
PTA Newsletter
February 11, 2025
We've Got Flurries!
Dear Ross Community,
The first snow day of the school year really is the best: the kids' excitement, a moment to slow down, fresh white snow falling from the sky. Anything after that goes sharply downhill, and just when I thought only parents think this, my Roadrunner announced last week with great indignation, "there is still ice on the ground in the shade and it has been there for LIKE EIGHT YEARS." Ok, so I guess I'm not the only one who's not overexcited that the snow started about a half hour ago? To soften the blow for myself, I have the fireplace ready to go, the hot cocoa is stocked, and I have some Lego sets hidden in case we are camped here tomorrow! I hope you have some enjoyable wintry treats and warm blankets and enjoy watching the snow fall.
We have just a few entries this week for you, with no new events to fill your calendar. The Ross Auction is coming up in six weeks, so get your tickets now! We have a few summer camps to highlight below, and our unofficial list has recently been updated in case you have yet to lock in your Roadrunner's summer!
Stay snuggly,
Aimee
Family Resources
Federal Immigration Enforcement: Information and Rally
Control de inmigración federal: información y manifestación
Interested in learning more about the rights of students and their families regarding federal immigration enforcement policies? Check out this guidance from the Office of the Attorney General for DC.
Want your voice to be heard? The National Education Association is holding a rally to protect students and public education at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 12 at 4:00pm. Learn more here.
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¿A Usted le interesa obtener más información sobre los derechos de los estudiantes y sus familias en relación con las políticas federales de aplicación de la ley de inmigración? Consulte esta guía en espanol de la Oficina del Fiscal General de DC.
¿Quiere ser escuchado? La Asociación Nacional de Educación llevará a cabo una manifestación para proteger a los estudiantes y la educación pública en el Capitolio el miércoles 12 de febrero a las 4:00 p.m. Obtenga más información aquí.
School Events
Ross Elementary Auction: Prom Night '25
Ross Auction: Book Your Babysitter, Buy Your Tickets, Consider Sponsoring
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.
Summer Camp Highlights
We recently updated our Ross Unofficial Summer Camp Guide with more than 15 additional camps. See the updated list here, and please reply to this email with any additions you know of!
Below are a few highlights of summer camps included on our list, all of whom have generously donated to the Ross Auction.
Isabella and Ferdinand's Dream Big Summer Camp 2025
Our camp provides a vibrant, 100% Spanish Immersion experience for children aged 5 to 13, with engaging activities such as cooking, art, music, sports, nature exploration, and hands-on creative projects.
This year, we're excited to introduce something special—students will create miniature models inspired by the traditional Alasitas Festival, a Bolivian celebration of dreams and wishes through miniatures. Our camp will offer a unique opportunity for children to explore Latin American culture, new skills, and creativity while having fun this summer.
The camp runs from July 7th to August 8th, 2025 in Washington, DC. More Information & the Enrollment link can be found here: https://www.isabellaandferdinand.com/2025-summer-camp
Boating in DC Summer Camp
Our camps are fun, engaging, and hands-on. We offer a variety of camps for all ages. From sailing skills to boating safety, campers will be working with our friendly and knowledgeable instructors to learn new skills and have an amazing time.
Spend summer days having fun and making new friends. All of our camps (9-14 years old) strive to teach safe boating in a fun learning environment by instructing and reinforcing boating safety and skills.
Visit the Boating in DC website for more details and camp registration!
RDU Tennis Camp
RDUTennis is entering into year #9 of WDC summer camp programs with one of the only true full day tennis camp models through 5:00pm.
Our sessions at UDC-Van Ness will offer daily swim, indoor gymnasium space, and of course tennis instruction! Please click this link for all the camp details and registration. Contact Brian Rosenthal at brian@rdutennis.net with any questions.
Around Town
Alice Ferguson Spring Adventure Camp
There's no need to wait until summer to get your campers outside at Hard Bargain Farm!
For the first time ever, we are hosting a week of Spring Adventure Camp, April 14-28, 2025 at our beautiful property in Accokeek, Maryland. Our Spring Adventure Camp features a week of nature exploration, hands-on science, and outdoor fun. From hiking and wildlife spotting to barnyard visits and creative play, campers will connect with nature in unforgettable ways.
Camp Details
- Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18
- 9:00am - 3:00pm (optional extended care until 5:00pm)
- Pack 1: Ages 4-6, Pack 2: Ages 7-9, Pack 3: Ages 10-12
- $325/camper
Campers must turn the minimum age of the camp week by April 1, 2025.
Registration is open now, but space is limited!
Flower Mart White Elephant Sale: Saturdays in March and April
Spring is right around the corner and that means Flower Mart will be here before you know it! If you are spring cleaning, moving, or purging unwanted household items, Flower Mart’s White Elephant committee will happily take your donations. All donations are tax deductible. Gift tax receipts available at drop-off. See details below.
ACCEPTED ITEMS: dishware, glassware, silverware, barware, china, crystal, serving platters, bowls & trays, home décor, table linens, jewelry, purses & fashion accessories, decorative pillows & throws, artwork, small kitchen appliances in working condition w/all parts
NON-ACCEPTED ITEMS: furniture, lamps, clothing, books, children’s toys, bed linens, curtains, personal hygiene items, clear vases, food
DATES: Saturdays – March, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & April 5
TIME: 10 am to 2 pm
LOCATION: Bishops Library on South Rd., behind the National Cathedral. This is the same drop-off location as last year. Signs will be posted along South Rd. Volunteers available to unload cars. Parking available along South Rd. & directly in front of the library.
MORE INFO: www.flowermartwe.com
Flower Mart is May 2 & 3, 2025, rain or shine, on the National Cathedral grounds. All proceeds from white elephant donations go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the National Cathedral grounds, Bishop’s Gardens & Olmsted Woods. All Hallows Guild & the White Elephant committee greatly appreciate your support & donations.
Key Dates
DCPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar
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, 7:00-8:15 pm
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.