Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear WRLC Families,

January marks the final Santa Monica Education Foundation (SMEF) campaign for this school year, and we warmly invite every family to partner with us by making a donation at any level. No amount is too small—participation truly matters. DONATE TODAY.

SMEF support is one of the greatest values families receive at Will Rogers Learning Community. Donations directly fund programs and staffing that our students experience every day, including P.S. Arts, 4th and 5th grade SMC Dance, our beloved Instructional Aides in grades K–3, and teacher grants that enrich learning—such as the 3rd Grade Field Trip to A26 LA. Our school is great, and SMEF programming and staffing help make it amazing.

Our school-wide goal is to increase participation by at least 60 additional families who have not yet had the opportunity to contribute to the Annual Fund this year. Each new family donation brings us closer to that goal, strengthens our programs, and demonstrates our shared commitment to arts, enrichment, and student support. Let’s count down together from 60!

We encourage you to consider donating at a level that works for your family and to keep an eye out for fun grade-level and school-wide incentives. To volunteer or support these efforts, please contact our Rogers liaison at edfoundation@willrogerspta.com and/or complete the embedded form.

We also hope to see you this week as you experience the impact of these programs firsthand:

• Join us during your child’s P.S. Arts informances with Ms. Heather during their scheduled art times (see below), and

• Wednesday evening for P.S. Arts Family Art Night at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Thank you for being such an important part of our WRLC community and for partnering with us to support the programs that make our school so special.

In partnership,

Principal Daruty

Mon 1/12 Volunteer Trainings 8: 30 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Mon- Fri.1/12-1/16 PS Arts Informances all week during classroom at art times ( see flyer below)

Wed. 1/14 Math Club @ 7:45 a.m. in room 508

Wed. 1/14 2nd Grade Field Trip to Getty Villa

Wed. 1/14 Avitia- Witt Field Trip to A26 LA

Wed. 1/14 No 3rd grade music today

Wed. 1/14 PS Arts Family Night @ 6:00 p.m. (see flyer below)

Thurs. 1/15 Trubo Field Trip to 826 LA

Thurs. 1/15 No 4th or 5th grade music today

Thurs. 1/15 SSC meeting @ 3:10 p.m. via zoom

Thurs. 1/15 ELAC Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. in the library

Mon. 1/19 NO SCHOOL MLK Holiday

Wed. 1/21 Math Club @ 7:45 a.m. in room 508

Wed. 1/21 Schneider Field Trip to 826LA

Thurs. 1/22 TK/K Round-up 9:00- 11:00 a.m. in cafeteria and around campus

Fri. 1/23 Peacemaker Meeting Group #1 @ 9:00 a.m. in room 508

Fri. 1/23 Move Night @ 6 p.m. doors open 6: 30 p.m. movie starts

Mon. 1/26 Monday Meet-Up with the Principal @ 8:15-9:00 a.m.

Mon. 1/26 Luciano/Hoffman-Ellis Field trip to CA science center

Wed. 1/28 Math Club @ 7:45 a.m. in room 508

Wed. 1/28 Alexander Field Trip to 826LA

Wed. 1/28 5th Grade JazzReach Assembly @ JAMS @8:45 a.m.

Wed. 1/28 SMMUSD/SPED Parent Workshop @8:45 a.m. in the board room. This presentation will cover the different types of diploma options students with IEPs have. Flyer is attached and all ages are welcome. finalparentflyer.pdf

Fri. 1/30 Peacemaker Meeting Group #2 @ 9:00 a.m. in room 508

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

Clothing donations welcome! We are currently in need of long pants and sweatpants (all sizes) to replenish our replacement clothing supply. If you have gently used bottoms you’d like to donate, we would be grateful to receive them—thank you for supporting our students!

As we head into wetter weather, please be mindful on rainy days to send students in shoes that will help keep their feet dry if they step in a puddle. Wet socks are no fun! For example, Crocs or sandals can allow water to seep in, so waterproof or closed shoes are best when possible.

Finally, please remember to dress students in layers and send them with a jacket so they’re comfortable throughout the day. Thank you for your continued support!

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.

Link for Volunteers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0449AFA72EA5FF2-61510682-copy

Pizza Order Form: https://forms.gle/fUagWK5a1euRocnPA

For everyone’s safety, please do not enter, park, or block the faculty parking lot during pickup or at any time near the field entrances on 16th Street. These lots are reserved for staff only, and unauthorized use has created a serious safety hazard, especially as children walk through the area during dismissal and staff are exiting after school hours.

Thank you for helping keep our campus safe for all students and staff.

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

This year the Santa Monica College Dance Department is providing twelve lessons of dance through our SMC Dance Academy. The SMC Dance Academy is an instructional program taught during physical education class. This program is a part of an Arts in Education curriculum that will conclude with a Culminating Event.

Your 5th grade child will be working hard in dance class, focusing on a contemporary high-energy dance called "Shake the Room." They will learn about different elements of movement and develop creative problem-solving skills by choreographing sections of the dance themselves. They will also be learning an energetic hip hop dance. The students are excited to show off their dancing for you at our upcoming Culminating Event.

The Culminating Event will be held at Will Rogers Learning Community on the field at 1:30PM on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Please send students to school wearing the following attire or have them bring the attire with them to change into:

• Bright solid color top (t-shirt or long sleeve shirt, with no logo or image).

• Black or navy solid color pants, leggings, shorts or full skirt (w/shorts underneath) - no logo or image.

• Shoes that are comfortable to dance in (sneakers suggested).

This program is brought to you by Santa Monica College, SMMUSD, and the Santa Monica Ed Foundation.

Sincerely,

Caron Eule Mark Tomasic

Program Coordinator & Liaison, Dance Department Chair,

SMC Dance Academy Santa Monica College

Scott C. Silverman, Ed. D.

Dean, Noncredit & External Programs

Instructional Services Manager for the SMC Dance Academy

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!

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.

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