Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear WRLC Families,

As we enter Thankfulness November, we are reminded of just how fortunate we are to be part of the WRLC community. We are so grateful for our inclusive and supportive community, and for all the ways each of us pitches in to support our MUSTANGS! This month, we especially want to celebrate the incredible spirit, energy, and collaboration that makes WRLC such a special place. From parents and staff to students and volunteers, every contribution helps create an environment where everyone can thrive.

We hope you had the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher during parent-teacher conferences over the past two weeks. These conferences provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s academic progress, social-emotional development, and areas of growth. They also allow you to explore ways to collaborate with the school in supporting your child’s learning throughout the year. We sincerely appreciate the time you dedicate to these conversations and the efforts of our teachers to foster meaningful growth and learning for each student. Your partnership is essential in helping us ensure every child reaches their full potential.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Principal Daruty

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

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 Peacemaker Meeting Group #2 @ 9:00 a.m. room 508

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- 11/28 NO SCHOOL -THANKSGIVING Break

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

We had an unforgettable Grown-Ups Night out! The disco-themed party was truly epic—sparkling lights, groovy beats, and an energy that made us all want to get up and dance. So many parents came together to make it happen, and it was the perfect example of what community really means. There are no words to express our gratitude for the tireless efforts, creativity, and heart that went into planning this event. We also want to give a special shout-out to our amazing staff who joined in the fun. Seeing everyone—parents, teachers, and staff—come together and celebrate our school reminded us just how much we all love WRLC. The night was a beautiful testament to the memories and connections being built here, not just among our students, but among all the grown-ups in our community.

Thank you again for helping us raise funds to support our school. The live auction is still open, so please consider taking a look at the items and helping us continue to raise even more for our students and programs!

Thank you so much to our PTA book Fair chairs, Simon and Rachel Steinhardt, Mr. Sea and to all of our volunteers! We appreciate you so much. Thank you for making the fall Scholastic Book Fair our most successful in the past 3 years, raising over $8,500 for our classrooms, library and literacy equity program! These funds not only help purchase books and other literacy resources during the Fair such as shelves and bookcases, but also throughout the school year. We expanded shopping hours and leveraged an important Rogers’ Share the Fair fund that provides books, materials and resources our staff can use to enrich their classrooms including shelving and bookcases.

Thank you to everyone who met up at CPK Santa Monica or ordered take out Thursday. Our students loved running into friends and parents enjoyed having the chance to socialize. We hope to follow up in mid December with our next Restaurant Nights event.

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!

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