Weekly Update February 17th, 2025

THE TORO BULLETIN – WEEK OF FEBRUARY 17TH, 2025 

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE 

Toro Families, 

As we head into this week, we want to remind you that students do not have school on Monday or Tuesday and will return on Wednesday, February 19th. We encourage you to take advantage of the support available through our Military Family Life Counselors, who are here to assist our families. Please refer to the newsletter for more information on these valuable resources. 

Additionally, we ask for your cooperation in using the designated drop-off and pick-up zones around the school to ensure smooth traffic flow and to avoid blocking driveways in our family housing area. 

Be sure to check out all the important updates and information for the week ahead. Thank you for your partnership in making our school community a safe and welcoming environment! 

Warm Regards, 

Ken Kirk 

Principal 

UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• Parking Reminder: Keep Our Neighborhood Accessible. Please be aware of parking congestion near the school during morning and afternoon pick-up times, where cars are sometimes blocking driveways. To keep our neighborhood accessible, please use designated parking spots and drop-off zones. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping everything run smoothly—thank you! 
• No School: February 14th-18th. Please note that there will be no school from February 14th through the 18th. This break includes President's Day and a scheduled In-Service Training day for teachers. Students will return to school on Wednesday, February 19th. 
• Join the 5th Annual STEM Expo at DGF Elementary on April 30th from 5:00-6:30 PM! We need enthusiastic parent and student volunteers to create engaging presentations with exciting activities like egg drop challenges and rocket launches. If you have creative ideas or expertise in STEM, please fill out the attached form and return it with your child or email Mary Chambers at mary.chambers@dodea.edu. Your participation will ensure a memorable event for all students! 

UPDATES & REMINDERS 

• Spring Photos Alert! 􊸬􊸳􊸮􊸵􊸯􊸶􊸰􊸴 Get ready for picture-perfect moments! Spring photos will be held on February 24th for 1st and 3rd graders, February 25th for 2nd, 4th graders, and PSCD students, and February 26th for our PreK and Kindergarten kids. Make sure your child is dressed to impress and ready to shine! 􈉓􈉔􈉕􈉖􈉗􈉘
• Fifth Grade Yearbook Dedications. Celebrate your fifth grader's accomplishments by dedicating a special message to them in the yearbook! Submit your 2-3 sentence message and 2 photos (maximum) by scanning the QR code or emailing them to rotaesyearbook@gmail.com. The deadline is March 31st. Don't miss this opportunity to personalize their yearbook memory! 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

• Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) Available for Support! We have dedicated Military Family Life Counselors ready to assist military-connected students and families with confidential, non-medical counseling on various issues. To learn more about MFLC services or to connect with a counselor, please visit the school office or call Bridgette at 624-905-904 or Walter at 641-482-865. Please note that any student receiving support must have a permission form on record. For additional details about MFLC services and the permission form, please see the attachment. 
• Free Online Tutoring with Tutor.com Available! Your student can benefit from free online tutoring through Tutor.com, offering support in numerous subjects. For more information on accessing this valuable resource, please visit tutor.com. 
• Student Support Resources Available! Facing challenges? Our school provides comprehensive support. The attached flyer details available resources including counseling services (MFLC, school counselors, IBHC), chaplain support, and emergency contacts. Don't hesitate to reach out for help! 
• EDIS Parent Support Group. Struggling to support your child's mental well-being? EDIS offers a monthly support group (first Wednesday, 8:15-9:30 AM, EDIS Building Conference Room) to help parents connect, learn coping skills, and reduce stress. Call 727-4029 to reserve your space. 
• Neurodiversity Webinar Series. A 2025 Webinar Series titled "Uniquely Wired: A Deep Dive into Diverse Cognitive Variations" is being offered, focusing on supporting learners with neurodiversity. Please refer to the attached flyer for dates, times, and registration information. 

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES 

• Lego Robotics Club. The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. 

THE NURSE'S CORNER 

• Health Reminder for Parents. To maintain a healthy school environment, please keep your child at home if they exhibit any symptoms such as fever (100°F or higher), new rashes with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, draining skin sores, worsening respiratory symptoms, eye redness with discharge, or general unwellness. Your cooperation is essential in preventing the spread of illness. For questions, contact the school nurse. 

PTSA NEWS 

• Popcorn Subscription. PTSA's Popcorn Wednesdays program offers half-year subscriptions (1 bag/$10, 2 bags/$15, delivered through May 21st), individual bags ($1), and requires orders for weekly popcorn before 7:30 AM on Wednesdays; payments are accepted via check (payable to DGF PTSA), cash (USD only), or online; the renewal deadline is January 16th, and a free popcorn day is scheduled for April 23rd. 
• Celebrate Spirit Fridays! Get ready for Spirit Fridays at Rota Elementary! Every Friday, students can show their school pride by wearing blue. All participants will be acknowledged, and the class with the highest percentage of students in blue will earn special recognition from the PTSA. Let's come together to celebrate our school spirit every week! 
• Spirit Wear. Rota Elementary School is having a winter release and restock of their spirit wear. Youth and adult sizes are available. A QR code is provided for online shopping to support the PTSA. 
• PTSA: So Much More Than You Think! Your PTSA is hard at work behind the scenes, making our school a better place. We organize fun events like Field Day and the Winter Bazaar, fundraise to provide new supplies and learning tools, run weekly programs, and even support our teachers with funding and appreciation events. Consider becoming a member or volunteer—we always welcome new help! 
• Calling All Volunteers! Rota ES PTSA needs your help! We're looking for volunteers to support our school community. Scan the QR codes (see image) to join our WhatsApp chat or Facebook page and find out how you can get involved. Every bit of help makes a difference! Questions? Email us at DGFPTSAVOLUNTEER@gmail.com. 

SCHOOL CALENDARS & LUNCH MENUS 

• Stay informed by exploring the Rota ES annual calendar and this month's school calendar. Find lunch menus and details about the Student Meal Program at https://www.mynavyexchange.com/studentmealprogram/. 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

• NOW HIRING: Educational Aides and Substitute Teachers! Join our team to support military-connected students. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals for entry-level federal positions offering professional growth, flexible part-time schedules, competitive wages, and benefits—no college degree required! For more details, check out the attached flyers or visit usajobs.gov.

CONTACT US 

Office Hours: 

7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Daily) 

Doors Open to Students at 7:50 a.m. 

Instructional Hours 

8:05 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. (Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri) 

8:05 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. (Wednesday) 

Note: Late arrivals must be signed in by a parent. 

Phone Numbers 

Off-Base: 856-82-0220 

DSN: 682-0220 

Report School Attendance 

rotaes.attendance@dodea.edu 

School Registration Inquiries 

rotaes.registrar@dodea.edu