Dear Ross Community,
Like clockwork, my Roadrunner woke up today, October 29, as he does every year--with a decisive vision of his Halloween costume. Was it the same costume that he has professed to love for five weeks? Of course not. As this is not my first rodeo, I am ready with my overnight shipping fee saved up. But this year he really outdid himself, choosing one that is out of stock world-round: the inflatable pick-me-up alien costume. How does this kid do it? 👽 At least I only have one kid like this, I thought. Ten minutes later, my four-year-old sauntered out of her room and announced she no longer wanted to be a unicorn; she wants to be a skeleton. How did I get two of these humans? Wish me luck.
It's a week of ghoulish and sweet activities in the neighborhood. Don't forget to start your Halloween at Ross for our Spooktacular from 5:00-6:00 pm on the playground. Grab some pizza, get some treats, and maybe dance to "Thriller" if I'm on DJ duty. Then head over to Swann Street (or your own neighborhood spot) for trick-or-treating!
Congratulations to PreK4, the first class to reach an impressive 100% participation in the Fall for Ross campaign. Your class still has time to get a popsicle party and extra recess, so if you haven't already, please donate today!
-Aimee
Counting monthly donations, together we've raised $41,495 - we're 83% of the way to our $50,000 Fall for Ross goal. 57% of families have participated. We're aiming to get to 100% participation. 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 this week, with 1st and K very close to reaching full participation. (See below for the latest numbers. Please note that after some accounting work, we have revised the participation totals to correct double-counting multiple donations per child.) All classes that reach 100% participation 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
***We still need a few volunteers to help set up, clean up, and hand out a few giveaways. Please sign up here!***
The event will take place THIS Thursday, October 31, on the Ross playground. We invite families to gather at 5:00pm in their costumes for music, pizza, fun giveaways, and to take pictures. After 6:00pm, kids will head out for trick-or-treating on Swann Street (see flyer and below) and other locations. This year students will not be trick-or-treating at 17th Street businesses since Spooktacular is happening on Halloween and because the Little Goblins Parade already offered an opportunity to collect candy from these businesses last weekend. (Note: No costumes/face paint are permitted at Ross during the school day.) Questions? Contact ptapresident@rosselementary.org.
Swann Street will host its annual Halloween Party on the 1700 block (Swann St between 17th and 18th) from 5:30-8:00 pm. There will be trick-or-treating, free food/drinks, music, and a costume parade at 7:00 pm! Our family loves this event because the street is closed to traffic and the kids can run around safely and have a great time. 🎃 Questions? Contact Jen at jknielsen@gmail.com.
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!
DCPS Calendar 2026-2029 Feedback: Deadline November 15
DCPS strives to create a calendar that reflects the needs and preferences of DCPS families and staff whenever possible, maximizes learning time for students, and allocates time for our teachers to engage in professional learning and collaboration. In addition to those goals, DCPS adheres to requirements related to the DC Municipal Regulations as well as agreements with our labor partners. Please share your feedback on the proposed calendars for school year 2026-2029 through this survey by Friday, November 15, 2024.
Discover fresh opportunities for artistic expression every weekend in November at Open Studio! Delve into the creative world of artist Mark Bradford and his masterpiece Pickett’s Charge, as we explore his use of color, texture, and materials. Collaborate in the creation of a large-scale artwork inspired by Bradford’s process, or craft your own mixed-media piece to take home. Each week will introduce new ideas and creative challenges! More information here.
This week (Saturday, November 2), the theme will be "Material Materials." Kids will explore telling a story through mixed media (combining materials such as paper, rope, and images to create a visual narrative)!
Drop-in to the National Gallery of Art East Building from 11am-3pm this Saturday, November 2 for art-making and open play activities for younger ones. More information 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.
