Weekly Updates February 3rd 2025

THE TORO BULLETIN – WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3RD, 2025 

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE 

Toro Families, 

We have some exciting events coming up, starting with our 100th Day of School celebration on February 7th! Let's get creative and dress up in costumes that reflect the theme of "100." 

Lastly, be sure to check out the extended deadline for the Purple Up Day T-shirt design contest and mark your calendars for our upcoming STEM Expo! 

Let’s make February a month of celebration and learning together! 

Warm Regards, 

Ken Kirk 

Principal 

UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• Celebrate the 100th Day of School. Join us on February 7th as we celebrate the 100th day of school! Both students and staff are invited to dress up for the occasion. Get creative and come in costumes that reflect the theme of "100" – whether it's dressing as a centenarian or wearing a shirt with 100 items on it. Let's make this milestone a fun and memorable day for everyone! 
• Paws for Thought: Animals on School Grounds! Just a friendly reminder that our school grounds, including the main campus and surrounding sidewalks, are a no-pets zone—unless you have a special permit, of course! Let's keep our campus safe for everyone. Thank you for your understanding! 
• T-Shirt Design Contest Extended! Rota Elementary's Purple Up Day T-shirt design contest deadline has been extended to February 5th! All students are encouraged to participate. See the attached flyer for details. 
• Calling all STEM enthusiasts! Our 5th Annual STEM Expo is April 30, 2025! Share your STEM expertise with our students – see the attached flyer for details and to RSVP by March 27th. Contact Mary Chambers at mary.chambers@dodea.edu with questions. 
• DoD Schools Ranked Best in the Nation Again! Fourth and eighth-grade students from Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools topped the nation on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reading and Mathematics Assessments, scoring 14 to 25 points above the national average while national scores fell. This success highlights the dedication of DoDEA's teachers, staff, and students. Learn more about this achievement at NAEP Results. 

UPDATES & REMINDERS 

• Nominate an Inspiring Teacher! The nomination period for the District Teacher of the Year (TOY) award is open from January 6 to February 14, 2025. This DoDEA program honors teachers who make a positive impact on students and communities. Parents are encouraged to nominate teachers who have inspired their children. Visit the to submit your nomination. Help us recognize a deserving teacher’s dedication! Thank you for your support! 

Visit https://www.dodea.edu/toy to submit your nomination. Help us recognize a deserving teacher’s dedication! Thank you for your support!

• 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 themtorotaesyearbook@gmail.com. The deadline is March 31st. Don't miss this opportunity to personalize their yearbook memory!

COMMUNITY NEWS

• 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. Call727-4029 to reserve your space.

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 

STAY CONNECTED 

Additional Resources. Stay connected and learn more about our school by visiting our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RotaDGFes/ or exploring our website at https://rotaes.dodea.edu/.