SAC (Q4) Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm.

II. Roll Call

Teacher representatives, SAC members, the Principal, and parents attended the meeting. Mrs. Paul (Vice-Chairperson) was absent.

III. Attendance

Attendance was recorded by sign-in.

IV. Principal’s Report

• April was a very busy month at Rota Elementary School. Mr. Kirk expressed his appreciation for all the events, highlighting the efforts of staff, parents, students, and volunteers in making each event special.
• Field Day is scheduled for May 27th, and the school is seeking volunteers to help with the event.
• Teacher Appreciation Week is taking place this week, from May 4th to 8th.
• All grade-level assessments will be completed by next week.
• School registration has begun. Parents should indicate whether students will be returning to Rota ES for the next school year or leaving. All parents are required to submit a re-registration request via the DSIS Family Portal.
• A new ship is arriving in Rota, and families with orders have started registering.
• The estimated enrollment for next school year is about 600-650 students.
• There will be two teacher vacancies next school year, as well as openings for teacher aides and substitute teachers.
• Fifth-grade promotion will be held on June 8th.
• The School Year 2026-2027 calendar has been released.

V. PTSA’s Report

• The PTSA is seeking volunteers for Field Day on May 27th. Shirts for the event have been ordered.
• Volunteers are also needed for the fifth grade and kindergarten end-of-year celebrations.

VI. Open Issues

1. Consistency in Classroom Curricula and Teaching Methods: A community member raised concerns about variations in teaching styles and curricula. They requested a more standardized curriculum across classrooms within the same grade level to ensure equity and consistency. Ms. Rodriguez (Assistant Principal) responded that all grade levels follow the same standards and curriculum, though teachers employ different teaching methods. Teachers are encouraged to use approaches that work best for them, but must adhere to the DOWEA Europe curriculum standards. Teachers also collaborate in planning, and assessments are aligned with the curriculum. The curriculum is presented to parents and students during meet and greet events. Parents are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Kirk or Ms. Rodriguez with specific questions or concerns.
2. Feedback on "Purple Up" Event Logistics and Future Scheduling Recommendations: A parent provided positive feedback on the ‘Purple Up’ event, praising the administration and PTSA’s efforts. However, logistical challenges were noted, including long wait times for food after the parent seminar. To better accommodate working families, it was recommended to spread celebration activities over the entire month and consider hosting smaller, morning seminars with light refreshments instead of a single evening event. Mr. Kirk appreciated the feedback and will explore ways to serve food more quickly, spread out events, and recruit more volunteers. He intends to plan differently for the next school year.
3. Communication and Information Session Request for the APPS Program: Several parents requested improved communication regarding the APPS program, specifically seeking more details on its structure, testing and selection process, and student benefits. They suggested the program coordinator host an introductory morning meeting for parents and new or prospective students to outline the program and answer questions. Mr. Kirk agreed this is a good suggestion and will share it with the coordinator. He acknowledged the need for better communication and introduction of the program, especially since there is a new coordinator and the program has been revised this year.

VII. Open Session (not to exceed 15 minutes)

DOWEA is collaborating with the NAVY to provide relocatable classrooms.

VIII. New Business

• EOY Year Report: The End-of-Year report will be distributed at the conclusion of the school year.
• SAC SY 26/27: Elections for the School Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 school year will take place in August 2026.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 3:29 pm.