Dear Will Rogers Parents and Guardians,

It is my honor and joy to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with joy, rest, and meaningful moments with loved ones. Thank you for choosing Will Rogers—we are excited to partner with you in helping your child learn, grow, and thrive.

As an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School, we believe there is a broad range of capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. We make a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them.

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

A warm welcome to our new families—whether you are joining us from another SMMUSD school, or from a different city, state, or country, we are so glad you’re here. We can’t wait to share with you all that Rogers has to offer. We believe you will soon see why Will Rogers Learning Community is such a special place for all children.

This year brings something truly exciting: the opening of our new Early Learning Building! This state-of-the-art, Reggio-inspired space will house seven TK/K classrooms designed to spark curiosity, inspire play, and foster exploration. From the very start of their educational journey, our youngest learners will be immersed in an environment that nurtures inquiry-based learning through a holistic approach. Our teachers have poured love, creativity, and thoughtful planning into these spaces—now we just need our students to bring them to life.

Grounded in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s values of Belonging, Curiosity, and Empowerment, Will Rogers will continue to deepen our work in building community and finding harmony in our diversity. This year, our work will be guided by four key commitments:

• Critical Humility – examining our professional practices and beliefs with openness and courage.

• Commitment to BIPOC Students – We are dedicated to actively affirming and uplifting the voices, brilliance, and potential of our BIPOC students. Grounded in our district’s mission of achieving extraordinary outcomes for all students, we recognize that by removing barriers and creating opportunities for those furthest from equity, we elevate learning and achievement for everyone.

• Collective Efficacy – believing that together, we have the power to ensure every student succeeds.

• Academic Fidelity – aligning instruction across grade levels to amplify our impact.

Our success as a school is powered by the commitment of our families. Please visit the Will Rogers PTA website to learn about membership and volunteer opportunities, and consider donating to both the Santa Monica Education Foundation and PTA. These contributions fund vital programs such as music, visual arts, our Regenerative Farm, and our school-wide composting program. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us create transformative experiences for our students.

Stay connected by reading the Will Rogers Roundup each Sunday evening for important updates from the school, PTA, SMEF, and our community partners. Links are posted on our school website. Please also complete your annual Aeries Parent Portal data confirmation and electronic first-day packet by Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

I look forward to another year of collaboration as we work together to provide your children with an effective, engaging, and inspiring education. Thank you for being a positive partner in your child’s educational journey.

In partnership,
Ms. Lila Daruty
Principal, Will Rogers Learning Community
ldaruty@smmusd.org