
PTA Newsletter
September 10, 2024
Fall is in the air
Dear Ross Community,
I keep feeling cooler breezes and drier days, and I can feel fall weather in the distance. When did pumpkin spice become so controversial, that's all I want to know? Look, I'm as offended as the next guy about Halloween decorations for sale in July, but I just want to drink my PSL in early September at the first chill in the air. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my scarf at Three Fifty the second we go below 60 degrees. 🎃☕
Speaking of fall, we are still looking for that one Halloween-loving parent who wants to take the Spooktacular reins this year. Could it be you?! Read on for a few updates this week, a new save the date for the Garden Cleanup, and a couple fun events around town.
-Aimee
School News and Updates
2024-2025 LSAT Members Announced
PTA Seeking Spooktacular Lead: Is it you?
We are still in search of one parent to run the Spooktacular Halloween celebration at Ross on Oct. 31. This Spooktacular will be different from previous years because it will happen on Halloween, which means that we won't organize a specific trick-or-treating event for Ross students. Instead, we'll have a Halloween carnival at Ross and then students will go on their normal trick-or-treating routes. Interested? Email hollykilness@gmail.com and ptapresident@rosselementary.org.
Still Accepting School Supply Contributions
We are still accepting school supply contributions at this link. During our school supply campaign, families who were able were asked to contribute $100/student to cover the cost of school supplies. You may contribute extra to cover those who weren't able to fully cover the contribution for their child.
School Events
Save the Date: Ross Garden Cleanup, Sunday, October 20, 10:00 am
Please join Ross families to clean up our school’s garden on Sunday, October 20 at 10:00am. We’ll be in the garden planting bulbs and other plants, repairing the bridge, and possibly participating in an art project to beautify the space. We’ll have coffee and donuts and be there until the work is done. Kids are welcome to join with their parents/caregivers. Questions? Contact Shilpi at shilpi.malinowski@gmail.com.
Reminder: Sign up to help with the Back to School Picnic!
Please sign up today to help with the Back to School Picnic! You can bring food and drinks, serve pizza, or help set up and clean up. The event will be on Thursday, September 26 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Stead Park Rec Center. Please sign up here to volunteer today!
Around Town
Cause Tuesday: Dacha Beer Garden in Shaw
Join The Story of Our Schools on Tuesday, October 1 at Dacha in Shaw for an extended Happy Hour! With a $20 donation, you’ll receive access to Dacha’s Happy Hour menu from 5:30 - 9:00 pm. Enjoy drinks, food, and the chance to win an exciting prize. Bring the whole family! Kids and dogs are welcome–no entry ticket required for kids under 15. More about the Story of Our Schools can be found at this link. Event details and tickets available here!
National Symphony Orchestra: Halloween Spooktacular
An annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired National Symphony Orchestra musicians, led by conductor Michelle Merrill, celebrate Halloween. Enjoy a concert filled with musical treats from fa-boo-lous new works to spooky old classics. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace. Children will have the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Sunday, October 27, 4 pm, with a sensory-friendly performance at 2 pm. Get your tickets here.
Key Dates
DCPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar
Sunday, September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month begins
Tuesday, September 24: DC Strings Parent Coffee, 8:45 am in Cafe
Wednesday, September 25: PK4-Grade 2 Parent Coffee with Mental Health Team, 8:30 am on Attic Level
Thursday, September 26: PTA Back to School Picnic at Stead Park, 5:00-7:00 pm
Monday, September 30: Portrait and Class Photo Day
Wednesday, October 2 to Friday, October 4: JCC Closed for Rosh Hashana, no aftercare
Wednesday, October 2: Grades 3-5 Parent Coffee with Mental Health Team, 8:30 am on Attic Level
Wednesday, October 9: National Walk & Roll to School Day
Friday, October 18: Grade 2 Bike Trip (during school day)
Sunday, October 20: Garden Clean-up at Ross, 10:00 am
Friday, October 25: Learning Celebration, 9:00-9:30am (PK4 from 8:30-9:00am); subsequent Learning Celebrations scheduled for Fridays January 24, April 4, and June 13
Thursday, October 31: Ross Spooktacular Celebration
Saturday, November 16: Miriam's Kitchen 5K/10K (more info forthcoming)
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.