Dear Will Rogers Parents and Guardians,
The past week has been incredibly difficult for all of us. The fires in Los Angeles have affected everyone, with some families losing homes, others temporarily displaced, and many of us dealing with hazardous air quality and the uncertainty of whether the fires will spread. School closures have disrupted routines, and I know you are balancing work while supporting your children through this stressful time. My heart is with each of you as we navigate these challenges together.
Despite the hardships, our community has shown incredible strength, resilience, and support. Our staff has rallied to assist affected colleagues, and many of our parents are checking in with one another to ensure everyone is safe.
Parent Square Communication Platform
I encourage all families to sign up for text notifications through ParentSquare, the district’s new communication system. Currently, only 6% of families are receiving texts, while 94% are receiving emails. Since we all check our phones more often, please take a moment to download the ParentSquare app and enable text notifications. Staying connected is especially critical right now as the fires continue, and I want to ensure I can communicate with you quickly and effectively.
School Reopening:
As shared by Dr. Shelton on Friday, we are closely monitoring conditions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. A decision about reopening schools, including Will Rogers, will be made and communicated by 5:30 PM on Sunday, January 12. In the meantime, our team is preparing for a safe and smooth return. Our facilities are being carefully inspected. Thankfully, there has been no fire damage to our buildings. Construction is on schedule, and our Maintenance and Operations team has confirmed that classrooms have MERV 13 filters to ensure safe air quality. The campus will also be thoroughly cleaned to remove any ash. We are mindful of the emotional toll these events have taken on our community. Along with ensuring physical safety, we are prioritizing social-emotional support for students and families. Our school counselor and psychologist have offered drop-in sessions via Zoom and will continue to be available for guidance on managing anxiety and coping with the impact of the fires.
Community and Learning Resources
Please refer to SMMUSD Resources which include childcare, food and mental health support (updated daily). Additionally, refer to optional learning resources for students during this closure. As a reminder, district policy does not require virtual instruction for closures under 10 days, but our teachers are working ensure students have access to enriching resources to the best of their abilities as they navigate the impact of the fire on their own families.
Looking ahead, we are planning for a strong return to school, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning to support students' well-being and service-learning opportunities to help them process and recover from the fires.
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work through these challenges together. The road to recovery may be long, but our community is strong, and we will support one another through this experience. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything—we are here for you.
Together for Will Rogers,
Principal Daruty
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mon. 1/13 Volunteer Training 8:30am (library), 3:00pm (library) TBD based on school closure status
Mon. 1/13- 1/17 PS Arts Informances ( see your child's time below) TBD based on school closure status
Thurs. 1/16 ELAC Meeting 8:30am in library TBD based on school closure status
Thurs. 1/16 School Site Council Mtg 3:15-5:00 p.m. on Zoom TBD based on school closure status
Fri. 1/17 Peacemaker Monthly Mtg 9-9:45am TBD based on school closure status
Mon. 1/20 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tues. 1/21 Schneider Walking Field Trip - Fairview Library
Thurs. 1/23 TK/Kindergarten Round Up ( for prospective TK/K parents) 9:00am in auditorium
Thurs. 1/23 School Board Mtg at 5:30pm
Thurs. 1/30 Coffee with the Principal 8:30-9:30am in library
SMMUSD 2024-2025 Calendar
WRLC is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years School (PYP)
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.
ART CART at lunchtime!
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
Please do not forget to send with your child every day:
- 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!
LUNCH MENU
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.
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.
Contact Us
Email: ldaruty@smmusd.org
Website: https://www.smmusd.org/rogers
Location: 2401 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90406
Phone: 310-452-2364
Twitter: @WillRogersSTEM