Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear WRLC Families,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Friday was a beautiful community event—thank you to all the grown-ups who volunteered their time, energy, and creativity to make our Cinco de Mayo festival such a success. We truly could not do events like this without your support, and the smiles and laughter on our students’ faces were proof that it was a memorable day for all.

This week, we are excited to celebrate Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! Please help us honor the incredible educators and staff at WRLC. See the flyer below for simple ways students can show their appreciation throughout the week. A special thank you to our generous PTA for hosting a staff lunch on Wednesday—we are so grateful for your continued support.

We also want to wish our 3rd–5th grade students the very best as they begin state testing. We are proud of their hard work and know they are ready to show what they’ve learned. Please help set them up for success by ensuring they arrive on time, well-rested, and with a good breakfast. To support a focused testing environment, we will have campus quiet hours Monday through Thursday from 8:30–10:30 a.m.. We appreciate your help in keeping hallways and shared spaces calm and quiet during this time.

As we move through the week, we also invite you to join us for our Bike It/Walk It Day and community block party in partnership with JAMS! This Friday, beginning at 9:00 a.m., 16th Street will be blocked off for vehicles between Maple and Pearl. Please arrive safely and help us count students who bike, scoot, or walk to school. All participants will be counted at the 16th Street gate as we aim to win the Golden Sneaker Award! If you park nearby and walk in, you’ll be counted too. While the 14th Street entrance will remain open, we encourage everyone to enter through 16th street to enjoy the BLOCK PARTY. There will be music, vendors, and lots of fun—no matter the outcome, it will be a great community celebration!

Thank you, as always, for being such an important part of our learning community. We appreciate all the ways you contribute to our shared success.

Warmly,

Principal Daruty

Mon. 5/4 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP Testing begins 8:30-10:15 a.m. (Mon- Thurs.) Campus quiet hours

Mon-Fri. 5/4 Teacher Appreciation Week

Wed. 5/6 PTA sponsored Lunch for Teacher Appreciation @11:30 -1:15 p.m. in the staff lounge

Wed. 5/6 4th grade Energy Conservation Lesson with Austin Toyama | SMMUSD | Sustainability Manager @ 11:20 a.m. in the cafeteria

Wed. 5/6 Earthquake Drill @ 2:00 p.m. ( please do not plan to check-out students at this time)

Wed. 5/6 PTA Association Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.in the library and on zoom

Wed. 5/6 Talent Show Rehearsals @ 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium

Thurs. 5/7 SSC Learning Walk 11:30- 3:00 p.m.

Fri. 5/8 Bike it Walk it Day BLOCK PARTY with JAMS! Vendors, music and fun on 16th street as we count everyone who rode or walked to school. (16th st. between Maple and Pearl will be blocked off from 8:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m.) Let's win the GOLDEN SNEAKER AWARD!

Mon. -Thurs. 5/11 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP Testing 8:30-10:15 a.m. (Mon- Thurs.) Campus quiet hours

Mon. 5/11 Special Ice-Cream Party for Jog-a-thon fundraisers @ 1:15 p.m. ( invite will be emailed)

Tues. 5/12 Luciano and Hoffman-Ellis Field Trip @8:45 a.m.

Tues. 5/12 Nurse Appreciation Day!

Wed. 5/13 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Natural History Museum

Wed. 5/13 Talent Show Rehearsals @ 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium

Thurs. 5/14 SPED Parent Workshop "Anxiety and School Refusal." Dr. Hoover will present this engaging workshop on May 14 at 8:45 a.m. in the board room. All are welcome to attend. Flyer is attached ParentWorkshopMay.pdf

Thurs. 5/14 Volunteer Tea @ 3:15 p.m. on the TK/K yard

Fri. 5/15 Math Club Celebration for students and families @ 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria

Mon. -Thurs. 5/18 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP Testing 8:30-10:15 a.m. (Mon- Thurs.) Campus quiet hours

Mon. 5/18 Monday Meet-up with the Principal @ 8: 30 a.m. in front of school

Wed. 5/20 Prospective Parent School Tour @ 9:00 a.m.

Wed. 5/20 PTA Executive Board Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. via zoom

Wed. 5/20 Talent Show Rehearsals @ 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium

Thurs. 5/21 4th Grade Mini-Exhibition @ 10:45 a.m.

Thurs. 5/21 ELAC Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. in the library

Fri. 5/22 Peacemakers Meeting @ 9:00 a.m. Group #1

Mon. 5/25 NO SCHOOL Memorial Day

Tues. 5/26 4th and 5th grade Spring VAPA Concert @ 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 5/27 Hoop Bus Assembly for 4th and 5th graders @ 1:00 p.m.

Thurs. 5/28 Talent Show Rehearsal @ 3:00 p.m.

Fri. 5/29 Peacemaker Meeting @ 9:00 a.m. Group #2

Fri. 5/29 5th Grade Exhibition @ 10:45 a.m.

Fri. 5/29 WRLC Family Talent Show @ 6: 00 p.m.

Tues. 6/2 Fire Drill @ 9:30 a.m. ( please do not plan to check-out students at this time)

Tues. 6/2 Getting to Know You Day ( for incoming TK/K students) @ 2:00 p.m.

Wed. 6/3 5th Grade Pool Party @ 12- 3:00 p.m. @ SMC

Thurs. 6/4 1st Grade Field Trip @Marine Park

Thurs. 6/4 Peacemaker Celebration for students and families @ 6:00 p.m.

Fri. 6/5 2nd Grade Caine's Arcade

Fri. 6/5 5th Grade Promotion Practice @ 2:00 p.m.

Mon. 6/8 5th Grade Promotion Practice @ 9:00 a.m.

Mon. 6/8 Kinder End of the Year Concert @ 9:00 a.m.

Mon. 6/8 SAMOHI Graduates Clap-Out @ 1:15 p.m.

Tues. 6/9 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony @9:00 a.m.

Wed. 6/10 SAMOHI Graduation

Thurs. 6/11 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

• 5th grade Kickball Tournament VS. Staff @9:00 a.m.
• Minimum Day
• Unofficial Beach Day

Thurs. 6/11 JAMS Promotion Ceremony @ 2:00 p.m.

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

PTA Calendar

Dear 3rd-5th grade Will Rogers Families,

Beginning Monday, May 4, students in grades 3–5 will begin taking the state test, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

This assessment is only one method we use to measure our students’ academic growth. Throughout the year, our teachers gather data in multiple ways on student progress and adjust their instruction accordingly. Please read this letter for more information about the CAASPP. If you have any questions, please contact our assistant principal, Ms. González.

This is not a test you can study for, but you can help your child by doing the following:

1. Ensuring a good night’s sleep before testing days.

2. Providing a healthy breakfast to keep their energy up.

3. Encouraging them to do their best—remind them that this is a chance to show what they've learned, not something to be stressed about!

4. Arriving to school on time each day - testing will begin by 8:45 a.m. on Monday-Thursday

Resources for Families:

• Practice Tests: You can see what the test looks like at caaspp.org.

• Starting Smarter: Visit ca.startingsmarter.org to understand your child’s score reports.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education!

Ways to Foster a Thinker at Home:

• Instead of lecturing, ask questions that require reasoning, such as "How did you solve that?" or "What do you think will happen if...?".

• Create a "Wonder Wall" or notebook where children can jot down questions they have throughout the day.

• Encourage your child to try new things, even if they might fail, and then discuss what they learned from the experience.

• Model "thinking" by showing how you solve problems, research questions, and learn from mistakes.

• Encourage your child to find connections between what they are learning in school and everyday life.

• Provide resources (books, websites, materials) that enable children to explore their interests and answer their own questions.

• Allow for downtime, which stimulates imaginative thinking.

• When your child completes a task, ask about the strategy they used, rather than focusing only on the correct answer.

• Ask your child to reflect on their learning by asking, "What was challenging today?" or "How could you do that differently next time?".

• Let your child make choices about their learning, such as deciding what to read or how to structure their study time.

Monday: Funny head-wear day!! Wear something silly on your head

Tuesday: Backwards Clothes day!! Where you’re normal clothes, but backwards!

Wednesday: Dress up as a cowboy, Cowgirl, or a Cow!

Thursday: Future-self day!

Dress up as what you think you will look like in 10 years!

Friday: PJ, Stuffy Day!

You can do one or all or just two, or none, but we encourage you to do at least the pj day

Sponsored By: Your Student Council Reps :)

Rogers hoodie pre-orders are open through April 17! Order your favorite style online, select PICKUP at checkout, and be sure to enter your student’s teacher/classroom name in the “COMPANY” field so we can get it to you. Every purchase supports the PTA — grab yours before the order deadline!

Link – https://vaalbara.com/collections/will-rogers-gear

The City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Fire Department invite the community to celebrate Fire Service Day with a fun, family-friendly open house on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This free event offers a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to meet local firefighters, explore emergency equipment, and learn essential life-saving skills through interactive, hands-on experiences.

Event Highlights Include:

• Fire engines and a ladder truck for up-close exploration
• Live auto extrication demonstration
• Hands-Only CPR training and emergency preparedness education in partnership with the American Red Cross
• Stop the Bleed education
• Information about the department’s new Ambulance Operator Program and Advanced Provider Unit
• Photo opportunity with the U.S. Women’s Open trophy, on display ahead of the championship at The Riviera Country Club, June 4–7 in Pacific Palisades
• Free meals for the first 500 attendees, courtesy of Heavy Handed LA

Event Details:
When: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Fire Station 1, 1337 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

In addition to Fire Service Day, the Santa Monica Fire Department offers year-round community outreach programs, including fire station tours, fire engine visits, and education on fire and life safety topics.

For more information, visit santamonica.gov/departments/fire.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A5AE23A7F5C25-63529260-5thg#/

1. Tues. 3/24 Incoming 6th graders to JAMS Info night RE: Math Pathways @ 5:30 p.m. hosted by Dr. Chacon via zoom Spanish Interpretation will be available. See presentations:

2. English:

   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQbrmbplCI8SuVVDH7JF1NIGKv_ZOxDxpwkWm0PQP94qvErRKuYl7-gFRG2DQqQICXgg2mKEjGed8MS/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

   
   

   Spanish:
   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vThGNexHraDm7-DM6dj77H32iGBh2dGg23s1QAp-CSy0aZTGHrAMVi6aHW9NSWsYpz5Mz1swmHQdISX/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

   
   

3. If you missed the Parent Information night held on March 17th you can view the presentation here.
4. Please let us know if you would be interested in JAMS PTSA positions for the 2026-27 school year?
5. Interested in joining the JAMS science board for the 2026-27 school year? Join here:

Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 24 (no July 3)

8:30am - 12:30pm

Roosevelt Elementary School

Registration opens on Monday, March 2 at 7:30am at www.summer-adventure.org.

Please note that Summer Adventure is open to IISS- and ELOP-eligible families; they were notified this week about their summer options.

Please reach out if you have any questions. I have copied SA Principal Barry Yates and Administrative Assistant, Dinora Duarte, on this email.

school passcode:1013782539131906

Below please find a list of links to local, seasonal happenings, including special events featuring technology, arts/culture, civics, and literacy, application support for social services and government benefits, and free ESL and citizenship classes via SMMUSD Adult Education

• Santa Monica Events/Activities/Opportunities

We’re excited to announce the return of ART CART at lunchtime! Starting this year, students can enjoy creative art projects and hands-on crafts every:

• Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for grades 1st-5th

• Fridays from 11:30 -12:45 p.m. for grades TK/K

ART CART offers students a chance to express their creativity, relax, and connect with others—all thanks to the support of our incredible WRLC Wellness Team of counselors. We need your help!

Many hands make light work, and we’re looking for parent volunteers to help supervise and support our young artists. If you’re interested in volunteering on Mondays or Fridays, please email Mariela at mmartinez@sewi.org.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Level 1 volunteer clearance

• Willingness to supervise students using art tools and materials safely

• Enthusiasm for working with children

• A love of crafts, creativity, and fun!

Let’s make lunchtimes a colorful, creative experience for all our students!

• Score reports for CAASPP, ELPAC and Star Renaissance are available to parents in the Aeries Parent Portal. Hard copy score reports are no longer mailed home. These videos help explain to students & parents/ guardians on how to access their portals. Student Portal and Parent Portal.

• This guide with help parents ocate their Test Scores and State Test Scores Reports: Parent Portal: Test Scores [Aeries]-attachment.

• 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!

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 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.

JOIN the Parents/Guardians Regenerative Farm Committee that we are forming for the 2025-26 school year. The Committee's tasks are to:

• Support the stewardship of the Regenerative Farm.
• Help organize the Regenerative Farm Events ready in the school calendar (monthly Family Farming Days, Earth Week Farming Day), in addition to organizing harvests and other school community engagement activities.

For any questions, contact:

Paola Vezzulli, Program Director - Regenerative Initiatives [Cayton Children's Museum] email: pvezzulli@caytonmuseum.org

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, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364