Dear Ross Community,
In my spare-time Googling of "how cortisol is measured," I came upon a 2018 NIH study that found that stressful periods in a person's life raise cortisol levels up to nine times their mean levels. So I'd wager that this very date of November 5, 2024, has boosted the collective cortisol level of this city to: a gazillion. Let's take a moment to think about PTA news and put some of that on the back burner for a three-minute-read, shall we?
Spooktacular was a great success last week, and we are wrapping up our Fall for Ross campaign in the next week! We are always in search of volunteers for events and activities, and this week we turn your attention to crossing guard duty on 17th and R, our Gratitude Breakfast for Teachers and Staff, and our Ross Auction in spring! Read on for all this week's school news and updates, low cortisol mostly guaranteed...
-Aimee
You may have noticed that this school year we haven't had a permanent crossing guard at 17th and R Streets, like we do at New Hampshire Avenue and R Street. The school, as well as our Area Neighborhood Commission, has been asking DDOT to urgently hire someone for this position, but it hasn't happened yet. To help us in the interim, Allister Chang, the Ward 2 member of the Board of Education, has organized a volunteer sign-up to help at 17th and R in the mornings and afternoons. Interested in volunteering a bit of your time or know someone who would? Please sign up here and spread the word!
Counting monthly donations, together we've raised $44,215 - we're 88% of the way to our $50,000 Fall for Ross goal. The PTA spends more than $100,000/year of its funds on school operational expenses, so your donation contributes to your child's experience, every day. Here are just a few examples of what your donations cover:
- $25 buys two gallons of hand soap for the school
- $50 buys one custodian's uniform
- $100 covers the cost of one teacher's professional development training
- $300 buys supplies to refresh our playground and garden in the spring
- $600 covers half the cost of hiring a bus for a field trip
- $1,200 buys 3 iPads for Ross classrooms
"I am grateful our school community supports Ross Elementary with their time, talents and financial gifts. Your donation to Fall for Ross directly supports our students and teachers by funding supplies, field trips, enrichments and professional development." - Principal Holly Searl
The PK4 class reached 100% participation last week, with 1st and K very close to reaching full participation. All classes that reach 100% will win a popsicle party and an extra recess!
We can accept donation matches from companies, so please seek a match if you can - you can double your impact! Your contribution is what matters, not the amount, so please give as you're able: small or large, every donation is important. Each and every donation contributes to improving the learning environment for every student at Ross. All families at Ross are members of the PTA and this is a team effort. Donate here: https://givebutter.com/fall-for-ross
With the holiday season approaching, we have an opportunity to bring joy to children in our community who may be facing challenges. If you’re interested in helping by donating holiday gifts for families in need, please reach out to Mrs. Sharkey at jillian.sharkey@k12.dc.gov for more information.
On Monday, November 18, the PTA will organize a potluck breakfast buffet to show our gratitude for Ross teachers and staff. Please sign up here to contribute a delicious treat or help with set up or clean up. All food items must be dropped off the morning of Monday, November 18 between 7:45am and 8:00am in the staff kitchen/lounge. The PTA will provide bagels and cream cheese and coffee. For food donations, please assume you are feeding 12 people, make sure the food is nut-free, and label whether a food item is vegan or gluten free. Thank you!
Registration for DPR’s 2024 winter programming will begin on Wednesday, November 6 for aquatics programs and Thursday, November 7 for all other programs. Registration opens at noon on both days. DPR programs opening registration include:
- Aquatics programs including learn-to-swim, aquatic fitness, competitive swimming, and senior aquatics.
- Team and individual sports: basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, pickleball, and more.
- Out-of-school time programs for young people like Fun Day (January 17), Winter Wondercamp, Afternoon Access, and Enrichment Zone.
- Youth development/teen programming including Young Ladies on the Rise; Young Men, Future Leaders; and Supreme Teens.
- DPR Roving Leaders programs including Girls Who Code!, Little Chefs’ University, Artology, and That’s My DJ.
- Arts programs including ballet, piano, drawing & painting, and musical theater.
- Senior-centered programs including senior aquatics, day programs, and overall fitness.
Registration for winter programming is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and DPR will utilize a virtual “waiting room” on both program registration days in order to manage the high demand for programs. Residents are encouraged to confirm they are able to login to DPR’s registration system in advance to save time once program registration opens. Residents may create a new account by visiting this link: dpr.dc.gov/DPRaccount. However, it may take up to 10 business days to confirm DC residency on the account.
Get a jump on holiday shopping during the Dupont Circle BID's third annual shop local Holiday Sip & Shop event, Thursday, November 14th from 5-7 PM! At Sip & Shop, businesses provide free treats while you shop around the block! A perfect way to treat yourself while you get the perfect gift for your loved ones. Enjoy complimentary wine, tea, and snacks while you shop at participating SIP + SHOP businesses! More information and a list of businesses here.
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
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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.