PTA Newsletter
January 6, 2026
Dear Ross Community,
Much like our family's Thanksgiving break, our Winter break was our first in which our Roadrunners slept in and lazed around like a couple of potatoes--hallelujah! (Or as my mini would say, "hallelulah!"). My usual mega-monster to-do list and workload trickled to nearly zero, and we had time to actually pause as a family. I hope your Winter break was also slow and somewhat (or occasionally) restful. 2025 wasn't a cake walk for just about anyone around these parts, so let's all take a deep collective breath and try again. A very Happy New Year to you and your family!
We have a few interesting events, tidbits, and updates for you in today's newsletter. The first Coffee and Content series session is happening this Friday, January 9 at 8:15 am, and the topic will be 3rd to 5th grade math. Students had a wonderful interview in December with everyone's favorite crossing guard, Mr. Tommy, for the Story of Our Schools project. The MySchoolDC lottery is now open for PK-8th grade and will close on March 2. We have four days off school in the next two months, so please check Key Dates below and mark your calendars accordingly! Read on for all the details and more info to get your Ross 2026 rolling.
Wishing you a productive and calm start to the year,
Aimee
Students Interview Officer Tommy
For the last 18 years, Mr. Tommy Tate has been the beloved crossing guard at New Hampshire Ave and R St, NW. He is a native Washingtonian and graduated from DCPS. He worked in the fashion industry and was a tailor for famous singers, athletes, mega church pastors, and movie stars. After he retired, he became a crossing guard to stay active. Now 86 years old, he takes care of his ailing wife and continues to offer his warm smile and kind words to anyone who passes his post.
Coraline: What has changed about the block, the people, the Ross community?
Officer Tommy: The students have changed. When I first came here, when I spoke to children, they would hardly ever speak…Then over the years, parents started teaching their children how to say ‘good morning’ and ‘have a nice day.’ And I get that almost all the time now from the children…I think that’s great.
So many adults walk past and don’t say ‘good morning.’ And some people when you say ‘good morning’ they’d be so surprised that they’re getting a greeting from another human being. And I find that so odd—that people don’t know how to communicate with one another. Dogs do it. You know, dogs stop and greet each other—play and sniff. But we human beings pass one another like we’re not even of the same species. And that’s so sad. I’m glad that you all are being taught better than that.
There is nothing you want to do more than get summer plans squared away--we know it's at the top of your to-do list when it's 28 degrees outside. Never fear--over the past few years, the PTA has compiled an unofficial list of summer camp options in the metro area to support you. This list has not had extensive updates since last year, so if you see a camp that is no longer available, or if you know of new camps this year that are not listed, please email me or ptapresident@rosselementary.org and we will add them to the list!
This spring, join the school's content leaders—Mr. Levin (Math) and Mr. Miller (ELA)—for a new Coffee & Content series designed to help families better understand grade-level expectations and learn practical strategies to support learning at home. Each session includes coffee, a short presentation from the coaches, and time for questions and conversation.
The first session of the series will be this Friday, January 9, 8:15–9:00 AM in the former music room on the 3rd floor and the topic will be Grades 3–5 Math. Please complete this survey in advance of the meeting to share questions.
Mark your calendars for upcoming sessions, same time and location:
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February 6: Grades 3–5 ELA
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March 6: Grades K–2 Math
April 3: Grades K–2 ELA
We hope you can join these helpful and engaging morning sessions!
My School DC is the common application and public school lottery for participating public and public charter schools in the District that serve PK3 – Grade 12.
My School DC is a random lottery. There is no advantage to applying first; however, applicants must apply by the application deadlines: February 2, 2026 for grades 9-12, and March 2, 2026 for PK3 – grade 8.
My School DC, in partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the majority of DC public charter schools, makes it easier for families to take advantage of DC's many school options.
The My School DC application
The My School DC application is a single online application you must use to apply if you want your child to be a NEW student at a:
- PK3 or PK4 program at any DCPS school, including your in-boundary school and any DCPS Early Action PK school
- Dual-language strand at any DCPS in-boundary elementary school (PK3 – Grade 5)
- DCPS school outside your boundary or feeder pattern for any grade (PK3 – Grade 12), including DCPS citywide schools
- DCPS selective high schools and programs (Grades 9-12)
- Participating public charter schools (PK3 – Grade 12)
Participating schools will only accept the My School DC application available at MySchoolDC.org. Each student can apply to up to 12 schools. On each student’s application, a family should list schools in order of preference. Parents should only apply to schools they want their child to attend.
The Office of the Student Advocate is committed to ensuring that all DCPS students, parents, and families are able to navigate public education in the District of Columbia.
Knowledge and access should not be limited or restricted by race, economic status, language, disability, learning challenges, or mobility. We are here to help.
The DC Office of the Student Advocate is an independent office of free professional advocates established to support families and students in navigating DCPS.
We can assist with a variety of matters: obtaining meetings with the school; 504 plans; IEPs; student assessments; harassment; special education needs; attendance and truancy; behavioral and mental health; graduation requirements, advocacy and lobbying; unstable housing; right-to-know; student rights; safe passage; student disciplinary actions; and DC public education governance.
The Office of the Student Advocate offers many resources for DCPS parents and families guides to key topics on our website: https://studentadvocate.dc.gov/. We accept Requests for Assistance by phone and email. Please call (202) 741-4692 or email student.advocate@dc.gov and include your name, email address, and brief summary of your issue, and we will respond to you within 24 to 48 hours.
Ignite your imagination and winter wonder with the Washington Wizards! This winter the DC Public Library and Washington Wizards invite your family to stay active and engaged with Winter Challenge! From Dec. 7, 2025 to Feb. 28, 2026, DC Public Library customers ages 0-19 can sign up and earn badges that encourage reading for fun, joining library events, sharing and connecting with the library community, and finding fun ways to be physically active. Click here for program details!
Good news, DC! You can now get Notary Public services at the MLK Library. Need help with a Power of Attorney, ID copies, or real estate paperwork? Stop by the 2nd floor on the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10 AM–1PM. Learn more here.
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.