First Day of School

Ross Elementary School August 29, 2021

Principal's Message

August 29, 2021

Dear Ross Families,

We are so excited for the first day of school!

Thank you for your patience as I have sent numerous communications recently. Going foward, you can expect to receive one weekly communication from me and one from your child's homeroom teacher.

First Day of School

Plan to arrive between 8:15-8:45am
Complete the "Ask, Ask, Look" screener at home and bring it. It must be completed daily. We will also have copies at both gates in the morning.
Your child should not enter the property until we have screened and admitted them.
Parents/caregivers will say good-bye at the gates.
In case of rain, your child will come directly to the front doors starting at 8:30, present the Ask, Ask, Look at the doors and be admitted directly to the classroom.

New COVID Testing Protocol

All students will now be automatically enrolled in the testing program that supports asymptomatic testing, symptomatic testing, and testing for close contacts. This change was announced by OSSE and DCPS on August 27, 2021 Testing programs that screen for COVID-19, alongside other prevention strategies, can detect new positive cases of COVID-19 and work to prevent potential outbreaks. This not only protects the health and wellness of our school communities but supports schools in remaining open for in-person instruction safely. Consistent with health guidance, we will test 10 percent of students each week to screen for COVID-19 as part of our health and safety protocols, targeting unvaccinated students. If parents or students 18 and older wish to opt-out of the testing programming, they should complete the form at this link and turn it into their school - osse.dc.gov/page/school-based-covid-19-testing

HVAC Update

Please read the following communication from DCPS regarding the current HVAC status in our building.

School Supplies

Pay for school supplies here: https://rosspta.square.site/

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.

Health and Medical

Immunizations must be up to date for your child to attend school. If you are still waiting on an appointment, your child may attend for 20 days while you obtain compliance.

Medications must be turned into the school nurse along with required medical documentation.

Your child MAY NOT keep any medications in the classroom or backpack. Medications WILL NOT travel between school and after care vendors. Please inform vendors of your child's medications and medical needs. I am not able to share that information.

Please submit all required medical and dental forms as soon as they are completed.

Nurse Gordon : cdelancygo@childrensnational.org

After Care Options

Capital City Music Project

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

THE KEEGAN THEATRE

BKrishawn@keegantheatre.com

Warm Regards,