PTA Newsletter
December 9, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
There are many things I'm better at in this era of my life (ok, maybe just a few), but "remembering things" is most decidedly not one of them. So the holiday season is a delightful onslaught of increased amnesia, as our to-do lists skyrocket in size each day. I've decided that this holiday's mantra will just be "sorry for the delay," since that's how each text and email seems to begin this month. It is my sincere hope that this newsletter is full of informative announcements and dates you can reference without using precious extra RAM. 🧠
Thank you to the countless volunteers for this past Saturday's Holiday Festival. It was a reminder of how vibrant and involved our community is, and we are incredibly grateful. This coming Sunday we have a volunteer opportunity for our Story of Our Schools project--you can sign up here and we hope to see you then!
-Aimee
Food for All Community Service Event
Ross students packed bags of donated food to benefit the DC nonprofit Food for All
Bake Sale
Student and parent volunteers sold baked goods, coffee and hot cocoa to Ross families and neighborhood friends
Students Interview Mark Lewis
For their next oral history interview, students interviewed Mark Lewis. Mentor to many, he worked with Ms. Juriga when she was a classroom teacher. Even though he did not have children enrolled at Ross, he volunteered his time as a reading specialist.
“I was a volunteer at Ross because I fell in love with the school. Even though it was an old, run-down, tired building, I came in and said, ‘Oh my gosh! I love this place.’”
“Something has to be phenomenal to make a school great, and it’s the teachers. This school has always had wonderful teachers. That is so important!"
“If you love something, it’s in your heart even if you’ve been away for a long time. I haven’t been in this building for probably 18 years, and I felt the love again.”
“What’s important is our school family. That’s the one line that goes through the history of Ross Elementary.”
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Enjoy reading the weekly interviews and history of our school? We are in great need of volunteers for our Story of Our Schools tabling event this Sunday, Dec 14. Please see below for more details and click here to sign up!
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BACKGROUND
Ross 4th graders are on a year-long research quest to uncover Ross's history, through a partnership with The Story of Our Schools. The students, led by Ms. Juriga, are conducting archival research and oral history interviews, as well as participating in walking tours and field trips. At the end of the school year, their findings will be transformed into a permanent, museum-quality exhibit that will be installed in the school. The Ross Parent-Teacher Association needs to raise $30,000 to help finance this effort. The PTA is matching every dollar raised, up to $15,000. You can help Ross meet their goal by contributing any amount here. Anyone who contributes funds will be named on a permanent exhibit plaque.
Room Parents will be wrapping up their collections for teacher/staff holiday gifts this week (collections will end this Friday, December 12, or a date your Room Parent has set for your class). Please reach out to your Room Parent if you have missed the communication and would like to contribute (if you are unsure who your Room Parent is, please respond to this email for guidance). As in previous years, each class will be assigned staff members in addition to the teachers, and your Room Parent will collect funds to give them gift cards for the holidays.
New Bethel Baptist Church (1739 9th St NW) invites families from across the community to join us for a free, family-friendly Christmas celebration designed especially for those who may need extra support this holiday season.
Event Highlights:
· NBBC Toy Store: Parents can “shop” for brand-new toys at no cost.
· Gift Wrapping Station: Volunteers will wrap gifts while children enjoy a movie and activities.
· Backpack & School Supply Restock: Free school supplies to help students start the new year strong.
· Holiday Treats & Goodies: Festive snacks and cocoa for the whole family.
· Community-Centered Environment: A warm, welcoming event intended for local households.
Everything is completely free, thanks to the generosity of our congregation, partners, and supporters. Please scan the QR code to sign-up for the special toy giveaway!
Toy store registration is required--you may register here!
Maryland Basketball is inviting local families to enjoy select games for free this season! Claim up to two complimentary tickets — one for your child (17 and under) and one for a parent or guardian — and experience the excitement of Terrapin hoops together. It’s the perfect way to introduce young fans to the energy, pride, and fun of Maryland Basketball!
Deadline to claim tickets is Thursday, Dec 18, at 9 PM. Click here to claim yours for the Men's Basketball game on December 28th.
Join us at the Washington, DC Joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM) for an afternoon of fun math for the whole family! At the math festival, you’ll get to explore [a] variety of hands-on math puzzles and games that are great for children and adults of all ages. This event is free and open to everyone.
Please complete a registration form for each of your children so that we know how many people to expect.
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.