PTA Updates

Mr. Ashby, our beloved custodian of 15 years, is facing personal tragedy. His son, 37 year-old Michael Ashby Jr, was fatally shot on May 22. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Please hold Mr. Ashby and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

We have set up a GoFundMe page in memory of Michael Ashby Jr, where anyone can donate to support Mr. Ashby and his family during this devastating time. Feel free to share among other members of the Ross community.

This week, stop by the book fair in the library to pick up some fun books for summer reading!

Book Fair Hours:

• Wed-Fri 8:15-9am
• Tues-Fri 3-4pm

As part of the Capital Pride Parade this Sat. June 10th, we will have a Ross ES Family, Friends and Allies parade contingent we're calling the Ross Red Wagon Pride '23 group. We will be part of the larger DCPS parade group, carrying our Ross banner and pulling two red wagons full of swag/candy to hand out along the route.

We hope all Ross families will consider marching in our Family, Friends and Allies group for a high energy Pride Parade!

Meet-Up Details: Our group will meet up at 2:30PM on T St between 14th and 15th Streets, about midway down the block.

Day-of Contact: Ross parent Charles Francis, 202-344-5885 (cell)

For more information, or if you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Charles Francis at ccfrancis@aol.com.

Join students, families, teachers, and staff to celebrate the end of the school year with a potluck picnic on the Ross playground and field, with popsicles, pizza and entertainment brought to you by the PTA.

Please sign up here to contribute food and/or beverages for the event. If it turns out to be anything like the beginning of year picnic, we expect a big, hungry crowd! Main dishes, sides and desserts will all be appreciated!

We also need a few volunteers to help set up, serve pizza, and assist with clean up. Please sign up to help out! We look forward to seeing you there!

For questions, contact ptapresident@rosselementary.org.

Nominations are open for next year's PTA Executive Board. We are in need of nominations for the VP of Fundraising role.

We are also looking for parent volunteer commitment for the following committees:

• Teacher and Staff Appreciation (August, November and May)

• Spooktacular Halloween Celebration (October)

• Holiday Tree Sale & Bake Sale (November-December)

• Spring Auction (November-April)

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ongoing)

• Library Support (ongoing)

Getting involved in PTA activities is an incredible way to support our school and get to know other Ross parents and families. Help us build and strengthen our school community next year!

To learn more about PTA board positions, committees, or if you have other ideas about how you'd like to support Ross, please email Liz Lowry at PTApresident@rosselementary.org.

Our last PTA General Body Meeting of the year will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 14 at 7pm.

Please join us to vote on next year's PTA Executive Board and LSAT committee.

Zoom link to come.

Keegan Theatre's family friendly musical SEUSSICAL opens June 17. Youth tickets begin at just $25! Use discount code Ross15 to receive 15% off adult and senior tickets.

A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for all ages, SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination — Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos in a musical adventure which tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community…

Earlier this month, local DC parent Jeremy Joseph gave our PTA members an eye-opening presentation on Kids, Smartphones and Social Media, highlighting the latest research, expert opinion, and universally recommended best practices. Parents who joined thought it was incredibly informative and a valuable use of their time. This session was is also timely in light of the US surgeon general's recent advisory on youth and social media.

Access the session recording and Jeremy's presentation deck here:

• Presentation recording
• Presentation deck

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
Facebook: facebook.com/RossElementarySchool/
Twitter: @RossESDC