Will Rogers Roundup

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We invite you to have a conversation with your student by identifying an everyday object that you use invented by a Black American. Discuss how there are countless, overlooked inventions that make our daily lives easier. Among the creative innovators behind these devices are African American inventors. From the traffic light to the ironing board, see a list of products that have sprung from the minds of Black inventors.

Black Inventions List

https://www.history.com/news/8-black-inventors-african-american

https://its.uky.edu/news/these-black-inventors-and-scientists-created-technology-we-use-today

https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/300-years-of-african-american-invention-and-innovation/

Dear Will Rogers Families and Guardians,

We look forward to another exciting week at Rogers! We are still looking for parent volunteers to help with our Mindfulness Assembly this Wednesday! See details below.

Get ready for Jog-a-Thon on March 28, 2025! Last year, our school achieved an incredible milestone, raising $53,000! Given that we were on a smaller field, that was an amazing accomplishment. This year, with more space on the larger field, we’re setting a goal of $40,000—and we know we can reach it together! Your enthusiasm and encouragement can help us reach our goal and provide valuable resources for our school. Let's get our children and families excited about Jog-a-thon and the fantastic prizes they can earn along the way!

CLASS INCENTIVES

• EVERY class to reach 100% participation by having all students register online for FREE will earn a popsicle party!

• The class which raises the highest amount in donations will receive a pizza party!

STUDENT INCENTIVES

• Every student who registers (free) online will be entered in our weekly Friday raffle. Raffles will be held at the end of the school day on February 28th, March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st.

• Every student who raises $20 or more in pledges and donations will receive an awesome prize!

• Every student who raises $150 or more in pledges and donations will receive an additional prize!

• Every student who raises $300 or more will be invited to a special event.

• The top 5 student fundraisers will win a special field trip and lunch with Ms. Daruty.

Jog-A-Thon is a school-wide event, and all classes will participate during the school day. Jog-a-Thon is a fun and healthy event for all of our students, and it also helps us raise money to pay for field trips, supplemental classroom supplies, family events, library support, PE equipment, educational software, and so much more. After Jog-a-Thon, students will bring home a paper that will tell you how many laps they've run - they can share these results with their donors and begin to collect donations. Donations can be made online on our fundraising page, or by turning in a pledge sheet with cash or check donations. You can track our progress online, sign up your student or make a donation at willrogerspta.com/jogathon. We will need your support on the day of the event to volunteer, a sign-up genius is forthcoming!

In partnership,

Principal Daruty

Videographers Needed. We are creating a video to showcase our IB instructional program and could use some assistance. If you or someone you know has video editing or filming skills, please contact Chayes@smmusd.org or ldaruty@smmusd.org.

Mon. 2/24 5th Grade Parent Mtg.@6pm via zoom ID: 810 586 5703 Passcode: Choir

Wed. 2/26 PTA sponsored Kindness/Mindfulness Assemblies ( seeking 10-15 parent volunteers during each session!) Learn more about the event here: https://www.thexanadulife.com/schools/

• Assembly #1 8:30- 9:15 2nd and 3rd
• Assembly #2 9:30 -10:15 4th and 5th
• Assembly #3 10:40-11:25 TK/K/1st

Thurs. 2/27 4th and 5th Grade Math Club 7:45 a.m. -8:20 a.m. rm. 508

Thurs. 2/27 Special Board Meeting @ 5:30 p.m. at the DO, the primary purpose of which will be for the board to take action on the annual HR resolutions (FIP will also be doing a study session).

Mon. 3/3 Volunteer Training 8:30am (library), 3:00pm (library) and 6:00pm (cafeteria)

Tues. 3/4 Ms. Schneider - Walking Field Trip - Fairview Library

Wed. 3/5 PTA Gen. Mtg 6-7:30pm in library

Thurs. 3/6 4th and 5th grade Math Club @7:45 a.m. rm 508

Fri. 3/7 JAMS incoming 6th grade Meet and Greet @ 9:45 a.m. @ JAMS Library

Fri. 3/7 5th Grade Living Museum Event

• 10:15-10:30 - Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
• 10:30-10:45 - 3rd and 4th grade
• 10:45 -11:00 5th Grade Parents and Families

Sun. 3/9 Family Farming/Beautification Day 10-1 in Farm

Wed. 3/12 Coffee with the Principal 8:30-9:30am in library

Wed. 3/12 JAMS counselor visits 5th graders a WRLC

Wed. 3/12 5th Grade Pali Camp Medical Forms due to nurse Julie

Wed. 3/12 Cinco De Mayo Parent Planning Meeting @ 6:00p.m via zoom Meeting ID: 740 600 0734

Thurs. 3/13 4th and 5th grade Math Club @7:45 a.m. rm 508

Thurs. 3/13 Special Board Meeting 5:30pm (agenda)

Fri. 3/14 Peacemaker Monthly Mtg 9-9:45am

Fri. 3/14 Spring Movie Night 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria VOTE HERE

Sat. 3/15 Stairway of the Stars @ SAMO Greek at 4:00pm

Sat. 3/15 Math Olympiad Competition @8:30-1:00 p.m.

Mon. 3/17 School Tour 9:00-10:00am

Tues. 3/18 5th grade parent info night at JAMS 6:00pm

Wed. 3/19 5th grade tour at JAMS 9:00-12:00pm

Thurs. 3/20 4th and 5th grade Math Club @7:45 a.m. rm 508

Thurs. 3/20 Site Council Meeting at 3:15pm on Zoom

Mon. 3/24 Spring Scholastic Book Fair in library begins

Wed. 3/26 5th gr Panoramic Picture 9:00am on soccer field

Thurs. 3/27 4th and 5th grade Math Club @7:45 a.m. rm 508

Thurs. 3/27 Minimum Day (TK/K 12:10; 1st-5th 1:00)

Thurs. 3/27 WRLC Open House 5:30-6:30pm

Fri. 3/28 Jog-A-Thon ( schedule TBD)

Mon. 3/31 No school - César Chavez Day

WRLC PTA Calendar 2024-2025

SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar

PTA has sponsored a fun, interactive assembly to promote kindness, mindfulness and community care. You can learn about the event here: https://www.thexanadulife.com/schools/. We are asking that for each assembly time we provide 10-15 parent volunteers to help pass out headphones and monitor students as they participate in the event. We would love your support.

Volunteer Sign-up

Date: Wednesday, February 26th 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Assembly Times:

• Assembly #1 8:30- 9:15 2nd and 3rd
• Assembly #2 9:30 -10:15 4th and 5th
• Assembly #3 10:40-11:25 TK/K/1st

Location: track/field ( not the grassy field)

Over the past several weeks, our 5th-grade students have explored how people express their ideas, beliefs, and values through advocacy and action, focusing on the Civil Rights Movement. They have studied key figures, protests, and laws that shaped the movement and have worked hard to synthesize their learning.

During the Living Museum, students will bring history to life by stepping into the roles of civil rights leaders, activists, and everyday citizens who made an impact. They have researched their chosen individuals and events and will present their knowledge in an engaging, interactive way.

We would love for you to join us in celebrating their hard work and learning.

• 10:15-10:30 - Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
• 10:30-10:45 - 3rd and 4th grade
• 10:45 -11:00 5th Grade Parents and Families

We are seeing lots of fevers, stomach bugs, cold symptoms, and diagnosed cases of influenza in our school community. Please review Guidance for Schools: Common Signs and Symptoms for information about when to keep your child at home and when they can return to school. Students must be fever-free overnight without the use of fever-reducing medication (Tylenol, Motrin) and well enough to participate meaningfully in class before returning to school. Please alert the Health Office team (jgrey@smmusd.org or cmyrieckes@smmusd.org) if your child is out with a communicable condition like influenza, RSV, COVID, or norovirus.

Hydration, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet will help keep your family healthy. Good handwashing, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick are excellent ways to prevent the spread of infection. Getting a yearly flu shot is the best way to prevent getting the flu and reduces the risk of serious complications. Safe and effective vaccines are made each year. The Flu: What Parents Need to Know - HealthyChildren.org

Please contact a health care provider if your child needs medical care. If your child needs medication at school please have their doctor complete this form SANTA MONICA – MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Medication at School Form

For more information, visit the SMMUSD Health Services page Health Services / Feeling Sick? If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Health Office

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) remains steadfastly committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their immigration status, has access to a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment. Please know that students are safe at school. We have been instructed not to let anyone on campus unless they possess a judicial warrant for a specific person. Even if they have a judicial warrant, they will not be allowed on campus until our Director of Student Services and district legal council have been consulted.

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.

For February, our learner profile is RISK-TAKERS. A child with a growth mindset has the ability to take risks. You've probably been hearing a lot about growth mindset. Growth mindset is a valuable attitude that encourages children to have perseverance, to approach difficult tasks with confidence, and to focus on what is achievable with hard work. Below are some fun activities to encourage growth mindset and risk-taking.

• Turn a negative into a positive- "I can't do that!" vs."I can't do that...YET!"
• Famous Fails- Research famous people in history that failed, but came back even stronger!
• Character Counts- Read stories about characters that have faced obstacles and overcame them.
• Grow-ya- Growth set yoga that's linked with positive affirmations https://www.kidsyogastories.com/growth-mindset

How can parents help to develop students who are Risk-Takers at home?

• If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt it and have them reflect on how it felt.
• Set short term goals. Consider activities that push your child out of their comfort zone. Encourage them to offer their opinion, spend time learning a new activity, try a different food, learn a new game or even to spend time with someone they don't usually spend time with.
• Explain the difference between being a risk-taker (trying new things) and engaging in dangerous activities.
• Ask, "What's the hard part?" to identify the challenge and brainstorm ways to fix it.

Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

All English learner students will take the ELPAC this spring. The Summative ELPAC, and the Summative Alternate ELPAC, measures how much progress your child is making in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The testing schedule will occur during the school day, between February 1 – May 23. To learn more, click HERE.

Climate and Culture Survey

YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED: SMMUSD has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct a short survey to gather input from all parents about our school district’s climate and culture. We encourage you to share your opinions about your experiences in SMMUSD in order to inform the decisions made by school and district administrators. Please use the following link to take the survey: LINK. Survey is open from February 10-February 28, 2025.

5th Grade Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Our students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will be administered the required California Physical Fitness Test (PFT) this school year, starting in February, 2025. For more information, click on this link.

Please note some classes have new end dates than originally scheduled due to the fires and cancellations.

Mondays:

Ceramics- March 10th

Pickleball- March 10th

Tuesdays:

Winter Wonderland using LEGO- February 25th

Wednesdays:

Egghead Secret Agents- March 5th (originally Feb. 26th)

Rockstar Dramatics "Peter Pan"- March 5th (originally Feb. 26th)

Thursdays:

Upcycled Art Play/Cardboard Art & Engineering- March 6th (originally February 27th)

Karate 4 Kids-March 6th (originally February 27th)

Fridays:

Weird & Wacky Science- March 7th (originally Feb. 28th)

Anime Cartooning & Comic Book Creation- March 14th (originally Feb. 28th)

Marine Biology- March 14th (originally Feb. 28th)

Musical Theatre - March 14th (originally March 7th)

**SPRING ENRICHMENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**

Complete this survey to vote for your favorite film!

Dates: June 23- July 25, 2025

Location: Franklin Elementary School

Scholarships are available for qualifying SMMUSD students.

After-care is available with CDS for an additional fee.

Online registration begins March 3 at 7:30 a.m.

Need registration support? In-person assistance is available on March 3, 7:30am-11:30am at Lincoln Middle School (1501 California Avenue).

NEW THIS YEAR: You must fill out the Medical Information Form during registration. You will need the name and contact info for your child's doctor and dentist, the name of your insurance company, and information about allergies and medications.

Visit us at summer-adventure.org

Below please find a list of links to local, seasonal happenings, including ongoing free ESL and citizenship classes via SMMUSD Adult Education, application support for social services and government benefits, and special events featuring technology, arts/culture, civics, and literacy.

• Parent Project: (action) Please share the flyer for Parent Project, a free program for parents and caregivers of teens (12+). This program provides tools to manage challenging behaviors, strengthen relationships, and create structure at home and school. Encourage your families to register for this Monday evening class series.

Free program materials as well as drinks, dinner, and childcare provided to participants.

• The 10th Annual Black History Greens Festival: “Roots & Reflections: The Community Legacy of Virginia Park”, which stands as a beacon of inclusion and access to recreational spaces once denied to Black Americans. Honor community heroes and activists, enjoy watching and sampling cooking demonstrations, storytelling, dance and music performances, games, giveaways, arts and crafts.

February 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Monica, Virginia Park.

• Scholarships, Grants and Awards for Educators: Please share with your school sites.

• Committee for Racial Justice Monthly Meetings Aimed at addressing and ending systemic racism in education, housing, health & wellness, and criminal justice. Contact Information: committe4racialjustice@gmail.com. Regular monthly workshops on the first Sunday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Family Constellation Parenting Workshops Presented by SMMUSD. During these workshops, parents will explore hidden family dynamics and understand how they shape their parenting. Through guided exercises, participants gain insights into generational patterns and challenges, ultimately empowering them to create a more positive and nurturing family environment. Uncover root causes of family issues and embark on a journey towards greater understanding and healing Contact Information: Aileen Salmaggi | asalmaggi@smmusd.org

• WIN offers an award-winning model for prevention and early intervention that includes in-home caregiver-child psychotherapy paired with case management, and trauma-informed supports including family and community events, psychoeducation groups, and other community activities designed to promote safe and stable social-emotional development. WIN provides bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health therapy, intensive case management, community events, education and resources to families with young children (0-5 years old) facing adversity, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health. Contact Information: 213-290-6113 | info@winla.org | winla.org

• Pico Partnership is a joint partnership between Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica, presented by Santa Monica College.The program is designed to meet the needs of the under-resourced youth living in close proximity to the college, and assists and motivates young residents of the Pico neighborhood to pursue an associate degree, certificate, transfer to a 4-year university, and/or employment. Offering counseling, priority enrollment, direct student aid, textbook vouchers and more. Contact Information: Student Services Center (SSC) Room S238, 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-434-4926 | picopartnership@smc.edu

• Sundays with Sounds Like LA: Presented by Sounds Like LA (formerly Santa Monica Youth Orchestra) Experience professional, tuition-free music education covering many different traditions and cultures. We aim to "sound like LA"! Information: soundslikela.org | info@soundslikela.org | 310-985-3439

• SMC Emeritus is a FREE lifelong learning program of Santa Monica College designed for adults 55+ (although anyone 18+ can enroll). Emeritus serves over 3,000 students annually and offers over 140 free classes in the fields of: studio arts, literature, writing, theater arts, music, political science, health and wellness and much more.

• Contact Information: emeritus@smc.edu | 310-434-4306 | https://www.smc.edu/emeritus

• Youth Aztec Dance, Ballet Folklorico, Hawaiian Dance, and Belly Dance Presented by Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico at Virginia Park, Santa Monica. Open to boys and girls of all ages and cultures. Classes serve as both physical and historic forms of education, focusing on Native American and Mexican local histories of Santa Monica. Students have several opportunities to perform locally as well as throughout Los Angeles.

• Family Time Play Group Presented by Connections for Children. Fun times for children up to 5 years of age and their caregivers to participate together in playing, singing, arts and crafts, and story time. Play group leaders also facilitate sharing of resources and discussion of topics such as child development, preschool readiness, and building a community support network. Family Time is a free program of Connections for Children, Playgroups currently meet in-person on the first and third Friday of the month. Contact Information: Angelina Nguyen |angelinan@cfc-ca.org | 310-452-3325 ext. 205 | https://www.connectionsforchildren.org/families/family_time_play_groups.htm

• Nature Outings for Youth: Presented by The Hummingbird Project, who use outdoor outings to improve mental and physical health and offer children chances to experience nature’s beauty and healing effects. After each outing, students get a sit-down meal at a local restaurant as they relax and enjoy each other's company after a day outdoors. Past outings have included hiking, beach walking, kayaking, and visiting beautiful Avalon in Catalina Island once a year! Contact Information: Despina Kayichian 424-209-7129, despina@thehummingbirdprojectla.org or www.thehummingbirdprojectla.org

• Memories & Movement Senior Club: Exercise classes, workshops/seminars, crafts and hobbies, social time, talking with friends, guest presenters, health and wellness activities The Patio Room, Virginia Park, Santa Monica. Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Caffeinated Verse: Poetry Workshop & Open Mic: Includes a featured reader, followed by an open mic format. Malibu Main Library, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Tech & Tasks: Volunteer tutors offer free help reading documents, writing letters and resumes, completing forms, navigating government websites, using mobile devices, email and more. Santa Monica Main Library, Thursdays, 2-4 p.m.

• Walk-In Legal Clinic : Meet 1-on-1 with Legal Aid Foundation lawyers for help with housing and other issues. Ongoing Wednesdays, 4:30-7 p.m.

• Literary Lounge- Books, snacks and music. SM Main Library, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

• Chess Sundays: Players of all ages/levels invited.Third St. Promenade, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Free US Citizenship Classes: Study the 100 Civics questions, review citizenship applications, practice dictations and prepare for the interview. SM Library/Pico Branch.

• Free ESL Conversation Classes: Group classes and 1-on-1 tutoring. SM Main Library.

• Social Service Assistance: Family Nutrition & Health Care Access: Meet with community health workers to sign up for benefits. Virginia Park, SM, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Community and Public Relations

• Parent Project: (action) Please share the flyer for Parent Project, a free program for parents and caregivers of teens (12+). This program provides tools to manage challenging behaviors, strengthen relationships, and create structure at home. Encourage your families to attend the register and attend orientation.

Special Education

• Parent Workshop: (information) The next parent workshop is on February 24 at 10 a.m. at Roosevelt (room 28). The workshop topic will be on behavior. Our BCBA team will discuss how to support behavior at home and at school. There is an updated flyer here. click here

We want to ensure that our students arrive to school safely. I acknowledge that mornings are a busy time in our neighborhood please keep the following reminders in mind as you drop-off at WRLC.

• Do not park or leave your car unattended in front of school between 8:00-8:30 a.m. This is our valet lane.
• Be respectful to our neighbors. Do not block driveways.
• Please do not double park.
• Please support students to use the crosswalks, only.

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

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

Families wishing to enroll their students should contact our school’s Bilingual Community Liaison, Flory Vila, fvila@smmusd.org, 310 452-2364 x67338, and fill out a Program opt-in form.

Las familias que deseen

inscribir a sus estudiantes en el Programa de Bolsas de Fin de Semana deben comunicarse con Flory Vila, fvila@smmusd.org 310 452-2364 x67338, y completar un formulario para inscribirse en el programa.

• 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!

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 all families to submit the Free and Reduced Meals application. 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 2025-26 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

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
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM