PTA Updates
Want to Advise the Principal? I Book Drive I Re-enroll Now!
Ross LSAT: Nomination Period Open (until April 30)
The LSAT (Local School Advisory Team) is a group of parents, teachers, and staff at each DCPS school who advise the principal on topics like the school's academic performance, curriculum, budget and more. The Ross LSAT meets monthly, currently alternating between in-person morning meetings and virtual afternoon meetings. Four parent members will be elected for the 2024-25 school year, likely in May. Any Ross parent is welcome to run for a position on the LSAT. Nominations will begin on April 15 and end on April 30. Anyone interested in finding out more about the LSAT should email LSAT chair David Alpert (alpert@gmail.com).
Support Ross Reading via Mother’s/Father’s Day Book Drive
Our annual “Mother’s and Father’s Day Book Drive” is happening NOW and we need YOU to make it a success! This fundraiser is critical to our ability to buy appropriate and updated books for our children’s classrooms and Ross’s library. Our goal is 200 new books for the 2024-25 school year. How many can you help purchase for Ross’s young readers?
For every $25 you donate, you will sponsor a new book for the Ross library in the name of a loved one or favorite teacher. You can dedicate the book in their honor via a special book plate within, and you can also have a letter sent to them acknowledging the donation—a great gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any other reason to celebrate. NEW THIS YEAR: We're running a class competition for the Book Drive: The class that sponsors the most books will win a popsicle and water balloon party at recess!
How can I participate?
- Sponsor books online here any time between now and Sunday, May 5. Your child’s class will earn 1 point for every book you sponsor. After your donation, watch for the auto-response email with a link to name your honoree(s) and earn your class point!
- Sign up your family to volunteer at the on-site book drive table. Your child’s class will earn 2 points for every book sponsored during your shift. We need kids (and their grownups) to volunteer to make it a success!
The on-site book drive will be held at the following locations and dates/times this year:
Friday, May 3 – On the Ross playground, 8:00-9:00am and 3:00-4:00pm
Saturday, May 4 – In front of Safeway on 17th, 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, May 5 – At the Little Flea Market at 19th and Q, from 9:00am-3:00pm
Contact Ross parent, Kathy Crutcher, at kathy@shoutmousepress.org with any questions about volunteering. Thank you for supporting Ross young readers!
Ross Earth Week (4/22-4/26): Dress Up!
Ross students will celebrate Earth Week after spring break! The 4th Grade Fearless Ferrets have planned daily themes and dress-up options for all Ross students--see below.
DCPS and DC Government Highlights
Meet Ward Two's DC State Board of Education Member at Ross Parents' Home
On Sunday, April 28th from 1:00pm-3:00pm at 1537 T Street NW, Ross parents Kyle Mulhall and Michael Sigelman will host a meet and greet for Ward Two's DC State Board of Education Member Alister Chang (Allister Chang | DC State Board of Education).
Representative Chang will share what he hopes to achieve during his second term and answer questions about himself, his campaign and his work with local public education. This is an opportunity for parents to find out more about what changes and challenges are coming for DCPS. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to mulhall64@yahoo.com by April 25.
DCPS Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Board Applications are Open
The DCPS Chancellor's Parent Advisory Board is now accepting applications for school year 2024-2025. The Advisory Board provides a space, on a monthly basis, for parents and caregivers to engage with the Chancellor, DCPS leadership and various teams to learn about and provide input on current or emergent priorities and initiatives. The application closes at 11:59pm on May 6, 2024. For more information, visit: https://dcps.dc.gov/node/1333186.
Art Attack Kids Art Program (Ages 6-12)
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Romero Britto, where art comes alive with bold colors and playful patterns. In this exciting art class at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library (3260 R Street NW) on Thursday, April 25 at 4:00pm, we'll explore the joyful and imaginative style of Romero Britto. From cheerful animals to whimsical landscapes, you'll discover how to create your own masterpieces inspired by his unique artwork. No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome to join in the fun! All materials will be provided, so come along and let your creativity shine! Age 6-12.
DC Public Library Event: Poet at Any Age
Join DC Public Library on Thursday, April 25, from 6:00-7:00pm at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library (3260 R Street NW) for "Poet at Any Age." Do you think you're too old, too young or too busy to write poetry? Kathryn Temple of Georgetown University will share techniques on getting started in poetry at any age and under any circumstances. They'll cover advice for the novice, look at a few contemporary poets and learn about the surprisingly vast online poetry community. They'll close with a short writing session where you'll generate a poem to take home with you.
Time to Re-enroll in Ross!
On March 29, enrollment opened for the 2024-2025 school year. All students must enroll by May 1, 2024. You can complete the enrollment process online at https://enrolldcps.dc.gov or visit Ross during the week. Please remember the importance of enrolling promptly upon receiving notification. Any questions, please email Ms.Segovia at graciela.segovia@k12.dc.gov.
Note: Recently, DCPS centrally reset passwords for users who had not accessed the ASPEN Parent Portal. The email is titled "Welcome to the ASPEN Parent Portal". Families will use the same log-in ID email and password to access the online enrollment platform.
News and Events around Town
Stead Park Grand Re-Opening
Now that the Stead Park renovations are complete, we are over the moon excited about the new facility. There's no better way to celebrate than to throw a party on May 4 from 11:00am-3:00pm that is free to the community, with lots of fun, and jam-packed with space-themed activities. Join us on May the 4th for:
* Galaxy games and prizes
* DJ
* Catering from local restaurants
* Space crafts
* Balloon twist artists
* Face painters
* Sending a message to the moon
* Activities to help you become a Jedi master
By RSVPing to the event, you can help us plan better for the crowd. Please do so at https://forms.gle/L9VvJXRwXMT6cVzM8
Workshop: Talking to Your Child about Their Neurodiversity
The EDCJCC is offering the virtual workshop, Sharing the Diagnosis: Talking to Your Child about Their Neurodiversity, on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00pm. This virtual workshop, led by pediatric neuropsychologists Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman, will explain why it is important for the child to understand how they think and learn. Drawing on their years of clinical experience as well as the research done for their new Different Thinkers book series geared to both children and parents, Drs. Fredriksen and Rothman will provide strategies for how parents and caregivers can speak with children about their diagnosis. Register here: https://www.edcjcc.org/calendar/sharing-the-diagnosis-talking-to-your-child-about-their-neurodiversity/
Resources
Key Dates
2023.24 DCPS Calendar and DCPS Google Calendar
Monday, April 22- Friday, April 26: Earth Week Dress-up Week at Ross
Monday, April 22- Friday, April 26: No EDCJCC Afterschool in Observance of Passover
Monday, April 29-30: No EDCJCC Afterschool
Wednesday, May 1: Deadline to Re-enroll in Ross for the 2024-2025 School Year
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5: Mother's and Father's Day Book Drive
Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 16: Ross Piano/Open Mic Night, Saloon (1205 U Street NW) 6:00-7:30pm
May 22 and 23: Ross School Musical (Day and Evening Performances)
Monday, May 27: NO SCHOOL
Friday, May 31: Ross Field Day
Saturday, June 1: Playdate for Incoming PK4 Families
Tuesday, June 4: NO SCHOOL
Saturday, June 8: Ross Participation in Capital Pride Parade
Thursday, June 13: Fifth Grade Promotion
Monday, June 17: Last Day of School for Students
Thursday, June 20: Ross Piano/Open Mic Night, Saloon (1205 U Street NW) 6:00-7:30pm
About the Ross PTA
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, email Ross PTA Secretary Melanie Mayhew.
