PTA Newsletter

Dear Ross Community,

Nothing confuses me more than people wearing down jackets on 80 degree days, but the opposite phenomenon does not flummox me one bit. We watched the movie "Ice Age" this weekend and I feel like that squirrel who has been chasing the acorn without end; my acorn, of course, is anything over 40 degrees. 50 degrees after this arctic slog of a January is the acorn of my dreams, so please excuse the tanktop and shorts at pickup with a flower in my hair.

We have a "no news is good news" week, nothing extra to add to your packed calendars. We've put several repeat announcements below, a couple highlights from the Mental Health Newsletter ICYMI, and some activities and events around town to round it off.

May your balmy day be pleasant and uplifting,

Aimee

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.

Every year, the Ross PTA organizes an auction to raise about a third of the money the PTA needs to support the school and community-building events. The PTA spends more than $100,000/year–which is the majority of its funds–on school operational expenses. A successful auction is essential to the PTA continuing to be able to fund curricular and custodial supplies, as well cover some field trip costs, teacher training and much more.

This year’s auction will be held at Toolbox Pilates Art Studio (thanks to Ross parents and Toolbox owners Alex and Iva Gotzev) on Saturday, March 22 at 7:00pm. The online auction will open in February. This adults-only event is a lot of fun–but we can’t do an in-person event, or reach our auction goal, without volunteers.

We have very few auction volunteers at this time. The auction chair, parent Ilvina Mann, is leading the charge with some help from the former chair and PTA executive board members–but this is not enough. There are many ways to help, big and small, several of which can be done from behind your computer. Here’s how you can help:

• Send emails to a list of 15-20 local businesses (list provided by auction committee) to follow up to ask them to donate
• Stop by 15-20 local businesses (list provided by auction committee) to follow up to ask them to donate
• Be an auction sponsor, starting at $250
• Donate items to the auction, such as unused gift certificates or goods, services or items from your business, etc.
• Reach out to your friends who own businesses to see if they’d be willing to donate to the auction
• Help with event planning and logistics in advance of the auction
• Run errands either on foot or by car to pick up items in March
• Help with day-of set-up and logistics

Do you have questions or are you interested in contributing in one of the aforementioned ways? Write to rosselementaryauction@gmail.com.

(And don’t forget to book your babysitter!)

Valentines!

Buying Valentines for your child's Valentines Day party on 2/13? Pick up an extra set fit for your child's age group & bring them to Mrs. Elmore anytime before 2/7 🙂

POC: Natalie – natalie.elmore@k12.dc.gov

ISO Community Resources

Does your child receive any supports outside of school &/or do you know of any amazing providers? We'd love to know! Please submit the anonymous form here. POC: Natalie – natalie.elmore@k12.dc.gov

Step up to the plate and join the fun! Banneker City Little League is more than just a youth baseball and softball league—it's about building teamwork, fostering confidence, and creating lifelong memories. Whether your child is new to the sport or a seasoned player, our league provides a safe and encouraging environment for kids of all skill levels to learn, grow, and have a blast.

From thrilling games to skill-building practices, your child will gain valuable life lessons both on and off the field. Register today and let’s hit a home run for youth development, fitness, and community spirit!

Don't wait—join the team, make new friends, and be part of something special. Sign-up at: https://www.BannekerCityLL.org.

Let’s play ball!

Presented by the Edlavitch Parenting Center, Wednesday, February 5, 8:00 PM

Led by Melissa Kilbride

Intended for parents of toddlers through tweens (because these conversations come up earlier than you think and it's good to be prepared!)

Join us for a candid virtual workshop about the importance of early sexual health education as an issue of safety and as a path to later healthy relationships. Clinical social worker (and mom) Melissa Kilbride will talk about why these conversations are necessary and will provide simple ways to have conversations with your kids without shame and discomfort. With over 17 years of clinical experience and specialized training in sex therapy and trauma, Melissa believes passionately in the importance of educating young children about their bodies and sex. Leave the workshop as an “askable parent,” ready to tackle these issues with your children. Register here.

The DC Camp Fair brings together the finest camps in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, and special interest camps. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet camp representatives and learn about the diverse options awaiting your children this coming summer. More info here.

DCPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar

Wednesday, January 29: Grades 4/5 Ski Trip

Friday, January 31: Floor-wide Morning Meetings and January birthdays

Saturday, February 1: "Community Day" at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, showing of "Petit Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood" Use code RedRoss20 for 20% discount

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)

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

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

Saturday, March 22: Ross Auction, Toolbox Pilates Art Studio

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.