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Dear Will Rogers Families and Guardians,

Celebration is abound on the WRLC campus!

What is celebration, if not an opportunity to come together as a school community to honor the learning, growth, and achievements of our incredible students? This time of year offers us a powerful reminder of the many ways our children have developed—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and creatively.

Celebration matters because it gives us a moment to pause and truly see our students—to recognize their resilience, creativity, and commitment to learning. It reminds us that school is not just a place of instruction, but a place of connection, discovery, and joy.

This week is filled with events that highlight the richness of student experience and the strength of our community. We hope you’ll join us in recognizing and honoring these meaningful milestones:

Celebration Week Highlights

Monday, June 2
Caine’s Arcade – 9:00–9:30 AM (2nd Grade)
Our 2nd graders showcase their creativity and STEM skills by designing arcade games out of cardboard! Bring coins to play and enjoy their innovation in action.

Music Rhapsody Informance
Our youngest musicians will sing and play percussion instruments in a joyful performance that highlights their musical development.

Tuesday, June 3
5th Grade Dance Performance – 2:15 PM (Auditorium)
In partnership with SMC Dance, our 5th graders will perform a theatrical dance showcase, celebrating movement, rhythm, and artistic expression.

Wednesday, June 4
3rd Grade Final IB Certificate Ceremony – Come celebrate with us as we honor students who exemplify the IB Learner Profile and what it means to be globally minded and compassionate learners.

Thursday, June 5
Peacemaker End-of-Year Celebration – 6:00 PM
We are so proud of our student leaders who have demonstrated empathy, leadership, and a commitment to building a more peaceful school community.

Friday, June 6
School-Wide Spirit Assembly – 9:45 AM (Soccer Field)
Our final spirit assembly of the year—a chance for our entire community to come together in celebration of a year of learning and connection.

Kindergarten End-of-Year Concert – 10:00–10:45 AM (Cafeteria)
A heartwarming performance from our kindergarteners to celebrate their growth and joyful entry into school life.

5th Grade Exhibition – 10:15–11:30 AM (Classrooms)
We are thrilled to support our 5th graders as they share their culminating projects. You’ll be amazed by their thoughtfulness, inquiry, and agency. Stay after for a special 5th Grade Certificates & Reception – 11:30 AM–12:30 PM (Cafeteria) A special moment to honor our 5th graders as they prepare for the transition to middle school.

TK End-of-Year Concert – 1:20–1:45 PM (Cafeteria)
A joyful and sweet performance celebrating the youngest members of our school community.

As you can see, we’re doing a lot—because there is so much to celebrate. Thank you for being part of this joyful season of reflection, connection, and growth. Will Rogers is more than a school—it’s a community where learners are nurtured, voices are heard, and every step of the journey is valued.

With appreciation and pride,
Principal Daruty

WRLC PTA Calendar 2024-2025

SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar

As you can imagine, being a principal is a pretty amazing job—but like everyone else, I have my best days... and my “why did I agree to this?” days! If I had to sum up the best part of my job, nothing tops the torrential, tumultuous roar of 520 excited, joyful students every Friday morning at our assemblies. Each week, I try to cue up the best music, add humor, celebrate our students, entertain, inform—and when all else fails… I just let them dump ice water on me. 😂

Why, you ask? Because they earned it; they ran... I got iced!

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students, families, and community, we raised over $42,000 in our annual Jog-a-Thon!

Thank you all for your support, spirit, and generosity. And now, without further ado...

VIDEO of Principal Daruty getting an ice-bucket dump!

This is the seventh year that the Santa Monica College Dance Department will be providing World Dance for the SMMUSD Elementary Schools.

The Santa Monica College Dance Department is providing twelve lessons of dance through our SMC Dance Academy for our 4th and 5th graders. The SMC Dance Academy is an instructional program taught during the school day. This program is a part of an Arts in Education curriculum that will conclude with a Culminating Event (see dates below). This specialized college pathway program is designed to encourage students to think independently, to be able to work with others, to value creative thought and diversity, and to be responsible global citizens.

Our students have been working hard on their dances. Each grade has a different focus:

4th grade is learning both a Mexican Dance and a Hawaiian Dance

5th grade is learning musical theater/jazz dance with the theme of Westside Story and also elements of Salsa, Waltz, and a Hip Hop dance

Please save the date to attend the Culminating Events to be held on the soccer field at Will Rogers Learning Community on:

NEW PERFORMANCE DATES

6/3 5th grade dance performance at 2:15 in auditorium (Letter to parents)

At WRLC, we believe that learning isn’t simply about the final product—it’s about the journey. It’s about curiosity, collaboration, perseverance, and reflection. Our 4th graders recently illustrated this beautifully through their mini-exhibition projects. They explored big ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their discoveries with confidence and pride. We are truly proud of their depth of thinking and personal growth.

Order your book here: https://web.treering.com/create-account/1013782539131906?PassCode=1013782539131906

Our team took a tour of the new building last week. We are so excited about the progress! Our teachers were beaming with excitement; dreaming up the possibilities of how to make their new classrooms a place for innovation and learning!

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.

This month our Learner Profile is Communicator. Students who are COMMUNICATORS are able to think and communicate in more than one language. They can express their ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols.

How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?

Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other countries by writing letters, using the phone, sending email or Skyping. When working on math homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture. Ask your child thought provoking questions and encourage them to discuss them with you. For example: Is there anything you cannot buy with money? Should you get an allowance? Why or why not? Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.

Exhibition Room Locations

1. Room 206 - Who We Are and How the World Works

2. Room 508 - Who We Are

3. Room 509 - Sharing the Planet

4. Room 510 - Sharing the Planet

5. Room 511 - Sharing the Planet

6. Room 503 - How We Express Ourselves and How We Organize Ourselves

We will host a reception in the cafeteria following classroom presentations!

Light refreshments will be served.

Our Will Rogers Counseling team is providing a two-part Transitioning to Middle School workshop to all 5th grade classes. Our goal is to provide a space for students to learn more about what to expect and discuss options to prepare for the transition to middle school. It is a big change, and we aim to create a space so students can reflect and notice they are not alone in this transition (and not alone in the big feelings related to this change!). Students will have an opportunity to ask their questions to a current JAMS student and get helpful answers and strategies to ease anxiety and get ready for middle school!

Are you interested in learning more about Physical Education / Independent Study P.E. at JAMS next year? Below is a shareable link to the ISPE application for next year that incoming families need to complete.

https://www.smmusd.org/Page/824

ISPE affords students the opportunity to extend physical education learning activities beyond the school campus and regular school hours. Grading and Credit Policy

www.smmusd.org

We’re excited to share an important opportunity to support our current 5th grade students as they prepare for the transition to middle school. This summer, we’re continuing to offer a 6th Grade Transition Programthrough Summer Adventure, designed to ease both the academic and social-emotional adjustment to 6th grade. This year, Summer Adventure takes place at Franklin Elementary School.

The program runs for five weeks, but students are not required to attend all five weeks. They can participate based on their availability. Our goal is to help them feel confident and prepared for the year ahead in a supportive and engaging environment.

All program details can be found here:
👉 6th Grade Transition Program Information

And parents can learn more about Summer Adventure and register here.

Science at JAMS starts in the summer with a two-day summer science camp for all incoming 6th grade students. This year the summer science camp dates for all incoming 6th graders will be Thursday and Friday, August 14-15, 2025 from 8:30am to 2:30pm at JAMS.

The summer program will be the first science classes for all incoming students. In the two-day session, each student will attend classes, learn new lab skills, become familiar with JAMS campus, and meet other incoming students. The summer science camp for sixth graders is NOT mandatory.

Summer science camp will cost $150 per student for the two-day camp which includes lunch. We also have many payment options for students on the free or reduced lunch plans. At JAMS, we ask that you pay what you can for science camp, We also appreciate donations for students in need.

Spaces are limited!

Sign-ups are online:

https://jamssciencemagnet.org/summer-science-camp

We are thrilled to share the creation of our brand-new Wellness Room (Room 106) at WRLC, made possible through a generous grant from LACOE. This project is a significant step forward in supporting the vision of establishing a strong foundation of well-being for all students on our campus.

The redesigned space is warm, welcoming, and student-centered—transforming our existing counseling rooms into a therapeutic environment where students can feel supported and safe. Whether it’s for individual emotional support, restorative conversations, parent meetings, or problem-solving help, the Wellness Room is here to serve our students and families.

Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a nurturing environment where students are equipped with the social-emotional tools needed to thrive both academically and personally. By fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational skills, we aim to strengthen student confidence and well-being.

What Is the Wellness Room For?

The Wellness Room is a calming, low-stimulation space designed to support students in processing emotions and regulating their nervous systems. With guidance from our wellness coaches and counselors, students can:

• Work through interpersonal challenges

• Engage in restorative conversations

• Practice mindfulness and emotional regulation

• Access sensory tools and creative activities that promote well-being

Our resources include sensory integration toys, art supplies, and calming activities to help students build their emotional toolbox—learning strategies to better understand themselves and connect with others.

How Can My Child Access the Room?

• Students currently receiving ongoing counseling services will use the room during their sessions.

• Teachers and administrators may schedule appointments Wednesday through Friday during designated time slots.

• Parents may also request support by asking their child’s teacher to schedule a session with our Wellness Coach, Ms. Sam.

We invite you to learn more about this exciting initiative and how it supports our shared goal of nurturing the whole child. Together, we’re creating a culture of care and emotional wellness at WRLC.

If you’d like to visit the space or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s well-being.

Dates: June 23- July 25, 2025

Location: Franklin Elementary School

Scholarships are available for qualifying SMMUSD students.

After-care is available with CDS for an additional fee.

Online registration begins March 3 at 7:30 a.m.

Need registration support? In-person assistance is available on March 3, 7:30am-11:30am at Lincoln Middle School (1501 California Avenue).

NEW THIS YEAR: You must fill out the Medical Information Form during registration. You will need the name and contact info for your child's doctor and dentist, the name of your insurance company, and information about allergies and medications.

Visit us at summer-adventure.org

• Santa Monica Events/Activities/Opportunities: (information) Please click here to read about the upcoming family engagement events for families whose students attend school in Santa Monica, and for all other interested families.

• 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 form 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!

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.

https://www.smmusd.org/domain/476

We encourage all families to submit the Free and Reduced Meals application. Although California provides free meals for all students, this application is crucial for determining eligibility for additional programs and resources, including Title 1 school designations for the 2025-26 school year. The state uses this form to assess which families qualify for benefits beyond free meals, so widespread participation is essential. To support this effort, please share the application link with your families and distribute the flier through your school's communication channels.

Application Link: https://bit.ly/MealApplications-SMMUSD

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://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM