Weekly Update January 20th, 2025

Principal's Message

Toro Families,

                Welcome to this week’s edition of the Toro Bulletin! This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a National Day of Service. It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy through community volunteering, embracing the motto "A Day On, Not a Day Off." We encourage everyone to participate in acts of service that reflect his vision of equality and compassion for all.

                Additionally, we remind parents that the school’s front doors open at 7:50 a.m. Some students have been arriving early, and with the colder temperatures, they are waiting outside. To ensure the safety and comfort of all students, please time drop-offs accordingly.

                Be sure to explore the rest of this week's Toro Bulletin for important updates, upcoming events, and exciting news from our school community. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Warm Regards,

 Ken Kirk

Principal

Upcoming Events

• Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. On January 20, 2025, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a National Day of Service, honoring Dr. King's legacy through community volunteering, following the motto “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” 
• Parent Teacher Conferences (1/21). Teacher-parent conferences will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, for students who require them. If you would like to request a conference for your child, please contact their teacher directly.
• No School – Monday (1/20) and Tuesday (1/21): Please note that there will be no school for students on Monday, January 20th in observance of MLK Day, and on Tuesday, January 21st for parent-teacher conferences. We kindly ask parents to arrange childcare for those days.

Updates & Reminders

• 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!
• Nominate an Inspiring Teacher. We are thrilled to announce that the nomination period for the prestigious District Teacher of the Year (TOY) award will run from January 6 to February 14, 2025. This DoDEA TOY Program honors teachers who make significant positive impacts on students, schools, and communities. Parents can nominate teachers who have inspired their children, whether by helping overcome challenges, sparking curiosity, or supporting goal achievements. Visit the DoDEA TOY Website at http://www.dodea.edu/teachers/teacherofyear.cfm to submit your nomination online. Show your appreciation to a deserving teacher and contribute to recognizing their extraordinary dedication. Thank you for your support!
• School Yearbook Pre-Order. Don't miss out on the opportunity to pre-order the 2024-2025 Rota Elementary School Yearbook at a special price! The pre-order period ends January 31, 2025. Simply scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase yours today. Order your copy now to capture the memories of this school year!
• 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

• Need Support? You're Not Alone. Our Student Support Roadmap handout provides a helpful guide to the many resources available to support your well-being. Find the right help for you.
• Feeling Overwhelmed Supporting Your Child's Mental Health? Join our free monthly support group! Learn practical strategies and discover helpful resources while managing your own stress. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the EDIS Building Conference Room. Call 727-4029 to reserve your space

Clubs & Activities

• Homework Club: Rota Elementary offers an afterschool Homework Club for 4th and 5th grade students. The club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school until 3:15 p.m. It is open to all 4th and 5th grade students. For more information, please contact the club sponsor, Ms. Gray, at tamara.gray@dodea.edu.

• 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.  There will be no meeting this Tuesday due to school not being in session.

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.
• 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

• Stay informed by checking out the Rota ES annual calendar along with this month’s school and lunch calendars.

Employment Opportunities

• NOW HIRING Educational Aides and Substitute Teachers: Join our team and support military-connected students! We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals for entry-level federal positions that offer professional growth, flexible part-time schedules, competitive wages, and benefits—all without a college degree required! For more details, please refer to the attached flyers.

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