Construction of Phase One Begins at Will Rogers Learning Community
Construction of the new early education building, and new track and field is underway at Will Rogers Learning Community (WRLC). A groundbreaking ceremony held on Dec. 8, 2023 kicked off the start of Phase 1 of the Rogers’ Campus Plan.
The project will provide three new transitional kindergarten and four new kindergarten classrooms to support the school’s youngest learners. A new turf track and field with cork infill along with playground, outdoor learning spaces, basketball courts and other amenities will expand physical education and whole child learning. SMMUSD’s commitment to sustainability extends to every facet of operations, including the composition of sports field turf. The decision to embrace cork infill stems from a dedication to providing a safe, high-performance playing surface while minimizing environmental impact. Unlike crumb rubber, which raises concerns about microplastic pollution and potential health risks, cork infill offers a host of benefits for both students playing and the planet.
Site Work
The eating and play areas have been moved to the north part of campus, to make way for the new turf track and field. The restroom building and two portable classrooms adjacent to the basketball courts will be demolished. A modular restroom building will be made available in February 2024 for playground users. Access to the eastern half of the playground will remain closed until the new turf track and field is completed in spring 2024.
Areas available after January
The following areas will be available for use until the end of the 2024 school year: shaded structures, lunch area, play structure, new portable restrooms, adjacent play structures on the north side of the school, smaller grass field close to shade structures, handicap accessible ramps and staff entry gate.
You can review the improvement plan posted on our district website at
https://www.smmusd.org/Page/5598. For more specific information and pictures visit: View Will Rogers' Future Facility PowerPoint here.
5th Grade Pali Camp Information Meeting
In preparation for our 5th Grade Pali Camp Trip, please mark your calendar to attend a parent information meeting. A representative from Pali Institute will join the 5th grade teaching team, to answer any science camp questions.
When: Thursday, January 25th
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: on Zoom
https://smmk12.zoom.us/j/82494008966?pwd=QTFNcVdSUmVwVGhqQkxNeTJiUVFpZz09
Meeting ID: 824 9400 8966
The 5th grade is scheduled to attend Pali camp May 1-3, 2024 (Wednesday-Friday). Be on the look out for a letter of intent and packet of information about the trip. It will be sent home this week by your classroom teachers!
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program of Inquiry Units of Study
Most grade levels are working on either their 2nd or 3rd unit. Here's what each grade level worked on this past week.
Kindergarten - The students learned about Hanukkah. They are also learning songs and making crafts as they learn and share about different holiday celebrations.
First Grade - One classes held their theatre puppet show for their families to see all of their great work and learning and one final class will have their show upon returning from winter break.
Second Grade - The students conducted strength testing using washers in order to determine if their glue was sticky and strong.
Third Grade - The students continued to learn about how various traits can impact the animals ability to survive.
Fourth Grade - The students finalized their writing for their informational research report. They also created a slide show presentation and shared their research reports.
Fifth Grade - The students continued learning about the challenges of colonization.
New PTA Officers and Volunteer Nominations needed for the 2024-2025 school year!
Our PTA will hold its annual election on March 6, 2024, and the nominating committee is currently seeking applicants to consider for next year's leadership. We need to fill all positions in order to maintain programs we love, including movie nights, dances and fundraisers to support every classroom. There are lots of ways to help, from updating digital media (VP Communications) to planning events (VP Fundraising) and more. We have so much talent and creativity across our many families, and welcome a fresh perspective, across all grades! Please consider nominating yourself and others to help shape the upcoming 2024-2025 school year by returning this form to the main office, or emailing the attachment to: historian@willrogerspta.com. Nominations are not commitments; they are suggestions. Please consider participating by completing this form and submitting it to the committee for consideration by January 22nd.
THANK YOU TO SM ASSISTANCE LEAGUE!
We are grateful for community partnerships. Generous donations from the nonprofit organization, Santa Monica Assistance League, has afforded opportunities for Will Rogers students to experience camping opportunities during the school year and summer. We greatly appreciate Mrs. Susan Ferrell, from the Santa Monica Assistance League for her genuine care and interest in all our students in helping them fulfill their dreams experiencing the great outdoors camping, connecting with nature and being with their friends.
We are grateful to announce that once again the SM Assistance League will donate funds for our 5th grade trip Pali Camp.
Visit their website: https://www.assistanceleague.org/santa-monica/vc-home/about-us/
"Oops, I forgot!" table - PLEASE SHARE AND USE
We have had an increase in requests from parents asking us to call classrooms to relay messages or have their child pick-up an item they left at home. Each time we call, we interrupt instruction which is disruptive to the students. Help us reduce these interruptions.
Please communicate the "Oops, I forgot table" plan with your child, so they know there is place for parents to drop-off items they may have left at home!
Mornings are busy and sometimes students leave for school without their water bottle, instrument or homework. In an effort to reduce classroom interruptions and to support students with developing responsibility, please use our "Oops, I forgot" table. It is located outside the main office.
Make a plan with your child that if they leave something at home, a parent may drop it off in the office. We will place their labeled item on the "Oops, I forgot table." During their recess or on their way to lunch, they may check the table for a forgotten item.
Counseling Services at WRLC
We have several community partnerships affording us the opportunity to provide school-based therapy services to the students at Rogers. If you are interested in this service, please reach out to your classroom teacher. We are fortunate to expand our services by offering free, tele-health counseling service through Hazel. Read more about this service below.
Contact Us
Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM