PTA Newsletter

Dear Ross Community,

How does a parent successfully divert a snow storm? I have a few theories on how we pulled this off this week, friends. Clever Crow parents tried a couple of methods: there was the "negative snow dance," a secret sequence of three twirls and chants, and there was the "buy a sled so that you might not need it" method. In our household, we tried a strategy consisting of exuding so much stress that it could be barreled up and used in cortisol-fueled jets. Maybe it was choosing snow as the cover photo for this newsletter on Sunday night in preparation. We'll never know, but some secret sauce of dance + unnecessary prep + cortisol seems to have been the ticket. Noted.

Speaking of cortisol, don't forget about next week's PTA meeting featuring a Peace of Mind session that we all need! If you or your family/friends have been affected by job loss, please see Family Resources below for a couple relevant events. Enjoy today's newsletter filled with some news, events, updates, and fun stuff around town. Have a great week filled with very little precipitation, and we'll see you next Tuesday.

Aimee

The Ross PTA will hold the second general body (open to everyone) meeting of the year Wednesday, February 26, from 7:00-7:30 pm virtually via Zoom (link to join; Meeting ID: 875 7665 5108; Passcode: zAiii5). This will be followed by a special Peace of Mind virtual session from 7:30-8:15 pm on mindful meditation for parents and caregivers, hosted by Chapin Springer (pictured):

In today’s fast-paced world, students aren’t the only ones who sometimes feel overwhelmed and could use a little space to create calm and a sense of wellbeing – parents and caregivers need it too! Join us for a special virtual session on ‘Mindful Meditation for Parents & Caregivers’ with Peace of Mind board member and certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and former Peace of Mind parent, Chapin Springer. Chapin will share practical tools and insights to help parents cultivate calm, resilience, and deeper connections with their children, similar to those students are learning through the Peace of Mind curriculum. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your well-being and your family bonds.

Join us to hear from the principal and about the latest updates, events and activities, and stay for the Peace of Mind session if you can!

This year’s Ross Auction, which raises about a third of the money the PTA needs to support the school and community-building events, will be held at Toolbox Pilates Art Studio on Saturday, March 22 at 7:00pm. The online auction will open soon. This adults-only event is a lot of fun–please book your babysitter soon.

Ticket sales are open for the prom-night-themed event--buy them here! Tickets, which cover food and an open bar, are $60/person. This is a suggested donation (see instructions on website for more information).

The auction relies on sponsors to help us meet our fundraising goals. Would your family or business like to sponsor through a tax-deductible donation? You can be a sponsor at the following levels:

• Sequin ($250)
• Bow tie ($500)
• Past curfew ($1,000)
• Prom kings and queens ($2,500)

Learn more here: https://one.bidpal.net/ross2025/welcome. Questions? Write to rosselementaryauction@gmail.com.

Jack (PK4) delivered a card from Ross students and staff to Mr. Tommy, our longtime crossing guard, to celebrate him on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day last Thursday. The Ross PTA also gave him a $25 gift card to thank him.

We know that many members of our EDCJCC community who work in the federal government are experiencing tremendous stress from the recent changes in the federal workforce. We are here to support you and offer a safe space to be together and build community and hope. If you are a federal worker, join us for wine and hors d'oeuvres to network, chat, and build solidarity. Rabbi Atara, Director of Jewish Life and Learning, will be around to chat and offer support.

This program is free to attend, but registration is required so we know how many to expect. Event runs from 6:30-8:00 pm and you may RSVP here.

Offered by Karen Chopra of Chopra Careers: As a former fed, I also want to offer support to everyone in the ecosystem--fed, contractor, non-profit and anyone else needing/fearing a job search. I'm doing a free webinar on Job Search Basics at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 18th. Pass along to any and all who need a little extra support right now. Here's the Registration Link.

Spring registration is now open for Volo Kids, which provides free sports programs for kids in eight cities in the US, including Washington, DC. There are multiple sports to choose from (soccer, basketball, flag football, and more) at locations near Ross and throughout the city. Classes are after school and on the weekends. Learn more at their website and register today!

Georgetown Psychology's complimentary Parent Education Series will feature executive function coaching and its role in ADHD treatment. Join Atiya Smith, LCPC, PhD, and Samara Shanker, MA, MS, on Thursday, February 27, from 12-1 pm via an online session. Register here!

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC is offering free tickets to student groups to attend its upcoming show, Passports. The show will take place at the Lincoln Theatre.

BASIC INFO:

Passports, presented at the Lincoln Theatre

Sun. Mar. 16, 2025 – 5:00 PM – complimentary tickets available for this show only

HOW TO REQUEST TICKETS:

1. Identify exactly how many tickets you need. You may include adult chaperones in your count. The number of adults should not exceed the number of youth.
2. E-mail the following info to tickets@gmcw.org:
1. Name & e-mail of adult chaperone who will pick up the tickets on the day of the show (at Will Call)
2. Name of school/organization/faith community
3. Number of tickets requested
3. Deadline to request comp tickets for student groups for Passports is Friday, Mar. 7, at 5:00 PM.
4. If at any point your ticket count changes, please e-mail tickets@gmcw.org immediately so that none of these tickets will go to waste.

DETAILS ABOUT THE SHOW:

We’re going on a musical tour around the world! Departing from North America and hitting four continents, we’ll travel the globe in song, celebrating diversity in culture and identity in the name of Pride. The show will feature GMCW, along with our small ensembles Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, and Seasons of Love, plus GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance. From African folk songs and South American dance rhythms to American jazz, we’ll have you dancing in your seats! The show is in one act; approximately 90 minutes in length. The Sunday show will be ASL-interpreted.

DCPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar

Wednesday, February 26: PTA General Body Meeting (virtual) including Peace of Mind Parent Education, 7:00-8:15 pm; Click here for Zoom link; Meeting ID: 875 7665 5108; Passcode: zAiii5

Friday, February 28: Floor wide Morning Meetings and February Birthday celebrations

Monday, March 3: Deadline for MySchoolDC lottery for PK-8th grade

Thursday, March 13: Parent/Teacher Conferences, NO SCHOOL

Friday, March 14: WTU Wellness Day, NO SCHOOL

Saturday, March 22: Ross Auction, Toolbox Pilates Art Studio, 7-10 pm

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

If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe to Ross PTA emails here.

Do you have updates or announcements that you think would be of interest to our school community? If so, please email me here.