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 Will Rogers Families and Guardians,

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our students, families, and supporters, we met our Jog-a-thon fundraising goal! This incredible accomplishment is a true reflection of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.

As promised—and much to the delight of our students—I will be getting ice water dumped on me this Friday during our school-wide assembly! I’m more than happy to take the plunge to make our kids laugh and show them just how much I appreciate their enthusiastic support of the WRLC PTA.

OVERALL STATS

• Total raised: $41,039
• Students who receive prizes for raising:
• $20 for fidget toy: 110 students
• $150 for swag bag: 44
• $300 for ice cream party: 50

• Pizza party for class that raised the most money: Fujiwara, $4,249.50
• Popsicle party for classes with 100% registration: Gonzalez, Luciano, Miller, Schneider

• Massage gift certificate to The Now - Gonzalez

• Five students earned a special lunch date with Ms. Daruty
• Ice cream party for 50 students who raised over $300

We also want to take time this week to express our gratitude to the many volunteers who help make WRLC such a special place. This Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria, we invite all of our regular volunteers to a Teacher-Hosted Volunteer Tea. We value our parent partners deeply, and this is our chance to shower you with appreciation for a successful school year. We will also be announcing this year’s PTA Honorary Service Award recipients—we hope you’ll join us in celebration!

Our final ELAC and SSC meetings of the school year, occur this week. Thank you to all of our members for your dedication and support to these advocacy committees, whose purpose is to provide advisement and support in developing or school plan for achievement (SPSA).

As we approach the end of the school year, be sure to check the school calendar for a full list of upcoming events. There are many opportunities for families to come to campus and celebrate the achievements of our students—we’d love to see you there.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are truly lucky to have such a strong, caring school community. Have a wonderful long weekend next weekend. I hope you find a meaningful way to honor and remember those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

With gratitude,

Principal Daruty

WRLC PTA Calendar 2024-2025

SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar

This week our 3rd-5th grade students will continue state testing. Let’s support them by ensuring they get plenty of rest, a healthy breakfast, and plenty of positive energy to start the day off right! While test scores are just one way we measure success, we want our students to take pride in their hard work and give their very best effort. Parents, we encourage you to send your child off to school with a few positive affirmations to help them stay focused and motivated. Remind them that they are capable, smart, and ready to rock it!

Here are a few affirmations to share with your child:

• “You’ve worked so hard, and you are ready for this!”

• “Believe in yourself — you’ve got this!”

• “Stay calm, take your time, and do your best!”

• “We’re so proud of you, no matter what!”

For more information, visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact Gabriela González, assistant principal, at ggonzalez@smmusd.org

To celebrate, Wombi—LA’s first e-bike subscription service—is thrilled to donate a 2-month all-inclusive e-bike subscription (valued at $450) to one lucky Will Rogers family!

The Parent winner of the 2 Month subscription was David Boden. Thank you to everyone who entered the draw.

If anyone wants to try the cargo bike life please let me know and we will apply 50% off for your subscription for one month. We allow folks to try a bike for 30 days, so no worries about any commitment longer than 30 days. If you would like to try please reach out. The turnaround time is 2-4 days to get a bike. With summer camps coming up its a fun way to get around town.

Subscription Includes:
🚲 Fully loaded e-bike of your choice
✅ Maintenance & protection
❤️ A chance to experience the joy and convenience of life on a Wombi!
Follow Wombi.LA on IG

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/health/2025/05/02/beat-the-odds-drumming

There is an interesting and informative LA Times article about Will Rogers and his former home / museum we all knew and loved that was burned down in the Palisades fire.

I thought you'd enjoy some history and perspective:

Will Rogers' home: What now?

https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=de1935d1-4e25-4fc0-82f6-65fbf7ed2960&v=sdk

That was such a great hiking area. Such a loss for our community and international visitors. Hoping they find funds to restore this now owned by the state and had historical designations.

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.

Believe it or not, we are already beginning to plan for the 2025–2026 school year. To make the most informed decisions about the number of classrooms per grade and teacher assignments, we rely heavily on accurate projected enrollment numbers. Your input is essential to this process. Please take a moment to inform us of your plans for the fall by completing the enrollment form. We ask that you submit one form per student to indicate your family’s plans for the 2025–2026 school year. Your timely and accurate response helps ensure we are fully prepared to meet the needs of all our students. Thank you for your partnership! RETURNING TO WRLC FORM.

TRANSLATION: Click on the link for the form. Right Click anywhere on the form and several options will appear. Click on “Translate” or “Translate to ( to select a different language)

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

5/27 4th grade SMC Dance Parent Performance at 2:15 on soccer field (Letter to parents)

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

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 Thinker. A thinker can imagine many solutions to a question or challenge. Thinkers make good decisions and can predict the outcomes of their actions. They think creatively and critically.

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

Encourage your child to try to think of solutions to problems independently. Pose different real-life problems and questions to your child:

• “I’m not sure how to arrange the glasses so they can all fit in the cupboard.”
• “I wonder how much the groceries in the cart will cost… how can we make an estimate?”
• “We need enough cookies for the 20 people in your class. What kind of change should we make to our recipe?”

Ask your children questions when they are working on a problem:

" Do you have any ideas about how we might begin?"

" How can we do this differently?"

" I had never thought of that. Tell me more about it."

" What other ways can we show that?"

" Why do you think that?"

" How did you figure that out?"

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.

CURRENT 3rd Grade students must submit their choice for music next year. The deadline is Friday, May 23, 2025. Music choice form for 4th grade 2025-26

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

Jewish American Heritage Month offers an access point for Jewish inclusion in community celebrations of diversity. Jewish American Heritage Month was established in 2006 via the work of Jewish museums and state and federal legislators. May was selected because of the successful celebration of 350 years of Jews in America in May 2004, organized by the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History. Today the US government maintains a website dedicated to Jewish American Heritage Month, the White House issues a yearly proclamation, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia organizes annual activities and celebrations. The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism issued by the White House in May, 2023 urges federal agencies, state and local leaders, employers, and sports leagues to acknowledge Jewish American Heritage Month.

Like all history and heritage months, the purpose of Jewish American Heritage month is to highlight, for our children, the contributions of Jewish people, the diversity within the Jewish community, the triumphs and tribulations of Jewish people in America, as well as to honor Jewish joy. Jewish American Heritage month aims to celebrate achievements, validate experiences, but also to activate by showing how our community supports Jewish people.

Book Lists and Programming: Our school has many Jewish American books in our current collection. Mr. Sea is aequipped to pull and showcase these titles in our libraries, though parents are eager and willing to help with that task as needed.

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

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) remains steadfastly committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their immigration status, has access to a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment. Please know that students are safe at school. We have been instructed not to let anyone on campus unless they possess a judicial warrant for a specific person. Even if they have a judicial warrant, they will not be allowed on campus until our Director of Student Services and district legal council have been consulted.

• 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.

We want to ensure that our students arrive to school safely. I acknowledge that mornings are a busy time in our neighborhood please keep the following reminders in mind as you drop-off at WRLC.

• Do not park or leave your car unattended in front of school between 8:00-8:30 a.m. This is our valet lane.
• Be respectful to our neighbors. Do not block driveways.
• Please do not double park.
• Please support students to use the crosswalks, only.

Tuesday is our lunchtime ART CART day. Students are invited to participate in creative art projects and handicrafts during lunchtime. This is possible through the support of our parent volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for lunchtime on Tuesdays, please sign up using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050445AFAF28A2FB6-51251277-artcart

We would also love donations here is our wishlist for the art cart here.

The school provides the supplies, your support requires:

You are a level 1 cleared volunteer

You are willing to safely supervise students with proper use of art tools and materials

Enthusiasm for working with children

Enjoyment with crafts and art

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

Families wishing to enroll their students should contact our school’s Bilingual Community Liaison, Flory Vila, fvila@smmusd.org, 310 452-2364 x67338, and fill out a Program opt-in form.

Las familias que deseen

inscribir a sus estudiantes en el Programa de Bolsas de Fin de Semana deben comunicarse con Flory Vila, fvila@smmusd.org 310 452-2364 x67338, y completar un formulario para inscribirse en el programa.

• 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