PTA Newsletter
September 16, 2025
Dear Ross Community,
It's that time of year! The PTA is launching its annual Fall for Ross campaign and I am getting my flyers ready to talk to you on the playground more than I already do (sorry not sorry). This year we aim to raise $50,000--every donation will make a difference! Please visit our Fall for Ross page for updates and progress as we work towards our goal.
Upcoming dates to note: the Back to School Picnic is taking place at Stead the day after tomorrow (Thu, Sept 18)! You may start to drop off clothing donations for our Back to School Clothing Swap starting in two weeks, on Mon, Sept 29. And we hope you're dusting off your bikes, scooters, and sneakers for our National Walk & Roll to School Day on Wed, Oct 8.
Have an awesome week filled with smooth-sailing mornings and early bedtimes.
-Aimee
The time has come!! Join students, families, teachers, and staff THIS Thursday, September 18, from 5:30-7:30pm to celebrate the beginning of a new school year with a potluck picnic at the Stead Park Rec Center and playground! Pizza and sweet (cold) treats will be provided by the PTA. We are still in need of contributions for appetizers, main dishes, and desserts for the event! Please sign up here to contribute! Your support is very appreciated!
Join us on Wednesday, October 8, as we celebrate bicycling and walking to school during our first of two National Walk & Roll to School Day events this year!
Students can ride their bicycles or scooters or walk with their classmates or parents. With a police motorcycle escort leading the parade, we will meet at the corner of 15th and R St NW at 7:50 am and make our way to Ross at 8:00 am. We will be joined by a representative from the Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and are looking for as many parents on bicycles to join the parade as we can find. If you are interested in riding or have more questions, please email Joseph Jones at (mwcumd@icloud.com).
Once the parade concludes at Ross, we will be greeted by refreshments, and WABA will be handing out bicycle safety and advocacy swag. Please join us!
Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:00 AM at Fletcher’s Cove for the fourth annual Run 4 MK. In partnership with Bishop’s Events, we’ll come together to run in support of ending chronic homelessness in Washington, DC.
Distances: 500 M dash, 5K, and 10K — plus a virtual option if you can’t join in person!
By participating, you’ll support Miriam’s Kitchen’s essential programs and services. The run is scheduled near Veterans Day and at the start of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov 16–22), aligning with the heart of the work and people Miriam’s Kitchen serves in our community.
This year, the Ross Elementary community is lacing up to support Miriam’s Kitchen. You can join us in two ways:
Fundraise/Donate: Anyone can donate or create a fundraiser—whether or not you’re running. Every dollar helps fight homelessness in DC.
Ross Team Fundraising Page
Run (in-person or virtually!): Sign up to run with the Ross Roadrunners team. Registration is required separately from fundraising.
Run 4 MK Registration
Let’s show our Roadrunner spirit by running, fundraising, or cheering from the sidelines! #Run4MK #RossRoadrunners
Questions? Contact Becky Ballard at beckyball@gmail.com.
Service Lanes to Close from Q Street to Dupont Circle
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin construction of the deckover at Dupont Circle on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as part of the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deckover Project, weather permitting.
The new deckover will transform the space above the Connecticut Avenue underpass into a vibrant public plaza designed for strolling, relaxing, outdoor dining, working, and hosting community events. This project will enhance pedestrian connections, create new opportunities for public art and cultural programming, and add green space in one of DC’s most iconic neighborhoods.
In order for the crews to work safely and efficiently work in both the tunnels below and the streetscape above, the service lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW will be closed in both directions between Q Street NW and Dupont Circle. These closures will remain in place for the duration of the project. Construction is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete. Work on the streetscape portion of the project began earlier this summer.
Businesses in the area will remain open throughout construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained to all businesses, residences, and amenities in the work zone.
Step into the world of masterpieces and imagination with our fun Art Attack! program. We will discover the work and life of Michelangelo and create our own art based on his ideas and work. Fun, hands-on art activities. Children will unlock their creativity while exploring the magic of Renaissance art. Perfect for curious minds ages 6–12. Georgetown Neighborhood Library, September 26, 4:30PM-5:15PM. All materials will be provided.
We’re excited to invite you to the 20th Annual Fall Fun Day at Mitchell Park! This year’s celebration will feature all the family favorites—plus a costume parade at 2:30 PM, so come dressed in your best Halloween outfit and join the fun.
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Mitchell Park, 23rd St NW & S Street NW
This year’s Fall Fun Day highlights include:
- Haunted House – a spooky neighborhood favorite
- Pumpkin Painting – decorate and take home your own pumpkin
- Live Music – tunes from the Mitchell Park Jam Band
- Fire Truck – kids can climb aboard and explore a DC Fire truck
- Fall Treats – kettle corn, popsicles, & our annual bake sale
- Crafts & Activities – face painting, hands-on fall crafts, and a moon bounce
- Community & Embassy Booths – connect with 20+ city and community organizations
- Food Options – the Two Smooth Dudes food truck will have a variety of wraps, salads, chicken fingers, and tots available for purchase
Representatives from a number of city and community organizations will join the festival, including Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Office, Smithsonian National Zoo, DC Parks and Recreation, DC Fire/EMS, Woodrow Wilson House, Hirshhorn Kids, Early Stages, Phillips Collection, Tudor House, the Washington Studio School, and more.
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-board/
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.