PTA Newsletter
October 28, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
Please don't forget that pickup will be affected today by the High Heel Race! If you are picking up at school, plan on walking, taking public transportation, or budgeting extra time to park further from school. Tonight is our virtual PTA General Body Meeting (join here via Zoom); please join us at 7 pm for updates from the Principal and PTA Board. If you're still searching for good trick-or-treating plans, come on down to Swann Street between 17th and 18th on Halloween starting at 5:30 pm (details below). Finally, don't forget that we do not have school this Monday (November 3) for a Teacher Records Day.
Have a fun-filled celebration this week and I look forward to seeing your speedy ghouls, goblins, and Demon Hunters!
-Aimee
Students Interview Mr. Lancaster
For their first oral history interview, students interviewed long-time Ross staff member, Mr. Lancaster. A DC native and DCPS graduate, he began working at Eastern High School but has been at Ross for the last 15 years. He spoke about the changes in the building and his love for the students and staff throughout the years.
“It’s just part of me. Coming here everyday gives me life…It's amazing.” –Mr. Lancaster, 2025
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Do you know someone with a story to share about Ross? Reach out to MaryBeth Washington at marybeth@storyofourschools.org or Lisa Juriga at lisa.juriga@k12.dc.gov.
Our annual Fall for Ross fundraiser continues strong this week! In just over a month, you’ve helped raise almost $35,000 of our $50,000 goal. We’re deeply grateful to the more than 80 families who have contributed—thank you for your generosity and commitment to our school community.
We also recognize that this season has brought financial uncertainty for many families, especially with the government shutdown and other economic pressures. Please know that we understand—every family’s situation is different, and every form of support matters. Whether you can give financially (any amount), volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word, your participation strengthens Ross and shows what makes this community so special.
The PTA invests more than $100,000 each year to cover important school expenses that directly benefit every child—from classroom materials to field trips, from staff support to community events. Your contributions—of any size—make a meaningful impact:
💛 $25 → Two gallons of hand soap to keep our students healthy
💛 $50 → A uniform for one of our hardworking custodians
💛 $100 → Professional development for a teacher
💛 $300 → Supplies to refresh our playground and garden
💛 $600 → Half the cost of a bus for a field trip
💛 $1,200 → Three iPads for classroom learning
While we encourage families who are able to consider a monthly pledge of $50 or a one-time gift of $600, every contribution—large or small—matters equally. What’s most important is that everyone participates in the way that works best for them. Together, we can ensure that Ross continues to be a nurturing, enriching place for all students.
Your support helps the PTA:
✅ Offset school operating costs and provide staffing beyond the DCPS budget
✅ Cover essential curriculum needs
✅ Support teachers and staff with resources and training
✅ Ensure every student can join field trips and activities, regardless of family finances
✅ Host events that build and strengthen the Ross community
And remember: Classes that reach 100% participation—or the class with the highest participation—will win a popsicle party and extra recess! PreK4 still holds the lead this week with an impressive 70% participation, followed by Kindergarten (64%) and first grade (52%). There is still time to bring your child's class to the top!!
If your employer offers donation matching, please take advantage of it to double your impact.
👉 [Give today to Fall for Ross]
Thank you for all the ways you show up for Ross—through your gifts, your time, and your care. Together, we make this a joyful, supportive place where every child can thrive.
There will be street closures affecting R Street starting at 12 pm TODAY for the High Heel Race. Caregivers will need to plan to walk, use public transit, or park outside of the affected zone that afternoon. Parking immediately adjacent to Ross will be unavailable on R Street.
To show our teachers and staff gratitude during the month of Thanksgiving, the PTA is organizing a Teacher & Staff Breakfast Buffet on the morning of Friday, November 21. The PTA will order acai bowls and avocado toast, as well as coffee. But we also need your help! Please sign up here to contribute a delicious treat -- homemade is great, but store-bought is fine, too! We could also use a little help with set up and clean up. All food items must be dropped off the morning of Friday, November 21 by 8:00am in the staff kitchen/lounge. For food donations, assume you're feeding 12, make sure the food is nut-free, and label whether a food item is vegan or gluten free. Questions? Feel free to reach out to PTApresident@rosselementary.org.
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.