Will Rogers Roundup

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In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist, the King Center has chosen the theme, "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365." This powerful theme connects directly to our work as educators in supporting our students being engaged and active members of our democratic society. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us that using nonviolence is a powerful way to fight against unfairness and violence. His ideas help us work towards a world where, “every individual can live with dignity and respect.”

Dear Will Rogers Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your collective support as we welcomed students back to campus. The return to routine after such a challenging week for so many Angelenos has been a source of comfort. As we move into next week, I encourage you to continue sharing our community resource page with your families—it is updated regularly and offers valuable options for clothing, food, and mental health support.

During this time of unimaginable loss, I am reminded of a quote from Mr. Rogers that resonates deeply:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.'” Thankfully, we are part of a community of countless people who are helping—making a difference all over Los Angeles. These acts of caring, compassion, and kindness define who we are. Now more than ever, let us take a moment to appreciate the profound blessing we have in one another.

Looking ahead, I’d like to invite you to join us for our annual TK/K Roundup on Thursday, 1/23, at 9:00 a.m., where prospective families will have the opportunity to tour our school. We are seeking 5 parent volunteers to serve as tour guides alongside our student council to share the magic of Will Rogers. If you’re able to help, please let the PTA know. For families with TK/K students ready to start school, we encourage grown-ups to join us—our community is warm, welcoming, and purposeful, and we would love to share it with new families who are eager to be a part of it.

As we head into the long weekend, let’s carry Dr. King’s message with us. Whether you’re taking a “day on” to honor his legacy through service or a “day off” to rest and recharge with loved ones, may this time bring you peace, reflection, and restoration.

Together for Will Rogers,

Principal Daruty

Mon. 1/20 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tues. 1/21 Schneider Walking Field Trip - Fairview Library

Wed. 1/22 PTA General Meeting Via zoom, only. @ 6:30 p.m.

Thurs. 1/23 4th and 5th Grade Math Club 7:45 a.m. -8:20 a.m. rm. 508

Thurs. 1/23 TK/Kindergarten Round Up ( for prospective TK/K parents) 9:00am in auditorium

Thurs. 1/23 School Board Mtg at at 6 p.m. at the district office and on Zoom. To view the agenda, go to: https://www.smmusd.org/domain/2977.

Thurs. 1/30 Coffee with the Principal 8:30-9:30am in library

Sat. 2/1 Family Farming Day 10:00-1:00 in Regenerative Farm

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

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 School Board Mtg at 5:30pm (agenda)

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

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

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 January, our learner profile is INQUIRERS. We are inquirers when we are curious and develop skills for inquiry and research. Students will develop their natural curiosity and acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. Inquirers actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Activities for parents:

• Encourage areas of your child’s interest by visiting the library to borrow books that explore these topics.
• Model being an Inquirer. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a problem or a question and seek out answers in front of your child.

Please note the following elementary menu changes for the main meal for next week:

Tuesday, 01/21

Chicken Strips

w/ Tater Tots & Goldfish

Wednesday, 01/22

BBQ Rib Sandwich on a Hoagie

w/ Baked Fries

Thursday, 01/23

Crispy Taco w/ Cheese

Beans, & Green Salad

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.

Does your child enjoy cracking codes, solving puzzles, and unraveling the mysteries of numbers? If so, we've got an exciting invitation. Join the Will Rogers Learning Community Math Club!

WHEN: Math Club will meet once a week, every Thursday morning from Jan. 23rd - Mar. 27th

WHERE: Room 508

TIME: We'll gather at school for math magic between 7:45 a.m.- 8:20 a.m.

What to Expect:

● We promise you thrilling challenges, brain-teasing puzzles, and a fresh perspective on the world of mathematics.

● We will offer breakfast and healthy snacks to keep those brain cells fueled and ready for action.

● The culminating event for Math Club is participation in a local Math Olympiad Contest. Students will have an opportunity to compete against other schools in our area. The event falls on Saturday, March 15, 2025; 8:30 - 1:00pm

● Consistent punctual attendance is a requirement of remaining in Math Club. If a student is absent from Math Club twice, s/he will receive a notice about continuing in Math Club.

● Students are expected to follow all classroom expectations including following directions, staying on task and helping to create an environment free of disruptions for all participants.

● Math Club will be facilitated by WRLC parent volunteers. ( email Ms. Daruty if you are interested in helping!)

Why Join: Because math is not just about numbers; it's an adventure waiting to be explored! Get ready to embark on a journey filled with fun, friends, and fascinating mathematical discoveries.

Sylvia lived life to the fullest and very much enjoyed her family, including two children attending Edison, friends and her roles over the years with SMMUSD.

Sylvia was born in Santa Monica and was hired in Sept. 2004 at the age of 18 as an Instructional Assistant, working at Franklin Elementary. She was promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant with the Special Education Department Dec. 2005. In Sept. 2006, she requested a voluntary reduction in hours to complete her teaching credential. With her teaching credential in hand, she first served SMMUSD as a substitute teacher in Aug. 2008, then gained a position as a classroom teacher at Will Rogers Learning Community in 2011 where she spent 10 years teaching, until she accepted a position as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) with the SMMUSD Educational Services Department in July 2021. She continued to work in this capacity through much of the fall semester.

We have compiled some warm thoughts and comments about Sylvia from many in the district office and a principals.

Please see the comments about Sylvia.

Sylvia's family has shared information about her memorial service and an obituary:

https://obituaries.forestlawn.com/obituaries/sylvia-kerkotchian

In lieu of flowers, her family is asking for donations to the Children's Education Fund in her memory:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/R2XNM4QY7DUH2

Cards may be sent to Sylvia's mother, Varso, recently retired Franklin Elementary School Office Manager:

Email: vmersobian85@gmail.com

Mail: Varso Mersobian, 7537 Westlawn Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045

We are using the Tribute website to create a video montage to share with Sylvia's family. If you want to make a short video sharing a favorite memory or something you admire about Sylvia, please use the link below to create your video. If you know former students or families who would also like to make a video, please pass this information along to them. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Hayes or Mrs. Uema.

https://www.tribute.co/sylvia-kerkotchian/?share=sms

• Scholarships, Grants and Awards for Educators: Please share with your school sites.

• 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.-1:00 p.m.

• Caffeinated Verse: Poetry Workshop & Open Mic: Includes a featured reader, followed by an open mic format. Malibu Main Library, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 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