the end of the school day on February 27th, March 6th, March 13th, and March 20th.

• Every student who raises $20 or more in pledges and donations will receive an awesome prize!

• Every student who raises $150 or more in pledges and donations will receive an additional prize!

• Every student who raises $300 or more will be invited to a special event.

• The top 5 student fundraisers will win a special day with Ms. Daruty.

March 20, at 11:00am, we conducted a lockdown drill. Thanks to our staff, it was a very smooth process. They did a great job of heading indoors quickly. Within 2 minutes of beginning the drill announcement, our hallways and yards were clear, including classes who were outside at PE and a class who was at farm.

Teachers and staff did a great job of making sure that students understood that this was only practice and that they all felt safe and calm.

Our office staff checked the campus. We made sure that doors and windows were locked, shades were down and no one was visible. It took us about 10 minutes to clear the campus and end our drill.

The purpose of conducting emergency drills is to practice and tighten our procedures, so that if we are ever in a real emergency, everyone knows what to do, helping us to remain as calm as possible. Findings from this drill include:

• one of our rooms needs new door window shades

• need to check the volume for the speaker near the farm

• Make sure that all staff understands the difference between shelter-in-place and lockdown

• shelter-in-place: unsafe situation off campus but nearby, regular activities may continue inside the rooms, limited movement between buildings when necessary (ex. use of bathrooms).

• lockdown: unsafe situation on campus, staff and students out of view in rooms, no movement between buildings.

Thank you for partnership during these drills and talking to your children about the importance.

If you have any feedback or questions, please contact our assistant principal, Ms. González ggonzalez@smmusd.org

Dear 3rd-5th grade Will Rogers Families,

Beginning Monday, May 4, students in grades 3–5 will begin taking the state test, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

This assessment is only one method we use to measure our students’ academic growth. Throughout the year, our teachers gather data in multiple ways on student progress and adjust their instruction accordingly. Please read this letter for more information about the CAASPP. If you have any questions, please contact our assistant principal, Ms. González.

This is not a test you can study for, but you can help your child by doing the following:

1. Ensuring a good night’s sleep before testing days.

2. Providing a healthy breakfast to keep their energy up.

3. Encouraging them to do their best—remind them that this is a chance to show what they've learned, not something to be stressed about!

4. Arriving to school on time each day - testing will begin by 8:45 a.m. on Monday-Thursday

Resources for Families:

• Practice Tests: You can see what the test looks like at caaspp.org.

• Starting Smarter: Visit ca.startingsmarter.org to understand your child’s score reports.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education!

SAVE THE DATE: WRLC Career Day is coming up April 29. Come to school and share your passion or career with the students. We'd love to have a wide variety of occupations represented! More information and sign ups here.

Join us for our 1st meeting on zoom

https://smmk12.zoom.us/j/7406000734?omn=84077224895
Meeting ID: 740 600 0734

Auction Items Needed

• Do you have wine, vacation homes, season tickets or gift cards to donate?

• Does your company have products or services it can donate?

• Maybe you want to support a local business by donating a gift card?

We are looking for items for our Silent Auction, starting April 20th and closing April 27th at 8pm. Your generosity makes a difference!

Click here to donate an item, or contact us at info@smedfoundation.org.

Donations must be received by April 1st.

Show Your Santa Monica ❤️ Love

Favorite Nonprofit

Vote for the Ed Foundation as your Most Loved Santa Monica Nonprofit in the Neighborhood Favorites section! You can also vote for your school.

Santa Monica’s Most Loved contest celebrates the organizations that make our community shine. Vote now through March 13 at smdp.com/vote.

Tap Into Giving

Santa Monica Brew Works

Wednesday, April 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM

Hosted by Santa Monica Brew Works

Join us for flights and fun at Santa Monica Brew Works in support of the Ed Foundation. In addition to the $20 ticket, we ask each attendee to bring a $25 gift card from a local eatery for our silent auction in April. The card not only supports our schools, it helps support our local businesses. Join us - every sip makes a difference! Click for tickets.

Through our partnership with Hazel Health, SMMUSD students have access to free online therapy, including convenient evening appointments. Over 80% of students experience improved mood and reduced stress after just 6 sessions.

No phone calls. No hassle. 💥 Schedule your first appointment here: my.hazel.co/smmusd/info

poye la salud mental de su hijo/a—sin costo, con o sin seguro médico. 💜

A través de nuestra colaboración con Hazel Health, los estudiantes de SMMUSD tienen acceso gratuito a terapia en línea, con citas disponibles por las tardes. Más del 80% de los estudiantes notan una mejoría en su estado de ánimo y una reducción del estrés después de solo 6 sesiones.

Sin llamadas. Sin complicaciones. 💥 Programe su primera cita aquí: my.hazel.co/smmusd/info

school passcode:1013782539131906

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A5AE23A7F5C25-62055415-5thgrade#/

Science Camp Overview

• Dates: April 22–24, 2026

• Location: Pali Institute, San Bernardino Mountains

• Focus Areas: Outdoor Education, Science, Leadership

• Cost: $450 per student (suggested donation to cover transportation, meals, accommodations, camp staff, and student support)

• No student will be excluded if unable to donate. Participation is open to all Rogers students.

Important Deadlines

• SMMUSD Field Trip Forms: Due by March 6, 2026

• Medical Forms: Due by March 27, 2026 (for any student taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication)

If You Decide Not to Attend

If any family decides to opt out of the science camp field trip, your child will report to school as usual and go to their designated 5th-grade classroom. Their classroom teacher will have prepared classwork for them during the time the 5th graders are away.

1. Tues. 3/24 Incoming 6th graders to JAMS Info night RE: Math Pathways @ 5:30 p.m. hosted by Dr. Chacon via zoom Spanish Interpretation will be available. See presentations:

2. English:

   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQbrmbplCI8SuVVDH7JF1NIGKv_ZOxDxpwkWm0PQP94qvErRKuYl7-gFRG2DQqQICXgg2mKEjGed8MS/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

   
   

   Spanish:
   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vThGNexHraDm7-DM6dj77H32iGBh2dGg23s1QAp-CSy0aZTGHrAMVi6aHW9NSWsYpz5Mz1swmHQdISX/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

   
   

3. If you missed the Parent Information night held on March 17th you can view the presentation here.
4. Please let us know if you would be interested in JAMS PTSA positions for the 2026-27 school year?
5. Interested in joining the JAMS science board for the 2026-27 school year? Join here:

Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 24 (no July 3)

8:30am - 12:30pm

Roosevelt Elementary School

Registration opens on Monday, March 2 at 7:30am at www.summer-adventure.org.

Please note that Summer Adventure is open to IISS- and ELOP-eligible families; they were notified this week about their summer options.

Please reach out if you have any questions. I have copied SA Principal Barry Yates and Administrative Assistant, Dinora Duarte, on this email.

Below please find a list of links to local, seasonal happenings, including special events featuring technology, arts/culture, civics, and literacy, application support for social services and government benefits, and free ESL and citizenship classes via SMMUSD Adult Education

• Santa Monica Events/Activities/Opportunities

We’re excited to announce the return of ART CART at lunchtime! Starting this year, students can enjoy creative art projects and hands-on crafts every:

• Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for grades 1st-5th

• Fridays from 11:30 -12:45 p.m. for grades TK/K

ART CART offers students a chance to express their creativity, relax, and connect with others—all thanks to the support of our incredible WRLC Wellness Team of counselors. We need your help!

Many hands make light work, and we’re looking for parent volunteers to help supervise and support our young artists. If you’re interested in volunteering on Mondays or Fridays, please email Mariela at mmartinez@sewi.org.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Level 1 volunteer clearance

• Willingness to supervise students using art tools and materials safely

• Enthusiasm for working with children

• A love of crafts, creativity, and fun!

Let’s make lunchtimes a colorful, creative experience for all our students!

• Score reports for CAASPP, ELPAC and Star Renaissance are available to parents in the Aeries Parent Portal. Hard copy score reports are no longer mailed home. These videos help explain to students & parents/ guardians on how to access their portals. Student Portal and Parent Portal.

• This guide with help parents ocate their Test Scores and State Test Scores Reports: Parent Portal: Test Scores [Aeries]-attachment.

• School materials including books, homework, projects, etc.
• Re-fillable water bottle ( We have several refilling stations on campus)
• A morning snack
• Lunch is available to all students free of charge. You may also pack a lunch from home.
• Sunscreen (put on prior to arriving at school)
• Hat
• Layers of clothing (sweatshirt, windbreaker, etc.) Keep an eye on the weather.
• A growth mindset for a successful day!

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students! Make a plan with your child each week about the days they will be eating food prepared at school or bringing lunch from home.

https://www.smmusd.org/domain/476

We encourage you to pack a snack for your children for morning recess.

Please send your child to school with a re-fillable water bottle! We have water stations located throughout campus.

JOIN the Parents/Guardians Regenerative Farm Committee that we are forming for the 2025-26 school year. The Committee's tasks are to:

• Support the stewardship of the Regenerative Farm.
• Help organize the Regenerative Farm Events ready in the school calendar (monthly Family Farming Days, Earth Week Farming Day), in addition to organizing harvests and other school community engagement activities.

For any questions, contact:

Paola Vezzulli, Program Director - Regenerative Initiatives [Cayton Children's Museum] email: pvezzulli@caytonmuseum.org

As an International Baccalaureate Programme School, we believe there is a broad range of capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. We make a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them. We do this through the development of students according to the IB learner profile. The profile aims to develop learners who are:

Inquirers

Knowledgeable

Thinkers

Communicators

Principled

Open-minded

Caring

Risk-takers

Balanced

Reflective

The IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://rogers.smmusd.org

Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364