Will Rogers Roundup

Near the top right of the newsletter click "translate." Use this feature to translate the newsletter to your desired language. Cerca de la parte superior derecha del boletín, haga clic en "traducir". Utilice esta función para traducir el boletín a su idioma deseado.

Dear Families,

Wishing you all a joyous and bright winter break as you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones! Thank you for your continued support of the Will Rogers community. May the new year be filled with more opportunities for our students to grow and learn. We are grateful for your partnership and support and wish you a happy new year.

We look forward to welcoming you to our school-wide choral concert on Wednesday (times for each grade level are listed below).

A few reminders:

• Friday is a minimum day, and there is no late start—school begins at 8:30 a.m.

• Student Council has planned a spirited, holiday-themed Spirit Week for us this week—get ready for some fun!

Together for Will Rogers,

Principal Daruty

Mon. 12/15- 12/19 Student Council Sponsored SPIRIT WEEK

Wed. 12/17 Math Club Meeting for students @ 7:45 a.m. in room 508

Wed. 12/17 Winter Choral Concerts in the auditorium

Concert Times:

• 8:45 a.m. Kinder
• 9:10 a.m. 1st and 5th
• 10:15 a.m. 2nd grade
• 10:45 a.m. 3rd and 4th
• 1:00 p.m. TK

Wed. 12/17 PTA Executive Board mtg. @ 6:00 p.m. via zoom

Thurs. 12/18 5th Grade Field Trip to Clover Park

Fri. 12/19 NO LATE START

Fri. 12/19 Minimum Day dismissal for TK/K @12:10 p.m. and 1st -5th @1:00 p.m.

Sat. 12/20 ( new date) Family Farming Day 10-1 p.m.

WINTER BREAK 12/22- 1/2

January 2026- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mon. 1/5 First Day Back after Winter Break

Wed. 1/7 PTA Association Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

• 8:45 a.m. Kinder
• 9:10 a.m. 1st and 5th
• 10:15 a.m. 2nd grade
• 10:45 a.m. 3rd and 4th
• 1:00 p.m. TK

New sweatshirts are coming soon! We’ve heard all your hoodie hype, and we’re getting ready to order in time for the holidays. Help us pick the styles and sizes by filling out our quick pre-order interest survey (no money required to take the survey). Your input helps us make sure everyone stays warm (and stylish!) once the temperatures drop.

How can parents help to develop this BALANCED trait at home?

• Create consistent routines that include schoolwork, physical activity, meals, and downtime.

• Encourage regular physical activity and help your child learn healthy stress-management habits.

• Prioritize healthy meals by talking about good food choices.

• Protect sleep with a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule.

• Set mindful screen-use boundaries so screens don’t replace reading, play, or movement.

• Support a mix of activities, encouraging both academic and non-academic interests.

• Promote downtime by helping your child understand the value of rest and unstructured play.

• Model balance yourself through varied habits, hobbies, and healthy routines.

• Maintain open communication about how they’re feeling and what they need to stay balanced

BAKE A DIFFERENCE: INA BAKES HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING KITS

Make this season extra sweet with Holiday Cookie Decorating Kits, a FUNdraising effort to support Will Rogers PTA.

From December 7th-14th, Ina Bakes is giving $5 from every holiday cookie decorating kit purchased back to Rogers. Simply enter WILL ROGERS in the Additional Information area at checkout to make your purchase count.

Founded by two Santa Monica moms (with kids at Roosevelt and Samohi), Ina Bakes is all about blending sweetness, creativity, and connection — making every treat feel like a celebration.

Kits are available in Winter, Christmas, and Hanukkah themes! Perfect for cozy nights in, festive parties, or a joyful family activity.

These are pre-orders which means you choose your pickup time from the Rose Avenue Venice studio. Delivery is available upon request for a small additional fee.

Order online: inabakes.com Holiday Cookie Decorating Kit

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A5AE23A7F5C25-59313411-popsicle#/

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

Zoom link to join on 12/16:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84468309711

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!

Have you done your AERIES student data validation this year? If no, log in now to complete.

https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/Student/LoginParent.aspx

Data Validation Flyer - English

Data Validation - Spanish

• 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

Join the Will Rogers PTA for $10 to support activities and events that enrich your student's education and strengthen our school community.

https://jointotem.com/ca/santa-monica/will-rogers-elementary-pta

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.

We encourage all families to submit the Free and Reduced Meals application by Friday, October 4. 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 2026-27 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

Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364