Weekly Update October 14th, 2024

Toro Families,

As we enter the week of October 14th, we would like to share some important reminders and upcoming events. Your participation is invaluable in fostering a safe and enriching environment for our students. From morning drop-off procedures to exciting activities celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and Unity Day, there are many ways for families to engage and support our school community. Please take a moment to review the information below, and we look forward to your involvement in the coming weeks!  

• 🌅 Morning Drop-Off Reminder: As a reminder, in the morning student car riders are dropped-off in the car rider lane or either the parents park their vehicles in a designated parking space.  Students should not be dropped off in the road or on the side of the road.  This creates safety issues for your child during the busy morning drop-off.
• 🎨 National Hispanic Heritage Celebration: Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at Rota Elementary School, in collaboration with the NAVST Rota Diversity Committee, with an exciting after-school craft event on Tuesday, October 15th from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Multi-Purpose Building on campus and will feature crafts, speakers, and cake. Students and their families are warmly invited to attend, and we look forward to seeing you there!
• 🧡 Wear Orange on October 16th: We invite all students and staff to wear orange in celebration of Unity Day. Join us at 8:30 AM in the school courtyard for a special event featuring a performance by our 2nd grade students. Parents are warmly welcome to attend and share in this important day of togetherness at Rota Elementary.
• ♟️ Chess Club: Rota Elementary is excited to offer a Chess Club for grades 3-5 starting October 22nd to May 1st! Enhance skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking in Mr. Tutty's classroom (room #137) from 2:35 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Space is limited, and parents will be notified about membership status by October 15th. All levels welcome! For more information, please see the attached application form.
• 🚫 National Bullying Prevention Month: This October, our school will focus on identifying and preventing bullying. Students will learn how to distinguish bullying from conflict, resolve conflicts, and become 'upstanders' by supporting peers. We'll discuss strategies for preventing and reporting bullying, ensuring a safe environment for all at DGF.
• 💉 Flu Vaccine Clinics: Flu vaccines will be available for all beneficiaries starting October 16th.  Vaccines will be available at the Navy Exchange (NEX) on October 16th and 17th, and at DGF School on November 7th and 8th.  For more information, please contact COMM: 956-82-3464 / DSN: 727-3464.
• 📋 SAC Q1 Meeting Notes: We would like to thank our parents for their valuable participation and input during the SAC Q1 meeting. Attached to this communication, you will find the detailed notes from that meeting.
• 📽️ Red Ribbon Week: Lights, camera, action!  Get ready for Red Ribbon Week, October 28 - November 1!  We're celebrating a drug-free life with a week of movie-themed fun, including dress-up days, a character parade, and more!
• 🍋 Lemon Chat: Our Military Family Life Counselors are excited to offer small group sessions for students in grades 1-5! This program will run from September 2024 through June 2025. For more information, feel free to reach out to Barbara Angstadt at 641-482-865 or Roneiko Henderson at 624-262-856. We look forward to supporting our students!
• 📅 Family Deployment Support Group: Join us for the Family Deployment Support Group hosted by Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC) on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 2:50 PM to 4:00 PM in the DGF Elementary Library. Upcoming meetings will take place on October 17, November 14, and December 19, 2024. This is a great opportunity for families to connect and receive support during deployment times. For more information, please contact Barbara Angstadt or Roneiko Henderson at 641-482-8656 or 262-856.
• 💚 Feeling Overwhelmed Supporting Your Child's Mental Health? Join our free, monthly support group! Learn practical strategies, discover helpful resources, and find ways to manage your own stress while supporting your child. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 8:15 to 9:30 in the EDIS Building Conference Room. Call 727-4029 to reserve your space.
• 📆 Stay Informed: Stay informed by reviewing the Rota ES annual calendar, along with the calendar for this month. Be sure to check the details for October’s events and activities.
• 🔔 School Hours: Doors open at 7:50 a.m.; classes start at 8:05 a.m. Late arrivals must be signed in by a parent. Office hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily. Contact: 856-82-0220 (off-base) or 682-0220 (DSN). Dismissal: 2:35 p.m. daily, 1:35 p.m. on Wednesdays. Please arrange childcare accordingly.

Let’s have a great week ahead! 🎉

Ken Kirk

Principal

Rota Elementary

2022 National Blue Ribbon School

Mission – Educate, Engage, and Empower each student to succeed in a dynamic world.

Vision – Excellence in Education for Every Student, Every Day, Everywhere