The Toro Bulletin

March 10th 2025
March 3, 2025

Principal Message

THE TORO BULLETIN – WEEK OF MARCH 10TH, 2025
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Toro Families,
I hope this message finds you well! I want to take a moment to reflect on the successful Read Across DoDEA Week we just experienced. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our PTSA for organizing the Spring book fair and to our school information specialist Ms. Popadines for coordinating the various events throughout the week. The highlight was our "Drop Everything and Read" event, where all of our students came together to celebrate reading in the cafeteria—a joyful culmination of our efforts!

As we continue to progress through the school year, I would like to remind you of a few important updates. This Thursday, we will have a special early release for all students. Please make arrangements for your child’s pick-up on this day.

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that re-registration for the upcoming school year is now open. We encourage all families to complete the re-registration process as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot.

Lastly, please take a moment to read the special message from the European DoDEA director included in this newsletter. It contains important updates regarding recent changes to DoDEA policies.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education!

DoDEA's official photo of Mr. Kenneth C. Kirk.

Mr. Kenneth C. Kirk

Rota Elementary School
PSC 819 Box 19
FPO, AE 09645-0019
United States

+34 856-82-0220
Assistant Principal for Rota ES

Danielle Rodriguez

Rota Elementary School
PSC 819 Box 19
FPO, AE 09645-0019
United States

+34 856-82-0220

UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
•  Reminder Early Release: This Thursday, the 13th, students will be dismissed early at 10:55 AM due to teacher professional development. Please ensure you have suitable childcare arrangements in place.
•  Update from Europe Director: We encourage you to take a moment to read the attached message from Dr. Howard-Brahaney, the Director for Student Excellence. This important communication offers valuable insights into the latest educational initiatives, policies, and reviews being implemented by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).
•  🌟🌟 Important: Re-Register for the 2025-2026 School Year NOW! 🌟🌟 Parents, it’s time to ensure your students are set for the upcoming school year! Please complete the re-registration process via the Family Portal as soon as possible. Log on to Aspen today! For essential information and step-by-step instructions, check the attached document
 

Regestration_2025_2026_1

Flyers

Dedications
Spirit_Wear
STEM_Expo_Week
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
    Get Support from Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)! We have skilled Military Family Life Counselors available to assist military-connected students and families with confidential, non-medical counseling on a variety of topics. If you're interested in learning more about MFLC services or wish to connect with a counselor, please visit the school office or reach out to Bridgette at 624-905-904, or Walter at 641-482-865. Remember, students seeking support must have a permission form on file. For details about the services and permission form, please check the attached document.
  • Unlock Free Online Tutoring with Tutor.com! Give your student the advantage of free online tutoring through Tutor.com! With expert assistance in numerous subjects, this resource is designed to help your child succeed. To learn more about how to access this incredible support, visit tutor.com today!
  • Access Comprehensive Student Support Resources! Are you or your student facing challenges? Our school offers a variety of support resources to help. The attached flyer outlines the available options, including counseling services (MFLC, school counselors, IBHC), chaplain support, and emergency contacts. Remember, you’re not alone – reach out for support!
  • Join the EDIS Parent Support Group! Are you looking for ways to support your child's mental well-being? Join our EDIS monthly support group, held on the first Wednesday of every month from 8:15-9:30 AM in the EDIS Building Conference Room. Connect with other parents, learn effective coping skills, and find ways to reduce stress. Call 727-4029 to reserve your spot today!
     
  • UPDATES & REMINDERS
    •  🚨🚨 Last Call for Fifth Grade Yearbook Dedications! 🚨🚨 Celebrate your fifth grader's achievements with a heartfelt message in the yearbook! Submit your 2-3 sentence dedication along with up to 2 photos by scanning the QR code or emailing rotaesyearbook@gmail.com. Hurry—time is running out! The deadline is quickly approaching on March 31st. Don’t miss this chance to create a cherished memory for your child!
    •  🚀🚀 Get Ready for the 2025 STEM Expo! 🚀🚀 Join us for Rota Elementary's 5th Annual STEM Expo from April 28th to May 1st, showcasing incredible student projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics! Don’t miss Family Night on April 30th from 5:00-6:30 PM, featuring a showcase of student work and an awards ceremony. Want to be a presenter? Contact mary.chambers@dodea.edu by March 27th to share your STEM expertise. This is an exciting event you won’t want to miss!
     
STEM_Expo_Week

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
• 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.

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DoDEA School Dress Code

Image showing dress code and location of armpit and mid-thigh

Students MUST wear:

  • Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
  • Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
  • Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
    • Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
    • Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed

Students CANNOT wear clothing with:

  • Language or images promoting violence
  • Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
  • Derogatory speech/imagery targeting groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law
  • Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head

* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress

* DoDEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoDEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

Name Position Details Phone
School Counselor School Counselor +34 856-82-0220
School Nurse School Nurse +34 856-82-0220
School Psychologist School Psychologist +34 856-82-0220
Report Attendance Attendance +34 856-82-0220

School Hours

Grade Regular Hours Wednesdays Office Hours
PK - 5 8:05 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. 8:05 a.m. - 1:35 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  (Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri) Early Release (Monday - Friday)
It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to notify the school every time a student is absent.
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