Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear Will Rogers Parents and Guardians,

What a great first two days! It was wonderful to have our campus alive again with the smiles and excitement of a new school year. We had a wonderful Welcome Back Picnic and look forward to many more opportunities to connect and reconnect throughout the year.

We’ll see you Tuesday evening for Back-to-School Night for grades TK–2nd. We will begin together in the auditorium for a presentation from me and our PTA and SMEF partners. Childcare will be available so you can spend time with your child’s teacher learning about their instructional program.

A few reminders for this week:

• Monday: Regular school day
• Tuesday: Minimum day ( all grades) — Back-to-School Night
• Wednesday: First Early Release Day

Our PTA is also hosting a donation-based staff breakfast on Friday for our fabulous staff. If you are able, we would love donations to help provide them with a special treat!

Be sure to check the bell schedule this week, and we look forward to a wonderful year together!

In partnership,

Lila Daruty
Principal, Will Rogers Learning Community
ldaruty@smmusd.org

AUGUST

Mon. 8/24 First regular schedule day of school.

• Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m in the cafeteria
• Yard opens for drop-off at 8:10 a.m.

• TK/K 8:25-1:45 p.m.
• 1st-3rd 8:25-2:55 p.m.
• 4th-5th 8:25-3:00 p.m.

Mon. 8/24 Instructional Technology Working Group Session #2

Tues. 8/25 Minimum Day: Arrival at 8:25 a.m. Minimum Day: TK/K dismissal @12:15 and 1st-5th @1:15 p.m.

Tues. 8/25 Volunteer Training @3:00 and 5:00 p.m. in the library

Tues. 8/25 Back to School Night Grades TK- 2nd @ 5:30 p.m. meet the auditorium and from 6-7 p.m. in your child's classroom.

Wed. 8/26 First early release of the year. Dismissal for TK/K @ 1:00 p.m. and 1st- 5th @1:15 p.m. Thurs. 8/27 SMMUSD Board Meeting @5:30 p.m. The agenda for the is posted online.

Fri. 8/28 PTA Sponsored Breakfast for staff in the Staff Lounge 501 7:50 a.m. Donate items here!

SEPTEMBER

Tues. 9/1 Minimum Day all grades (Dismissal for TK/K @ 12:15 p.m. and 1st-5th @ 1:15 p.m.)

Tues. 9/1 Volunteer Training @ 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. in the library

Tues. 9/1 Back to School Night (3rd-5th)@5:30 p.m. auditorium 6:00-7:00 p.m in classrooms

Wed. 9/2 First PTA meeting of the year @ 8:30 a.m. in the library

Thurs. 9/3 4/5 music begins Thursday only

Thurs. 9/3 Peacemaker (new) Parent Information Meeting 6-7pm on Zoom

Fri. 9/4 Peacemaker (new) Parent Information Meeting 8:30-9:30 in cafeteria

Mon. 9/7 NO SCHOOL- Labor Day

Tues. 9/8 Back-to-School Music Night (Zoom), 6 pm-8 pm

Wed. 9/9 3rd grade music begins

Thurs. 9/10 4th/5th grade music Thursday only

Thurs. 9/10 (new) Peacemaker Student Training 9-3:00 in room 508

Fri. 9/11 Peacemaker (returning) Student Training 2-3 pm in cafeteria

Tues. 9/15 4th/5th grade music begins on Tuesday and Thursday

Thurs. 9/17 ELAC Training in library 8:30am

Thurs. 9/17 School Site Council Meeting 3:15-5:00pm on Zoom

Fri. 9/18 Picture Day

Fri. 9/18 Family Farming Day in Farm 3-5pm

Mon. 9/21 No school - Local Holiday

Tues. 9/22 School Tour 9:00-10:15am

Fri. 9/25 School-wide Assembly/IB Awards (Principled) at 8:30am on track/field

Fri. 9/25 Fall Rodeo Dance in auditorium 6-8pm

Mon. 9/28 Parent “Meet up” with the Principal

Mon. 9/28 New Peacemakers start working

SMMUSD Calendar 2026-2027

WRLC PTA Calendar

Beginning, Monday, Aug. 24th, we ask that you say your goodbyes at the gates!

Arrival to school: Gates open at 8:10 a.m.

• TK/Kinder use the designated TK/K gate off of 14th street. Students and families may play, and wait for pick-up from their teachers on the (old) TK/K yard. @ 8:25 teachers will meet and walk students and accompanying grown-ups to the new early learning building.
• 1st - 5th may use either the front gate on 14th street or the pedestrian gate on 16th street. Students and families should proceed to their classrooms.
• There is drop-off valet available on 14th street

Dismissal from school: (All teachers will escort students to these areas)

• TK/Kinder meet your children at the designated TK/K gate (adjacent to the old TK/ K yard) on 14th street.
  
• 1st - 2nd meet your children the TK/K gate (adjacent to the old TK/ K yard) on 14th street
• 3rd should be picked-up from the front gate on 14th street.
• 4th and 5th should be picked up from gate on 16th street or the front gate

GOOD NEIGHBOR REMINDER:

• Parent parking can be found within our neighborhood streets. Be sure to read the street signs!
• Please do not park in the staff parking lots or block driveways of our neighbors.
• We will continue to offer a valet on 14th street in front of the school.
• Please be courteous and kind to our amazing crossing guards who help our students arrive safely at school each day!

Hello! My name is Coach Niko, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Physical Education teacher at Will Rogers Learning Community. I’m looking forward to getting to know your children and helping them build confidence, teamwork, healthy habits, and a love for being active.

What We’ll Be Working On

During the first few weeks of school, we will focus on:

• Learning PE rules, routines, and safety expectations
• Following directions and responding to signals
• Moving safely and respecting personal space
• Teamwork, cooperation, and good sportsmanship
• Practicing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing
• Having fun while staying active

My goal is to create a PE environment where every student feels safe, included, successful, and excited to participate.

PE Day Reminders

Proper Footwear: Students should wear athletic/tennis shoes that are safe for running and physical activity. Please avoid Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, or other footwear that may make participating safely difficult.

Water Bottles: Please have your child bring a labeled water bottle to school so they can stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

Thank you for your support! I am excited to be part of the Will Rogers community and look forward to a fun, active, and successful school year!

Coach Niko

Stay connected and informed by reading our weekly PTA Wednesday newsletter, filled with information about upcoming school-wide events and fundraisers, important opportunities, advocacy alerts, PTA meeting announcements, and more. To sign up for email updates, contact communications@willrogerspta.com.

Will Rogers has earned the 2025–2027 National PTA School of Excellence designation, as well as being one of only three PTAs nationwide to earn the additional Hearst Award for family engagement innovations. These honors recognize our commitment to making a difference for students and families and reflect what we can accomplish together to strengthen our school community, support our children, and create meaningful opportunities for every family.

We’re proud to help build strong community that makes Will Rogers special. Through PTA events and programs that bring families and educators together, we create connections that help our students thrive. These shared experiences strengthen relationships, support our teachers, and make Will Rogers a welcoming place for every family.

Fostering a vibrant, supportive learning environment helps make learning more enjoyable and meaningful for your child.PTA efforts support student well-being, improve academic outcomes, strengthen school-family partnerships, and help every child thrive.

As a PTA School of Excellence, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where every family feels heard. Through family events, PTA meetings, and community initiatives, we elevate your voices by listening to your ideas, concerns, and priorities. Your input helps shape our community, strengthen family engagement, and guide the work we do together. Add your voice to the conversation by joining the PTA, volunteering, or supporting our initiatives.

We are so excited to welcome our students into their classrooms! It is incredibly important that parents show support and confidence in their child’s class placement. Children feel our enthusiasm and take their cues from us—your positivity helps set the tone for a great year.

Please know that careful thought and consideration went into every placement decision. No class changes will be made during the first two weeks of school. This adjustment period is essential, giving your child time to settle in, get to know their teacher, and begin building strong relationships with classmates.

We are confident in the skill, dedication, and care of all our teachers, and we know that each child will be supported, challenged, and inspired in their classroom. Together, let’s start the year with excitement and optimism!

Students are never permitted to use cell phones on campus. In the event of an emergency, the administration carry radios, teachers have cellphones and there is a school phone in every learning space. Under the advisement of our SMPD school resource officers, individual student cellphone use can actually hinder the delivery of important messaging necessary in a true emergency.

Other personal electronics from home, such as Nintendo Switches, iPads, Kindles etc. are not permitted on campus. If a student uses their cell phone during school hours, it will be confiscated and held until the end of the school day and must be picked up by a parent. In no event or circumstance, will the district or its staff be held responsible or liable for the loss, theft, or damage to any such device.

Please help us ensure that our students have an electronics free learning zone at school.

• 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!

To maximize instructional time, we will be moving our weekly staff professional development time from Friday mornings to Wednesday afternoons. Instead of a weekly late-start Friday, students will have an early release on Wednesdays.

Mon.- Fri. school begins @ 8:25 a.m. (all grades)
TK/K dismissal @1:45 p.m. M, T, TH and F and Wednesdays @1:00 p.m. and minimum days @12:15 p.m.
1st - 3rd dismissal @2:55 p.m. M, T, TH and F and Wednesdays/minimum days@1:15 p.m.
4th and 5th dismissal @3:00 p.m. M, T, TH and F and Wednesdays/minimum days@1:15 p.m.

Why the Change?
Protecting valuable learning time: By maintaining a consistent morning schedule five days a week, students will benefit from uninterrupted instruction during the part of the day when they are often most focused, engaged, and ready to learn.
Supporting strong attendance: Consistent schedules help establish predictable routines for families and students. This change supports our ongoing efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and maximize student participation in daily learning.
More classroom support for students: Instructional aides will be available to support students during all five morning instructional blocks, increasing assistance during classroom instruction, interventions, and small-group learning.
Easier for families: We have heard from many families that arranging morning childcare on late-start days can be challenging. An early-release schedule is often easier to manage, especially for families already utilizing after-school programs and care options.
Greater consistency and predictability: A regular start time each day creates a simpler, more predictable routine for students and families while eliminating confusion around late-start and minimum-day schedules.
District alignment: The early-release model aligns with other elementary schools in our district, creating opportunities for cross-site staff collaboration and expanded after-school programming partnerships.
Staff-approved: In alignment with the provisions of the SMMCTA contract, this change was voted on and approved by certificated staff.

We are excited about the benefits this change will bring to both students and staff.

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.

MENU HERE

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.

Hi! My name is Bri, or Ms. Bri! I lived in Brooklyn, New York for the last 8 years, but I’m originally from Northern California. I love reading, hiking, and pretty much anything that gets me outdoors. I’m so excited to be back in California and to be part of such an amazing school community at Will Rogers! I’m especially looking forward to being back in the classroom and spending this year with our TK students!

My name is Niko Baker, and I’m excited to join the Will Rogers community as a Physical Education teacher. I enjoy sports, fitness, golfing, and spending time with family, friends and my dog Kooli. This year, I’m looking forward to building relationships with our students and staff while creating a fun, positive environment where students can stay active, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for physical activity.

I’m looking forward to a great school year!

Hi! I’m Ms. Gainza, and I’m very excited to be co-teaching TK this year! I’m originally from Queens, New York City, and moved to Los Angeles about a year and a half ago. I have been teaching special education for over a decade and am passionate about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive. Outside of the classroom, I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, as well as hiking, camping, reading at the beach, and dancing. Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve also been taking salsa lessons, which has quickly become one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. I am thrilled to join this school community and especially excited about the working farm. I used to grow my own herbs and vegetables and can’t wait to rediscover that hobby alongside our students. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection!

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 90405
Phone: 310-452-2364