PTA Newsletter

Dear Ross Community,

They say you know the most about dinosaurs twice in your life: first when you're four, and then again when you have a four year old. I'm going to say this adage holds true, as these words came from my lips last night: "No, that's not the right part, that says Jurassic, but if you're looking for a T-Rex, it needs to be Cretaceous." I'd like to say that my knowledge will peak here, but I accidentally gifted every scientific gene in my body to my budding scientist, so I expect to be a paleontologist shortly. But let's chat about living animals, shall we? Panda fever is sweeping DC, folks, and my scientist is on the case! I was yesterday years old when I learned that pandas are lethargic because they have so few nutrients in their diet from eating bamboo. My scientist wants you all to know that pandas should eat spinach instead, but I actually think pandas are lethargic due to careful plotting by their children to never allow their parents to sleep through an entire night.

So clearly on my ticket procurement list I have pandas at the zoo, and you guessed it, the Ross Auction. Ever thought to yourself, I'd like a prom redo? Well, here's your chance. You can simultaneously have a much-deserved night out and help raise money for our school. It's a win-win, really. Don't forget your black and white color coordination for the Winter Concerts this week, and mark your calendar for our extra-relaxing PTA meeting which features a parenting session on mindful meditation.

Aimee

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.

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. 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!

Ross Winter Concerts are scheduled for February 5 & 6 at the Sumner School (1201 17th St NW)! Wednesday, February 5 will feature Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2 at 2:00pm and Thursday, February 6 presents Grades 3, 4 & 5 at 2:00pm. All students should wear black on the bottom and white on top. Casual shoes/sneakers are fine, and comfortable shoes are indeed recommended, as students will be walking to and from Ross to the Sumner School (permission slips will go home this week).

Parents are invited to attend this musical showcase of children's work from music class with Ms. Hailu. The concert should last about 40 minutes and will be similar to last year's concert at Garrison ES. The nearest Metro station is Dupont Circle, and there is a Colonial Parking lot about one block west on Rhode Island.

The DPR Summer Camp lottery will be open from Friday, February 14 through Monday, March 3, 2025.

You are invited to join tonight, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 6:30 pm for a virtual informational session: RSVP here for Zoom link

Friends of Stead Park is partnering with My School DC to provide a parent information session about the My School DC Public Lottery. This "Lottery 101" session will be held virtually at 8pm on Wednesday, February 12. This is our opportunity as parents to better understand the lottery process, application, and deadlines. This session will be co-led by Chelsey Christensen, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at My School DC and Will Drake, a member of the My School DC Parent Advisory Committee and a member of the Friends of Stead Park Board. Please email wldrake@gmail.com to RSVP. A zoom link will be sent the day before the session to those who sign up. The session will be limited to 75 attendees, so send your RSVP soon!

Mathnasium Learning Center will hold a chess tournament at their center in Dupont Circle on Saturday, February 22, with doors opening at 10:00 am. Grades 2-5 are invited to join. $100 of gift cards and additional prizes will be given! RSVP to kalorama@mathnasium.com.

DCPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar

Wednesday, February 5: Winter Concert for Grades K-2 (2:00pm at Sumner School)

Thursday, February 6: Winter Concert for Grades 3-5 (2:00pm at Sumner School)

Friday, February 7: 100th Day of School, Term 2 Report Cards published in ASPEN parent portal

Thursday, February 13: Valentine's Day Parties in class (coordinated with teachers and Room Parents)

Friday, February 14: Professional Day for Teachers, NO SCHOOL

Monday, February 17: President's Day, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, February 26: PTA General Body Meeting (virtual) including Peace of Mind Parent Education

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

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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.