PTA Newsletter

Dear Ross Community,

Have you ever wondered what a group of roadrunners is called? You can stop pondering because this mystery has been solved: it's a "marathon," my friends. And as of yesterday, thanks to the Gods of DCPS lottery, I finally--finally--have a marathon of Roadrunners. Both of my children have officially entered the Ross arena, and our family couldn't be happier.

And so the marathon of marathons begins, as we start the official countdown to the first week of school. Get yourself dusted off with our back-to-school checklist, and don't miss the Sneak a Peek this Friday and PTA-sponsored coffee next Thursday--both with opportunities to freshen your wardrobes with new Ross merchandise!

Looking forward to seeing many of you Friday and next week for the first days of school!

-Aimee

Here are a few things to check off your list before K-5 kids head back to school on Monday, August 25 and pre-K kids join us on Thursday, August 28.

⬜ Buy your school supply package here by August 25. One item to purchase on your own is a reusable water bottle, which should be labeled with your child’s name and sent to school each day. For PK4 and K students, send a change of clothing in a labeled Ziploc bag to be kept in the classroom in case of accidents.

⬜ Send any/all updated health and dental forms to Ms. Segovia.

⬜ Sign up for a school lunch account here if you haven’t previously signed up and want your child to be able to buy lunch at school.

⬜ Get in touch with your Room Parent to be added to their email and WhatsApp lists, if you weren’t previously. Room Parent emails are linked here: Nikki Chan-Lee (PK4), Katie Swafford (K), Katie Colony (1st), Milton Lee (2nd), Timothy Cleary and Hane Kim (3rd), Jade Lauren and Jaime Canales (4th), and Raagnee Beri (5th).

⬜ Add the DCPS calendar to your calendar. And mark your calendar with dates from the new Key Dates for Ross Families document as well as Key Dates at the bottom of this newsletter each week.

⬜ Seek DCPS Volunteer clearance. If you want to volunteer in the school or join field trips, you must be cleared by DCPS through this process. Note: This is not required for most PTA activities listed in the following point.

⬜ Sign up to volunteer with the PTA. There are so many ways, big and small, long-term and short-term, to volunteer at Ross! Reach out to PTApresident@rosselementary.org to learn more about how you can help with teacher/staff appreciation, events, the book drive, open houses, garden/playground improvement, the tree and bake sale, a school history project, the library, Ross merchandise, walk/bike/walk-to-school events, and the Ross auction.

This week the PTA is providing snacks, lunch, breakfast and a happy hour for Ross teachers and staff as they prepare for the start of school next week. Check out these pics of some of the treats!

We are ISO a parent to take over the game library for the coming school year. The game library is on the lower level just outside of the Ross Cafe and is a collection of donated games and activities curated by the PTA for families and teachers to borrow. Games are arranged by age, and there is a self sign-out/in binder for teachers and parents (children should come with their parents/guardians) to fill out when you borrow a game. You can find more information here. If you are interested in helping out, please reach out to PTApresident@rosselementary.org.

Here at Ross, families who are able are asked to contribute $100/student to cover the cost of school supplies. This money is then distributed to teachers, who purchase supplies directly for their classroom. This system saves parents a trip to the store as well as ensuring equity among students. You may also donate additional funds to help cover the costs for families who are unable to contribute the full amount. Please order your child's school supply package by August 25 at this link!

We have two useful calendars for bookmarking this year: the DCPS School Year 2025-2026 calendar as well as the new Key Dates for Ross Families. Keep these handy for reference throughout the year!

This year there is a new Ross Family Handbook, with all your need-to-know information in one place! Check it out here and reach out to Principal Searl and/or Assistant Principal Miller if there's anything you'd like to see included.

Before-care registration:

• Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish-language sessions (Tu/Th, K-5): Enrollment is open!
• Chess with Coach Ziko (Mon/Fri, K-5): Each class is $15. To enroll, email zikochess@gmail.com
• Yoga with Breathing Space (Wednesdays, K-3): Enrollment is open!

After-care registration:

• JCC: Register your child here and learn more here.
• iGen: Enrollment is open!
• Keegan Theatre: Enrollment is open. See below.

• PreK4 & Kindergarten

• 1st & 2nd Grade

• 3rd-5th Grade

• DPR at Stead (age 6 and above): Enrollment is open!
• Math Games at the Rock Creek School (Wednesdays): Enrollment is open!

Mark your calendars for the sneak-a-peek event this Friday, August 22 at 2:30 pm. Students and parents can meet their teachers and see their classrooms for the coming school year. The PTA will provide popsicles on the playground and you'll get your first opportunity to pick up some new Ross swag, as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and Ross gear will be available for purchase during this event. See you then!

Swing by for coffee and merch on the first day of school for PK, Thursday, August 28. Coffee will be provided by the PTA and you'll have a chance to purchase some fresh Ross clothing and gear for the new school year!

Join students, families, teachers, and staff on 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. Please sign up here to contribute food and/or beverages for the event. We also need a few volunteers to help set up, serve pizza, and assist with clean up. Your support is very appreciated!

DCPS School Year 2025-26 Calendar

Key Dates for Ross Families (New!)

Friday, August 22: Sneak-a-Peek (meet your teachers and see your classroom) 2:30-3:30pm at Ross; Ross merchandise available for sale

Monday, August 25: First day of school for K-5

Thursday, August 28: First day of PK4; Merchandise sale and PTA-provided coffee on playground during drop-off

Friday, August 29: K-5 school-wide Morning Meeting and August birthday recognition on Ross field at 8:40am. (PK4 should follow normal arrival protocols and be checked into their classroom at 8:30am; birthdays will be celebrated in class)

Monday, September 1: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, September 10: Back to School Night for PK4, K & 1st Grade (5:30-6:30pm); this is an adult-facing event

Thursday, September 11: Back to School Night for Grades 2-5 (5:30-6:30pm); this is an adult-facing event

Thursday, September 18: PTA Back to School Picnic at Stead Park at 5:30pm (all are welcome)

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

If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe to Ross PTA emails here.

Do you have updates or announcements that you think would be of interest to our school community? If so, please email me here.