Principal's Back to School News #2
Ross Elementary School August 23, 2021
Principal's Message
August 23, 2021
Dear Ross Families,
The Ross campus is busy this week as we transition back into our space after a summer full of of construction. We look forward to showing you the new spaces at Friday's Open House. If you are still seeking after care options for your child, please check out the three vendors featured at the bottom of this bulletin, The EDCJCC, Keegan Theater, and National Conservatory of Arts.
While we continue to face uncertainty with public health, we are planning for a safe and joyful reopening for all students, prioritizing student and staff health. Please review the Chancellor's August 18 communication for the most recent health and safety guidance for reopening. We will continue to practice COVID-related DCPS safety protocols with all staff, students and visitors including masking while on campus (inside and outside) regardless of vaccine status. Changes to our protocols from our reopening last year include reintroducing morning recess before school and planning for outdoor lunch for K-5 students. We will host a building readiness walk-through on Thursday with our WTU Rep, Custodial Foreman, and LSAT parents, which includes the PTA President.
Back to School Meeting with Principal Searl
Thursday, August 26 at 7:00pm
Teams Link: Click here to join the meeting
A virtual meeting for new and returning families to say hello to Principal Searl and review school opening protocols. PTA Executive Board members will also be in attendance to share PTA information.
Sneak a Peek Open House
We look forward to seeing everyone at our annual
“Sneak a Peek” Open House on Friday, August 27.
Student Last Name A-M: 2:25-2:55
Student Last Name: N-Z 3:00-3:30
We will admit visitors in a staggered fashion, one parent/caregiver per child. Each visitor will be screened by the Patient Care Techs according to the "Ask, Ask, Look" protocol and be required to wear a mask on campus. Plan to visit the classroom briefly, meet the teachers, and enjoy a popsicle playdate on the playground. There is not a formal teacher presentation.
First Day of School: Monday, August 30 for all K-5 students.
What to bring: backpack, water bottle, nut-free lunch (if not having school lunch), change of clothing (PK4/K), Ask, Ask, Look Screening Tracker (attached below)
We will resume morning recess before school with assigned areas to minimize cohort mixing. Parents/caregivers will say good-bye to students at the entry gate.
Arrival Time/Locations
Students may enter the campus starting at 8:15 am at either the front or back gates where you will be greeted by staff to review your Screening Tracker and ensure masking and use of hand sanitizer. DCPS is no longer doing Temperature Checks. We will resume morning recess with assigned play zones for some cohort separation. All parents/caregivers will say good-bye to students at the gate and will not enter the campus for morning recess.
PK4: play in the Garden
K-2: play on the Playground
Grades 3-5: play on the Field and Basketball area
Building Entry
8:15: Breakfast opens for Grades 2-5 (PK4-Grade 1 will eat in class after entry)
8:35 whistle for line-up, Grades K-5 will line up by class/grade on Field and be escorted in by teachers.
Please note that families will say good-bye at the gates and will not accompany students onto campus or into the building. If you do not want your child to play in the morning, please arrive by 8:35 for line-up on the field.
Dismissal
PK4 students will be released from the garden at 3:15pm. All K-5 students will be dismissed from the Field between 3:15-3:30. Parents will wait on the playground side at the field fence and will not enter the field. Please ensure your child is released from the teacher before leaving. Do not pull your child from a line that is dismissing. Please plan to arrive before 3:30 to collect your child.
PK4 Transition Week Schedule
Monday, August 30: Parent/Teacher Conference Day
Tuesday, August 31: Student last name A-M attend
Wednesday, September 1: Student last name N-Z attend
Thursday September 2: First day for ALL PK4 students
PK4 parents/caregivers will bring children to the front gates and after passing the health screening, the children will be checked into the garden and supervised by Ross staff. Arrival is between 8:15 and 8:30.
At 8:30am, PK4 students will be escorted into the classroom by staff.
School Supplies
Teachers purchase all needed supplies with funding from the Ross PTA. Instead of shopping for school supplies, we ask families to consider contributing to the School Supply Fund to help offset the cost of supplies. You may voluntarily contribute for your own children and also donate extra funds to cover costs for families with financial need. Watch for communication from the Ross PTA soon about how to contribute.
Dress Code Update
Based on family survey results from Spring 2021, we will no longer have a uniform. Students will have free dress every day. Please ensure students wear closed-toe shoes safe for stairs, playground and PE class. All PK4 and K students should have a change of clothing in a labeled zip-lock bag to leave at school. A sweater or sweatshirt may be helpful for air-conditioning.
Breakfast, Lunch and Water
Breakfast and lunch are free for all students in DCPS for the 21.22 school year.
- PK4 students will eat breakfast and lunch in their classrooms. Breakfast will be offered upon class entry.
- K-1 students will eat breakfast in the classroom. It will be offered upon class entry.
- Grades 2-5 students will eat breakfast in the Café and may enter starting at 8:15am
- K-5 students will eat lunch outdoors, weather permitting.
All students may bring a water bottle to use throughout the day. Please note that only water should be in the water bottle and not other beverages.
If your child needs dietary accommodations, please visit the DCPS website: https://dcps.dc.gov/page/dietary-accommodations
Health and Medical
Immunizations must be up to date for your child to attend school.
Medications must be turned into the school nurse along with required medical documentation.
Please submit all required medical and dental forms as soon as they are completed.
Nurse Gordon : cdelancygo@childrensnational.org
Birthdays
Birthdays are recognized the last Friday of each month.
August birthdays will be recognized on Friday, September 3 in each classroom.
Due to efforts to avoid having students unmask in class, we are temporarily suspending monthly birthday treats.
Enrollment Update
Enrollment must be fully completed, including residency verification, for your child to attend school. Please reach out to Mr. Salazar with enrollment questions. Farley.salazar@k12.dc.gov
We are continuing to make waiting list offers for Kindergarten and Grade 4 and will share K-1 class assignments later this week.
After Care Options
Part of the National Conservatory for the Arts
A Music-Based After School Program for
Piano, Strings, Percussion, Voice, and Musical Theater in Washington DC.
We pick up students from Ross Elementary and drop them back off at Ross at the end of the program. Students are provided a healthy snack as well as access to academic tutoring during their scheduled homework block. Generally, our program starts at the end of the school day and ends at 6:00 pm.
Tuition:
$85 per full week and $75 for partial week (3-4 days).
We also offer need and merit-based scholarships to deserving students. In addition, students can enroll in private lessons at a discounted price.
For more information please email your inquiries to JacquelineBanks@NationalConservatoryOfArts.org or (202)581-1043 Ext 709.
The EDCJCC will continue to provide after care and enrichments. They come to Ross at dismissal and walk students over to their site.
Registration for After School Programming will open this Monday, August 2, at 10:00AM. You can use this link to register: https://dcjcc.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App
Please read the attached EDCJCC policies below carefully for information regarding changes to their programming this year.
EDCJCC School Program Director: Ms. Bodner abodner@edcjcc.org
The Keegan Theater is resuming after school programming.
The registration link can be found on their education page: https://keegantheatre.com/prk/education
They also offer programming on "no school" days.
Registration for PLAY days can be found here: https://www.hisawyer.com/keegan-play-rah-ka/schedules/activity-set/254323?day=2021-10-07&view=cal&source=camps
Contact Info: Billie Krishawn
Pronouns: she/her/they
Manager of Education
We look forward to a safe and productive school year full of joyful learning experiences for all children. Enjoy these last few weeks of vacation. As always, please reach out with any questions/concerns and check the Ross website periodically for updates. Rosselementary.org
Warm Regards,
Holly Searl, Principal
Volunteer Clearance
Ross Elementary
Email: holly.searl@k12.dc.gov
Website: http://rosselementary.org/
Location: 1730 R Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: (206)-673-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RossElementarySchool/
Twitter: @rossesdc