Will Rogers Roundup

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This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people” contributing significantly to the American economy and society. Negro History Week was established in 1926 by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Historian Carter G. Woodson, a co-founder, recognized that a theme would focus, but not limit, the public's attention on the exploration of Black experiences.

Dear Will Rogers Families and Guardians,

I hope you’re all doing well as we embrace another week together! With more rain in the forecast, we’re ready to support our students with indoor recess and lunch as needed. We welcome the rain, and we’re here to ensure that every child feels cared for and engaged, rain or shine!

A quick reminder our Standards Based Report Cards will not be coming home this Friday, as originally noted on the SMMUSD calendar. Instead, they will be sent home on Friday, February 14th. This extra time allows our teachers to complete necessary assessments, particularly after the school closures due to the fires. We truly appreciate your understanding and patience as we ensure that each report card reflects the best and most accurate picture of your child’s progress. This link provides English and Spanish correspondence to support parents with understanding the report card.

IB Program Information: Let’s Dive In! Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be an IB International Baccalaureate PYP school? If so, we’d love to invite you to our next PTA Association Meeting on February 5th at 6:00 PM. Courtney Hayes, our dedicated IB teacher, will be sharing exciting updates about our current IB units of study, providing an overview of the IB program, and showcasing how we are successfully integrating trans-disciplinary units across subjects like Spanish, Art, STEM, and even our Farm program! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the IB framework and how it’s enriching your child’s educational journey. We encourage you to come with an inquirer's mind and any questions you may have. We can’t wait to see you there!

As always, thank you for being such an important part of our community. Your ongoing support and partnership mean the world to us. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Together for Will Rogers,

Principal Daruty

Mon. 2/3 Volunteer Training 8:30am (library), 3:00pm (library) and 6:00pm (cafeteria)

Tues. 2/4 5th Grade Field Trip to JAMS for the Jazz Reach Assembly @ 8:30 a.m.

Wed. 2/5 PTA Gen. Mtg 6-7:30pm in library

Thurs. 2/6 4th and 5th Grade Math Club 7:45 a.m. -8:20 a.m. rm. 508

Thurs. 2/6 @ 6:00 p.m. Pali Camp Parent Info.session. A representative from the Pali Institute will also be joining us to answer any questions about the science camp experience. Zoom link

Thurs. 2/6 SMMUSD Board Mtg@ 5:30 p.m. in the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School and on Zoom. To view the agenda, go to: https://www.smmusd.org/domain/2977.

Sat. 2/8 Playground Playdates 10-12 p.m. RSVP below!

Thurs. 2/13 4th and 5th Grade Math Club 7:45 a.m. -8:20 a.m. rm. 508

Fri 2/14 Peacemaker Monthly Mtg 9-9:45am

Fri. 2/14 ( NEW DATE) Standards Based Report Cards goes home to families.

Fri. 2/14 Family Dance in auditorium 6:00pm Volunteer Here

Mon. 2/17 No School - Presidents’ Day

Wed. 2/19 School Tour 1:00-2:00pm

Wed. 2/19 PTA Exec Board Mtg 6:00-7:30pm

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

Thurs. 2/20 ELAC Meeting 8:30am in library

Thurs. 2/20 Site Council Mtg at 3:15pm on Zoom

Thurs. 2/20 School Board Mtg at 5:30pm (agenda)

Wed. 2/26 School Site Council Mtg 3:15-5:00pm on Zoom

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

WRLC PTA Calendar 2024-2025

SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar

On Friday our students engaged in a wonderful community opportunity! I was introduced to an amazing organization called Paws to Share. They offered a FREE service to bring comfort animals (cats and dogs) with adult handlers to our campus to meet our students! Nearly 20 furry friends offered comfort and cuddles to our students and staff! We introduced the pets at our school-wide assembly, after which they were available during lunchtime and to visit classrooms. Based on feedback; it was a positive experience for our students, I look forward scheduling future visits! Please see the attached flyer for more details about the Paws to Share program!

Join the REGENERATIVE FARM team and SIGN-UP for the volunteering opportunities on the link below or through the QR code! Feel free to connect directly with Paola [Strategy Lead and Chair] with any question you might have. The new volunteers will be introduced to the regenerative techniques that we are implementing to tend our farm and will join the very energetic Committee that is behind the Family Farming Days, the Fall Festival and the Earth Day celebrations. Email: wrlc.regenfarm@gmail.com

SIGN-UP TO HELP HERE:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844A4AE2BA4FA7-54655288-wrlc

Will Rogers PTA’s Family Dance is just around the corner, and we’re looking for an event chair to help lead the planning and make this magical night a success! If you’re interested in helping please email us at president@willrogerspta.com. We’re also looking for volunteers to assist with set-up, clean-up, and during the event, as well as donations of desserts. Sign up here to help:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4FAEAF29A6FD0-47633789-family

Thank you for helping us make this a special night for our families!

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.

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

We know that this past week has been difficult for many of those affected by the LA Fires. As we move toward recovery, it’s essential that we work together to build a safer community through prevention, preparedness, and response.

One way to strengthen our community’s safety is by creating a life and safety profile on Community Connect. This vital technology provides first responders with critical information about your residence or business. By inputting details such as floor plans, pets, or specific medical needs, you empower first responders to make more strategic decisions en route to an emergency. Seconds matter in a crisis, and having this information readily available can make all the difference.

Participation in Community Connect is completely voluntary and based on what you are comfortable sharing. All data you provide is secure, used only during emergencies, and protected with bank-level encryption.

For more details, please visit the Community Connect website.

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.

• 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. Monthly workshops on the 1st Sunday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.committe4racialjustice@gmail.com.

• Family Constellation Parenting Workshops Presented by SMMUSD. During 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, 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. 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: 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 under-resourced youth living in close proximity to SMC, 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: Student Services Center, Room S238, 1900 Pico Blvd. SM, (310)434-4926 or 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: 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.html

• 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.

• 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.

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