Will Rogers Roundup

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Dear WRLC Families,

A quick reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, so please remember to set your clocks one hour ahead on Sunday morning. While we lose an hour of sleep, the longer evenings and extra daylight are always a welcome sign of spring.

Seeing joy on the faces of our students is one of the most rewarding parts of my role as principal. School should be a place where children feel excited to learn, laugh, and belong. Anything we can do to bring energy, connection, and community to their experience is worth celebrating.

Our celebration of the Holi Festival of Colors was a beautiful reminder of how vibrant and connected our school community truly is. A heartfelt thank you to the Janapati family for helping us organize the BEST color festival yet. And thank you to our parent volunteers, Student Body President, Deven, and the 4th and 5th Peacemakers for their acts of service in preparing for the event before school. Your leadership and care for our community made the assembly extra special.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events coming up that celebrate our students and their talents:

This Saturday

• Please join me in cheering on our WRLC Math Team as they represent our school at the Math Olympiad Competition in Culver City. Mathletes, we are so proud of you!
• We are also excited to support our 5th graders participating in the Honor Band, Orchestra, and Choir. We look forward to seeing them shine on stage at the Annual Stairway Concert.

Jog-a-thon Fundraiser
Don’t forget to register your student for the FREE for the WRLC Jog-a-thon! Now is a great time to start sharing the event with friends and family as we work toward our $45,000 fundraising goal for our school. It’s always a blast—and I may have promised that if we reach our goal, I’ll eat a scorpion or some bugs! I hear the grubs in the regenerative farm can be quite tasty…especially with a little salt.

March 20 – School-wide Assembly Celebration
At our March 20 assembly, we will celebrate reaching our SMEF goal with a special SPLASH ZONE! Think water balloons, hoses, and possibly even buckets of water poured on the principal. If you are interested in joining the splash zone fun, we would love to have you participate.

Thank you for being such an important part of the WRLC community,

Warmly,
Ms.Daruty
Principal, Will Rogers Learning Community

Mon. 3/9 - Fri. 3/13 Rotary Readers Volunteer to read in classrooms

Mon. 3/9 ELPAC summative testing begins

Tues. 3/10 3rd Grade Field Trip to UCLA Fowler Museum

Wed. 3/11 Math Club in room 508 @7:45 a.m.

Sat. 3/14 WRLC Math Olympiad Competition @ El Rincon Elementary 8:30 a.m. -1:00p.m.

Sat. 3/14 SMMUSD Stairway Concerts @ Barnum Hall

Mon. 3/16 School Tour for prospective parents

Mon. 3/17 Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night @ JAMS ( see flyer below)

Wed. 3/18 5th grade students tour @JAMS 9-1:00 p.m.

Wed. 3/18 PTA Executive Board meeting via zoom @ 6:00 p.m.

Wed. 3/18 Math Club in room 508 @7:45 a.m.

Thurs. 3/19 SSC meeting @ 3:15 p.m. via zoom

Fri. 3/20 School-wide Assembly SPLASH ZONE for reaching our SMEF engagement goal!

Fri. 3/20 Peacemaker Meeting @ 9:00 a.m.

Fri. 3/20 Lockdown Drill @ 11:00 a.m. (Approx.20 mins) Please email teacher or principal should you wish your child to opt-out)

Fri. 3/20 3rd Grade Field Trip to Morgan Wixson Theatre 10-2 p.m.

Mon. 3/23 Monday Meet-Up with the Principal 8:00-9:30a.m. in front of school

Mon. 3/23 Scholastic Book Fair ( schedule)

Tues. 3/24 5th grade Human Growth and Development Lessons (with Nurse Julie)

• Gonzalez/Uema 9:00am
• Benitez/Griffin 11:00am

Wed. 3/25 LAST Math Club in room 508 @7:45 a.m.

Wed. 3/25 ELAC meeting in room 508 @8:30 a.m.

Thurs. 3/26 Minimum Day ( TK/K dismissal @ 12:10 p.m. 1st - 5th @ 1:00 p.m.)

Thurs. 3/26 OPEN HOUSE @5:30 p.m.

Fri. 3/27 No School-Wide Assembly

Fri. 3/27 JOG-A-THON ( schedule TBD)

Mon. 3/30 - Fri. 4/10 SPRING BREAK

Mon. 4/13 First Day after Spring Break!

SMMUSD Calendar 2025-26

To foster a knowledgeable IB learner profile at home, parents can encourage reading books related to school topics, engage in discussions about current events, and explore new, complex concepts together. Other effective strategies include supporting inquiry-based learning, using educational games, and encouraging diverse, hands-on exploration.

At-Home Activities for Developing Knowledgeable Learners:

• Encourage reading on a wide range of topics, particularly those connecting to current classroom studies. Ask open-ended questions like "How can we find that out?" rather than providing immediate answers, promoting active inquiry.
• Ask children to connect their learning to real-world events. For example, discuss how a topic in history relates to something happening today.
• Encourage reading in the child's native language to help them make deeper, more meaningful connections to concepts they are learning in school.
• Visit museums, watch documentaries, or explore nature to broaden their knowledge base.
• Use games that involve taking on different roles or solving problems to deepen understanding of complex topics.
• Show your child that you are a learner too by researching answers to your own questions together

Tickets are now on sale for the 75th Annual “Stairway to the Stars” Concert! SMMUSD’s beloved musical extravaganza returns on Saturday, March 14 at Barnum Hall, showcasing nearly 900 student performers from elementary, middle, and high schools across the district.

Last year, our school reached an incredible milestone, raising $41,000. This year, we are setting our sights even higher with a goal of $45,000 and we know we can get there together. Let’s get our students 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 27th, March 6th, March 13th, and March 20th.

• 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 day with Ms. Daruty.

We are excited to announce an opportunity to be a mentor for one of our 5th-grade Exhibition groups this year! As part of our culminating event, the Exhibition is a celebration of all that our students have learned as IB scholars during their years at Rogers. This year's exhibition is scheduled for Friday, May 29th, from 10:45-11:45 am and is open to our community. It’s a special moment for them, and we need your support to make it an unforgettable experience!

As a mentor, you will play a vital role in guiding your assigned group through their Exhibition journey. Here’s a look at what the responsibilities will include:

Mentor Responsibilities:

• Weekly Meetings April 13-May 26: Meet with your group weekly for 30 minutes. These check-ins will provide valuable support as the students work on their projects.

• Support Student Research: Help students dig deeper into their topics and strengthen their research. They will come with materials organized in a mentor meeting slide.

• Editing the Presentation: Assist with refining their presentation, ensuring it’s clear, polished, factual, and impactful.

• Action Component: Guide students as they create their action component, whether it’s a poster, model, or another project that brings their research to life!

Why Get Involved?

This is not just a group project—it’s a community celebration! As a mentor, you will contribute to a meaningful moment in the lives of our 5th graders, helping them develop their IB learner profiles and celebrate the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout their time at Rogers. Your involvement will also inspire them as they take ownership of their learning and demonstrate all they have achieved.

We believe that your support as a mentor will make a world of difference to our students, and we would love for you to be part of this incredible experience!

Interested in Mentoring?
Please fill out the mentor interest Google Form and include your availability. Please note that you must be Level 1 Cleared (Attend volunteer training, submit a volunteer application, TB test or waiver, and your name must be cleared through Megan’s Law Website) before meeting with groups. Google Form: https://forms.gle/mSBYNuK9o36cpvQ66

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity! Together, we can make this Exhibition a truly memorable event for our students.

With Gratitude,
Courtney Hayes and the 5th Grade Team

Auction Items Needed

• Do you have wine, vacation homes, season tickets or gift cards to donate?

• Does your company have products or services it can donate?

• Maybe you want to support a local business by donating a gift card?

We are looking for items for our Silent Auction, starting April 20th and closing April 27th at 8pm. Your generosity makes a difference!

Click here to donate an item, or contact us at info@smedfoundation.org.

Donations must be received by April 1st.

Show Your Santa Monica ❤️ Love

Favorite Nonprofit

Vote for the Ed Foundation as your Most Loved Santa Monica Nonprofit in the Neighborhood Favorites section! You can also vote for your school.

Santa Monica’s Most Loved contest celebrates the organizations that make our community shine. Vote now through March 13 at smdp.com/vote.

Tap Into Giving

Santa Monica Brew Works

Wednesday, April 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM

Hosted by Santa Monica Brew Works

Join us for flights and fun at Santa Monica Brew Works in support of the Ed Foundation. In addition to the $20 ticket, we ask each attendee to bring a $25 gift card from a local eatery for our silent auction in April. The card not only supports our schools, it helps support our local businesses. Join us - every sip makes a difference! Click for tickets.

We Did It! A Huge Thank You for your support of SMEF !

We are bursting with pride for our amazing community. You truly came together, showing up and SHOWING OUT for your love and support of the SMEF. Because of your generosity and spirit, we met our goal! Your donations make a massive difference, and we are incredibly grateful to every single family that contributed.

💦 Get Ready for the SPLASH ZONE!JOIN US ON MARCH 20th at our school-wide Assembly for the:

SPLASH Zone Celebration!

We can't wait to celebrate this success with the students.

We are thrilled to announce that 1st Grade has taken the top spot for the highest participation!

While 1st Grade took the lead, every single grade is a winner in our eyes for helping us achieve this milestone.

Through our partnership with Hazel Health, SMMUSD students have access to free online therapy, including convenient evening appointments. Over 80% of students experience improved mood and reduced stress after just 6 sessions.

No phone calls. No hassle. 💥 Schedule your first appointment here: my.hazel.co/smmusd/info

poye la salud mental de su hijo/a—sin costo, con o sin seguro médico. 💜

A través de nuestra colaboración con Hazel Health, los estudiantes de SMMUSD tienen acceso gratuito a terapia en línea, con citas disponibles por las tardes. Más del 80% de los estudiantes notan una mejoría en su estado de ánimo y una reducción del estrés después de solo 6 sesiones.

Sin llamadas. Sin complicaciones. 💥 Programe su primera cita aquí: my.hazel.co/smmusd/info

school passcode:1013782539131906

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A5AE23A7F5C25-62055415-5thgrade#/

Science Camp Overview

• Dates: April 22–24, 2026

• Location: Pali Institute, San Bernardino Mountains

• Focus Areas: Outdoor Education, Science, Leadership

• Cost: $450 per student (suggested donation to cover transportation, meals, accommodations, camp staff, and student support)

• No student will be excluded if unable to donate. Participation is open to all Rogers students.

Important Deadlines

• SMMUSD Field Trip Forms: Due by March 6, 2026

• Medical Forms: Due by March 27, 2026 (for any student taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication)

If You Decide Not to Attend

If any family decides to opt out of the science camp field trip, your child will report to school as usual and go to their designated 5th-grade classroom. Their classroom teacher will have prepared classwork for them during the time the 5th graders are away.

Please let us know if you would be interested in JAMS PTSA positions for the 2026-27 school year?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCkbCKTS80JgEKnw1_CUNHQRYnV_aClY2KBm8ycFZoHBrVPQ/viewform

Interested in joining the JAMS science board for the 2026-27 school year? Join here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyo58U3BzCez6aHYDm1oIHHpcuVgowxouByAaA5o0MpccC9Q/viewform

Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 24 (no July 3)

8:30am - 12:30pm

Roosevelt Elementary School

Registration opens on Monday, March 2 at 7:30am at www.summer-adventure.org.

Please note that Summer Adventure is open to IISS- and ELOP-eligible families; they were notified this week about their summer options.

Please reach out if you have any questions. I have copied SA Principal Barry Yates and Administrative Assistant, Dinora Duarte, on this email.

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

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

• 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!

• 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

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.

Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://rogers.smmusd.org

Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364