PTA Newsletter
January 13, 2026
It's Getting Hot in Here
Dear Ross Community,
I sent my Llama into the Norovirus Hunger Games 2025 and she came out triumphant. Tragically, she couldn't complete the second round: Flu Games 2026. I am reporting to you live from the throes of febrile iPad usage, and honestly my hot-potato Llama couldn't be happier.πΊI hope your Tribute is still in the game on campus, and if not, may s/he recover quickly.
We have all the usual-suspect announcements this week, and some updates on our Bingo Night. This year our very special Caller will be none other than Ms. Juriga! Get ready for reverie and pizza on Thursday, February 5! Read on for this week's news that's fit to print and I hope to see you back here next week without someone coughing on my shoulder.
π€§
Aimee
School News and Updates
Repeat Announcements
Before-school Programming Registrations Now Open
Before-school Spanish
Isabella & Ferdinand's before-school Spanish program at Ross is open for winter enrollment (grades K-5 only). The 11.5-week, 23-session program will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Ross from 7:55am-8:40am and you may register here for winter and spring sessions. The winter session is underway, so register now!
Before-school Yoga
Yoga & Mindfulness Mornings @ Ross Elementary (Grades K-3rd)
WED @ 8:00-8:40 AM
Yoga helps students learn techniques for concentrating, reducing stress, and connecting to their bodies in a loving way while building fitness and having fun.
Breathing Space classes are full of age-appropriate yoga poses, movement games, imaginative play, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that support gross motor development, fitness, balance, body awareness, language acquisition, and creative expression. Themes may include Yoga philosophy, social-emotional skills, and character development. Class always includes some form of quiet relaxation.
Winter Classes Enrolling: 10 classes from January 14, 2026 - March 18, 2026 for $200 (Min 7 / Max 12 students )
Sign up: https://families.breathingspacedc.com/dmn4239/ross-elementary-yoga.html
Summer Camps 2026
There is nothing you want to do more than get summer plans squared away--we know it's at the top of your to-do list when it's 28 degrees outside. Never fear--over the past few years, the PTA has compiled an unofficial list of summer camp options in the metro area to support you. This list has not had extensive updates since last year, so if you see a camp that is no longer available, or if you know of new camps this year that are not listed, please email me or ptapresident@rosselementary.org and we will add them to the list!
Ross Family Skiing πΏ
Love to ski, or want to try something new? Join the WhatsApp group for Ross families interested in skiing! Click here to join and start chatting about fresh powder and black diamonds (or bunny slopes).
School Events
LSAT (Virtual) Meeting Tonight: 5:15 pm
The next (LSAT) meeting of the school year will be held virtually on Teams tonight, Tuesday, January 13 at 5:15 pm. The LSAT is a group of elected and appointed members that exists in every DCPS school. The team consists of parents, teachers, non-instructional school staff, a community member, and in some cases students, to advise the principal on matters that promote high expectations and high achievement for all students. All Ross community members are welcome to attend the meeting. You can join the virtual meeting here. Questions? Contact PTApresident@rosselementary.org.
Bingo Night, Thursday, February 5, 5:30 pm π
Please mark your calendars for Bingo Night, to be held on Thursday, February 5, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Foundry UMC (1500 16th St NW). All families and children are invited to this fun night, which will include bingo, pizza, and prizes! This year's VIP Caller will be Ms. Juriga! Stay tuned for more details to come. We will need help with set-up and clean-up--please sign up here to pitch in!
Around Town
DC Camp Fair: Saturday, January 31, 10 am
Not yet sure about your camp and child care plans for summer? Join us for the DC Camp Fair, hosted by the J.O. Wilson PTA. This FREE event brings together camps from the DMV-area (and beyond), ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, and special interest camps. It's your chance to visit camp exhibitors representing a wide variety of summer activities, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps.
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. β 1 p.m.
Where: Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St NE, use 4th St. entrance)
Why: Learn about summer camp (and day-off) options and sign-up for camp on the spot (if you wish!)
We are inviting schools and families from throughout Capitol Hill, Ward 6, and beyond to join us at the only camp fair in the city. Please help us spread the word! Here is a link to the event flyer that you can print and distribute.
For more information, email DCCampFair@jowilsonpta.org or go to DCCampFair.com.
Tree Disposal
Residents who receive collection services from DPW (single-family homes and apartment buildings containing three or fewer housing units) can place their holiday trees and greenery at the curb or tree box for collection. Natural greenery must be free of wire, ribbons, ornaments, and lights before disposal. Visit https://dpw.dc.gov/page/holiday-trees-greenery-collection for more information
Snow Team Heroes
ServeDC β the Mayorβs Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships is recruiting volunteers for our Snow Team Heroes program, where residents across the District volunteer to clear snow for seniors and individuals with disabilities, access, and functional needs. Volunteer recruitment is ongoing throughout the winter season, and volunteers will be matched with an individual or individuals who live nearby. We can even provide the shovel, salt, and other supplies to make sure you are well equipped. For more information and to sign up to be a volunteer, visit: snowteam.dc.gov.
Key Dates
DCPS School Year 2025-26 Calendar
Tuesday, January 13: LSAT (5:15pm, virtual) Link to join on Teams
Monday, January 19: MLK Day, NO SCHOOL
Friday, January 23: Term 2 Learning Celebration, 9:00 am
Monday, January 26: PD/Records Day for Staff, NO SCHOOL
Friday, January 30: Floorwide Morning Meetings and Birthday Celebrations
Thursday, February 5: Grades 4-5 Ski Trip
Monday, February 9: Tentative start date for Keegan 4-5 Musical Rehearsals
Thursday, February 12: Valentine's Class Parties
Friday, February 13: PD Day for Staff, NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 16: Presidents Day, NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 25: Winter Concert (K-2), Sumner School, 2:00 pm
Thursday, February 26: Winter Concert (3-5), Sumner School, 2:00 pm
Friday, February 27: Floorwide Morning Meetings and Birthday Celebrations
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
Location: 1730 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.673.7200
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Do you have updates or announcements that you think would be of interest to our school community? If so, please email me here.