Will Rogers Roundup

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Throughout November, SMMUSD celebrates Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, as a time to honor and learn from the histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. What began with the first observance of “American Indian Day” in 1916, continued to grow in 1976, when President Gerald Ford proclaimed October 10–16, as “Native American Awareness Week.” In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a joint resolution officially recognizing November as a month-long observance honoring Native Americans. Congress chose the month of November because it coincides with the end of the traditional harvest season, a period long associated with reflection, gratitude, and celebration. This month invites us to celebrate the strength and diversity of Native communities, explore their stories and connections to the land, and reflect on themes of identity, diversity, and sovereignty — not just during November, but year-round.

Dear WRLC Families,

In preparation for this week’s Parent-Teacher Conferences, please take note of the adjusted schedule:

• Scholastic Book Fair is open all week!

• Tuesday, November 4 is a Pupil-Free Day for Parent Conferences and Election Day.

• Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be Minimum Days. Dismissal for TK/K is 12:10 p.m. and 1st-5th @ 1:00 p.m.

• Friday Reminder: There is NO Late Start on Friday. School begins at 8:25 a.m. and dismissal is at the minimum day time.

• 5th Grade Student Council Election Assembly @ 8: 30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Grown-ups are welcome to attend!

Please ensure your child is picked up promptly at dismissal. Our office staff is unable to supervise students after school, as they must attend to essential duties. If your child participates in afterschool programming, please check with your provider regarding any schedule changes.

Preparing for a Meaningful Parent-Teacher Conference

Your partnership is key to your child’s success. To get the most out of your conference, consider the following:

1. Be Prepared: Review your child’s recent classwork, assessments, and progress updates in advance. Identify specific areas where you would like clarification or deeper insight to guide your conversation.

2. Maintain Focus: Conference time is brief and intended to center on your child’s learning. Consider framing your questions around key developmental and academic areas, such as:

• How does my child engage socially and collaboratively with peers?

• What academic skills and learning objectives will be emphasized in the upcoming trimester?

3. Contribute Insight: As your child’s first and most consistent teacher, your perspective is essential. Sharing information about your child’s strengths, interests, learning habits, or emerging challenges helps the classroom teacher support your child more effectively.

4. Develop Shared Goals: Engage in collaborative goal-setting with your child’s teacher. Ask how learning can be reinforced at home and identify specific strategies to help your child continue to grow.

5. Follow Through: After the conference, reflect with your child about the discussion. Acknowledge areas of progress, communicate any new goals, and reinforce a positive sense of partnership between home and school.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are a meaningful opportunity to support both the academic and emotional growth of our students. We hope your conversation deepens your connection to your child’s learning journey and strengthens the home-school partnership that makes WRLC so special.

With appreciation,
Principal Daruty

P.S. As an LA native and big fan… GO DODGERS! 💙⚾️

Mon. 11/2-11/7 Scholastic Book Fair Open before and after school

Mondays: Art Cart at lunchtime we would love more volunteers! 11:30-1:15 p.m.

Mon. 11/3-11/7 Parent Teacher Conferences - Be sure to sign-up with your classroom teacher!

Tues. 11/4 Election Day- Pupil Free Day- NO SCHOOL

Wed. 11/5-11/7 Minimum Days (TK/K dismissal @12:10 p.m. 1st-5th @1:00 p.m.)

Wed. 11/5 PTA Association Meeting @6:00 p.m. ( with Special Guest speaker - see info below)

Thurs. 11/6 SMMUSD Board mtg. @5:30 p.m. at MALIBU CITY HALL (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., Malibu, CA 90265) and on Zoom. To view the agenda, go to: https://www.smmusd.org/board-of-education/board-meetings.

Fri. 11/7 NO LATE START and Minimum Day (TK/K dismissal @12:10 p.m. 1st-5th @1:00 p.m.)

Fri. 11/7 5th Grade Student Council Elections Assembly @ 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to attend!

Mondays: Art Cart at lunchtime we would love more volunteers! 11:30-1:15 p.m.

Tues. 11/11 NO SCHOOL- Veteran's Day

Thurs. 11/13 Let's meet up for community FUNdraising at CPK Santa Monica!

Sat. 11/15 Grown-Ups Night Out! More details to come...

Sat. 11/15 Regenerative Farm Family Farming Day 11-1:00p.m.

Mon. 11/17 Volunteer Training @ 8:30, 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. in the library

Mondays: Art Cart at lunchtime we would love more volunteers! 11:30-1:15 p.m.

Wed. 11/19 Prospective Parent School Tour @9:00 a.m.

Wed. 11/19 3rd Grade Solar Bug Assembly: With Schneider Electric @12:50-1:30pm and 1:45-2:30 in cafeteria.

Thurs. 11/20 ELAC Mtg. @ 8:30 a.m. in the library

Thurs. 11/20 SSC Mtg. @ 3:15 p.m. Via zoom

Fri. 11/21 Kinder Classrooms Friendsgiving @10:15 a.m.

Mondays: Art Cart at lunchtime we would love more volunteers! 11:30-1:15 p.m.

Wed. 11/26- 11/27 NO SCHOOL -THANKSGIVING Break

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

WRLC PTA Calendar 2025-26

Parents and guardians can visit WRLC's Book Fairwebsite to set up eWallets for student purchases and contribute to our Share the Fair fund to make literacy more equitable at WRLC: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/willrogerslearningcommunity

Volunteers are needed, especially before and after school, to help students find books and purchase at checkout. No prior Book Fair experience necessary! Visit our Signup Genius to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4CA8A723A7F85-59371108-fall#/

BOOK FAIR SCHEDULE 11/3 through 11/10

• 11/3

• Open to families 8-8:30 am
• Open to classes during school hours
• Open to families 3-3:30 pm

• 11/4 (pupil-free day)

• Open 9 am to 3 pm for families

• 11/5-7 (minimum days)

• Open to families 8-8:30 am
• Open to classes during school hours
• Open to families 1-1:30 pm

• 11/10

• Open to families 8-8:30 am
• Open to classes during school hours
• Open to families 3-3:30 pm

Immediately following the meeting, we’ll host a special community conversation focused on family and community solidarity. Our guest speaker, Claudia Bautista—SMMUSD Teachers' Union President, dedicated activist, and former high school immersion teacher—will lead a discussion on how families can stay informed and prepared in the event of unexpected separations or situations that could impact a parent’s ability to care for their child.

Claudia will explain how to complete an affidavit that allows parents to designate a trusted person to make temporary medical and educational decisions for their child if needed. She will guide you through the process, answer questions, and how to obtain free notarization.

This evening is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn, and strengthen the safety net that protects all of our children. Your participation, in any way, shows our shared commitment to caring for one another.

To make it easy for everyone to attend, free pizza will be provided, and childcare will be available so you can focus on the presentation.

We will provide Spanish translation support, in-person.

We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to build a community where every family feels supported and prepared.

Let's meet up for community FUNdraising at CPK Santa Monica Thursday, Nov 13th! Keep an eye out for a flyer to present when you dine in or take out all day, CPK will automatically give 20% back excluding tax and gratuity to Will Rogers PTA.

Let’s all do our part to stay safe out there! Silvia, our amazing crossing guard, works hard every morning to help families cross the street safely, so let’s make sure it’s safe for her too. Please keep an eye on her signals, cross carefully, and avoid blocking driveways.

Our Rogers kids love to express themselves creatively. Let's see what they can do! Students from all grades are encouraged to create and submit original works of art that interpret this year's theme "I Belong". Categories include visual arts, photography, literature, music composition, film production and dance choreography. Please visit the Will Rogers PTA page here for information on submitting works online. Paper submission forms will be available in the front office starting Monday 10/26. The deadline for Submissions has been extended to Monday, November 3.

For questions, please email reflections@willrogerspta.com

Save the DATE! November 15 • To be announced Speakeasy Location. Dance, dine, and disco the night away —with a live auction to keep things spinning! Tickets on sale soon.

Get ready to sparkle, strut, and stay alive at our grooviest night of the year! It’s Grown Ups’ Night Out! The fun kicks off at our silent auction beginning on 11/8.
Then the party gets rollin’ on Saturday 11/15 at 6p and keeps rollin’ late — so dust off those platforms and let the mirror ball guide you. Hosted at our Maple Street Disco Speakeasy, walkable from Rogers. Address shared upon Registration.
Get ready for:

• Live DJ spinning disco hits

• Photo booth for those glam poses 🕺🏻

• Food + signature drinks

• Live auction, raffles & paddle raises

• A real dance floor — and yes, a professional disco dancer!

Tickets go on sale next week! At a new lower price! (Includes food and drinks)
Tickets for $35/person presale, $10 more at the door. Free for Rogers teachers and staff!

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

AND

• 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!

We thank the following parents who will represent the WRLC on the 2025-26 SMMUSD Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). This is an important opportunity to ensure WRLC’s voice is represented in shaping district priorities and resources. We thank you for your advocacy!

Johanna Kracke ( 5th and 2nd grade parent)

Anita Yuan ( 3rd grade parent)

Dear WRLC Families,

Every year, our district asks all of our families to complete the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), an anonymous, confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency. Your input is very important to us. Please go to this link for more information and to access the survey link. The survey will be open from November 3-25, 2025.

Please contact Ms. González, Assistant Principal, if you have any questions.

Thank you very much!

****************************************************************************************************

Estimadas familias de WRLC,

Cada año, nuestro distrito les pide a nuestras familias que completen la Encuesta de Niños Saludables de California (CHKS), una encuesta anónima y confidencial sobre el entorno y la seguridad escolares, el bienestar de los estudiantes y la capacidad de recuperación de los jóvenes. Su opinión es muy importante para nosotros. Por favor haga clic en este enlace para más información y para tomar la encuesta. La encuesta estará abierta del 3 al 25 de noviembre.

Por favor comuníquese con Ms. González, subdirectora, si tiene alguna pregunta.

¡Muchisimas Gracias!

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

OPEN-MINDED: An Open-Minded student knows that all people are different. They listen to the points of view of others and consider many possibilities before making a decision. They celebrate the differences that make all people unique.

How can parents help to develop this Open-Minded trait at home?

• Encourage your child to try new things – new foods, new games and new activities.
• Expose your child to different festivals, celebrations and traditions and be sure to present them in a non-judgmental way.
• Encourage your child to really listen to others when they speak.
• Introduce literature about many different cultures into your home library. Be sure that it is appropriate and reflects the culture in an appropriate way.
• When you observe your child being Open-Minded, reinforce this positive behavior and use the PYP Learner Profile terms.

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 2025-26 Running List

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 know the current federal government shutdown is creating uncertainty and real financial strain for many in our community, especially families with federal employees who may miss a paycheck, and families who rely on programs like CalFresh/EBT that could experience delays or disruptions. WRLC is here to help.

How we’re supporting students and families

• The Weekend Bag Program will continue each Friday for students who need extra food to take home.
• FREE Breakfast before school - Arrive at 8:00 a.m. for free breakfast for all students.
• FREE Lunch for all students.

Links to Local Food Pantries and Community Food Resources

• Santa Monica Food Pantry
• Free Food Resource List
• Venice Family Clinic – Food & Housing
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Pantry Locator
• Feeding America – Find Your Local Food Bank
• Westside Food Bank

Need support?

If your family could use assistance, whether short-term or ongoing, please reach out confidentially to Principal Daruty. We are committed to responding quickly and with care.If you or your child is experiencing feelings of anxiety or needs emotional support during these challenging times, please know that we are here to help. Reach out to your classroom teacher, so we can work to provide counseling services.

As a school community, we remain committed to caring for one another. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family needs assistance or connection to resources. We are stronger when we support each other.

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

You can view and download the flier here.

Principal, Ms. Lila Daruty M.Ed

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