Jewish American Heritage Month offers an access point for Jewish inclusion in community celebrations of diversity. Jewish American Heritage Month was established in 2006 via the work of Jewish museums and state and federal legislators. May was selected because of the successful celebration of 350 years of Jews in America in May 2004, organized by the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History. Today the US government maintains a website dedicated to Jewish American Heritage Month, the White House issues a yearly proclamation, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia organizes annual activities and celebrations. The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism issued by the White House in May, 2023 urges federal agencies, state and local leaders, employers, and sports leagues to acknowledge Jewish American Heritage Month.
Like all history and heritage months, the purpose of Jewish American Heritage month is to highlight, for our children, the contributions of Jewish people, the diversity within the Jewish community, the triumphs and tribulations of Jewish people in America, as well as to honor Jewish joy. Jewish American Heritage month aims to celebrate achievements, validate experiences, but also to activate by showing how our community supports Jewish people.
Book Lists and Programming: Our school has many Jewish American books in our current collection. Mr. Sea is aequipped to pull and showcase these titles in our libraries, though parents are eager and willing to help with that task as needed.
PRINCIPAL'S PEN
Dear Will Rogers Families and Guardians,
One of the simplest yet most powerful practices we can cultivate—for ourselves and for our community—is gratitude. Research shows that expressing gratitude improves mental and physical health, strengthens relationships, and builds resilience. It can even enhance sleep quality and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we take time to acknowledge what we're thankful for, we help create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Throughout the year we've taken time to honor individual members of our school community on their special day. However, this upcoming week is our annual STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK . It is our chance to celebrate everyone who contributes to our shared mission. We hope you take this opportunity to thank every individual who helps make our school a vibrant, welcoming, and safe place for students to learn and grow, including:
Teachers, Paraeducators and Instructional Assistants!
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Front Office Team ( Maria, Flory and Noelle)
Health office Team ( Julie and Carla)
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Custodians ( Lamont, Anthony and Victor)
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Crossing Guards ( Silvia and Maria)
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Campus Monitors ( Toni Ann, Lisa, Maria, Jane, Tiffany)
Cafeteria Support ( Victoria, Asuncion and Elva)
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Library ( Mr. Sea and Mr. Mando Gomez)
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Counselors ( Khatija, Sam, Araceli, Emily, Lauren, Leslie and Precious)
Assistant Principal ( Gaby)
Together, each of you helps shape a thriving learning community, and we are deeply grateful for all you do.
We will see you this FRIDAY, at our Annual WRLC FAMILY TALENT SHOW @ 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria!
In partnership,
Principal Daruty
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mon. 5/5 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP testing begins 9:00-10:15 a.m. and 11:00 -12:00 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Mon. 5/5 Staff Appreciation Week begins
Mon. 5/5 School Tour 9:00-10:00am
Mon. 5/5 Talent Show Rehearsal in cafeteria 3:00-4:00
Tues. 5/6 UCLA Dental Students visit 1st grade classes
Wed. 5/7 PTA General Association Meeting 6-7:30pm in library
Thurs. 5/8 Talent Show Rehearsal in cafeteria 3:00-4:00
Fri. 5/9 Talent Show Performance in cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Fri. 5/9 Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! Day
Sat. 5/10 Family Farming Day 10:00-1:00 in Regenerative Farm
Mon. 5/12 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP testing 9:00-10:15 a.m. and 11:00 -12:00 p.m. Mon-Fri .
Mon. 5/12 Griffin & Gonzalez Human Growth and Development Lesson @ 1:15-2
Tues. 5/13 Benitez Growth and Development Lesson @ 1:15-2
Tues. 5/13 Coffee with the Principal 8:30-9:30am in library
Thurs. 5/15 School Board Mtg 5:30p.m
Fri. 5/16 Peacemaker Monthly Mtg 9-9:45am
Mon. 5/19 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP testing 9:00-10:15 a.m. and 11:00 -12:00 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Wed. 5/21 Volunteer Tea & Honorary PTA Service Awards 3:15-4:00 K Yard
Thurs. 5/22 Site Council Mtg 3:15 on Zoom
Mon. 5/26 No School - Memorial Day
Tues. 5/27 3rd- 5th grade CAASPP testing begins 9:00-12:00 p.m. Mon-Thurs.
Tues. 5/27 4th and 5th grade Spring Music Concert
4th gr at 6:00pm
5th gr at 7:00pm
Wed. 5/28 End of Year 3rd grade music performance in classrooms
Thurs. 5/29 School Yard Rap Assembly for 4th and 5th grade @ 8:30 a.m.
SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar
Students in grades 3-5 will take the CAASPP/CAST tests beginning May 5 through May 30.
This week marks an important time for our 3rd-5th grade students as they begin state testing. Let’s support them by ensuring they get plenty of rest, a healthy breakfast, and plenty of positive energy to start the day off right! While test scores are just one way we measure success, we want our students to take pride in their hard work and give their very best effort. They've been preparing all year long, taking practice tests, and deepening their knowledge across all subjects. We know they are ready to show how much they’ve learned, and we believe in each and every one of them! A huge thank you to our amazing teachers who have worked tirelessly to prepare our students for this moment. Your dedication and guidance have been invaluable. Parents, we encourage you to send your child off to school with a few positive affirmations to help them stay focused and motivated. Remind them that they are capable, smart, and ready to rock it!
Here are a few affirmations to share with your child:
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“You’ve worked so hard, and you are ready for this!”
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“Believe in yourself — you’ve got this!”
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“Stay calm, take your time, and do your best!”
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“We’re so proud of you, no matter what!”
Thank you for your continued support — together, we’ll make sure our students have the stamina and concentration needed to succeed. Let’s cheer them on as they show what they’ve learned and do their best!
For more information, visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact Gabriela González, assistant principal, at ggonzalez@smmusd.org
Planning for the 2025-26 School Year at WRLC!
Believe it or not, we are already beginning to plan for the 2025–2026 school year. To make the most informed decisions about the number of classrooms per grade and teacher assignments, we rely heavily on accurate projected enrollment numbers. Your input is essential to this process. Please take a moment to inform us of your plans for the fall by completing the enrollment form. We ask that you submit one form per student to indicate your family’s plans for the 2025–2026 school year. Your timely and accurate response helps ensure we are fully prepared to meet the needs of all our students. Thank you for your partnership! RETURNING TO WRLC FORM.
TRANSLATION: Click on the link for the form. Right Click anywhere on the form and several options will appear. Click on “Translate” or “Translate to ( to select a different language)
4th and 5th Grade DANCE instruction with SMC!
This is the seventh year that the Santa Monica College Dance Department will be providing World Dance for the SMMUSD Elementary Schools.
The Santa Monica College Dance Department is providing twelve lessons of dance through our SMC Dance Academy for our 4th and 5th graders. The SMC Dance Academy is an instructional program taught during the school day. This program is a part of an Arts in Education curriculum that will conclude with a Culminating Event (see dates below). This specialized college pathway program is designed to encourage students to think independently, to be able to work with others, to value creative thought and diversity, and to be responsible global citizens.
Our students have been working hard on their dances. Each grade has a different focus:
4th grade is learning both a Mexican Dance and a Hawaiian Dance
5th grade is learning musical theater/jazz dance with the theme of Westside Story and also elements of Salsa, Waltz, and a Hip Hop dance
Please save the date to attend the Culminating Events to be held on the soccer field at Will Rogers Learning Community on:
4th grade – Monday, May 20th at 2:15PM Link to 4th grade letter
5th grade -Monday June 9th @2:15 PM Link to 5th grade letter
In APRIL our learner profile is THINKER!
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.
This month our Learner Profile is Thinker. A thinker can imagine many solutions to a question or challenge. Thinkers make good decisions and can predict the outcomes of their actions. They think creatively and critically.
How can parents help to develop students who are Thinkers at home?
Encourage your child to try to think of solutions to problems independently. Pose different real-life problems and questions to your child:
- “I’m not sure how to arrange the glasses so they can all fit in the cupboard.”
- “I wonder how much the groceries in the cart will cost… how can we make an estimate?”
- “We need enough cookies for the 20 people in your class. What kind of change should we make to our recipe?”
Ask your children questions when they are working on a problem:
" Do you have any ideas about how we might begin?"
" How can we do this differently?"
" I had never thought of that. Tell me more about it."
" What other ways can we show that?"
" Why do you think that?"
" How did you figure that out?"
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: Santa Monica Events/Activities/Opportunities
ART CART at lunchtime!
Tuesday is our lunchtime ART CART day. Students are invited to participate in creative art projects and handicrafts during lunchtime. This is possible through the support of our parent volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for lunchtime on Tuesdays, please sign up using the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050445AFAF28A2FB6-51251277-artcart
We would also love donations here is our wishlist for the art cart here.
The school provides the supplies, your support requires:
You are a level 1 cleared volunteer
You are willing to safely supervise students with proper use of art tools and materials
Enthusiasm for working with children
Enjoyment with crafts and art
Please do not forget to send with your child every day:
- 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 form 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!
LUNCH MENU
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.
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.
Contact Us
Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM