The TORO Bulletin - Week of March 23rd, 2026
A Note from the Principal
Dear Toro Families,
I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend! As we head into this week, there is excitement in the hallways. We are officially on the countdown to Spring Break, and while the week is short, it is packed with learning and preparation.
Please take a moment to review this week’s Toro Bulletin for important updates, upcoming events, and a few highlights of the fantastic work our students have been doing.
🗓️ Important Dates to Remember:
- Short Week: We only have 3 school days this week (Monday–Wednesday).
- Spring Break Starts: Thursday, March 26th.
- School Resumes: Monday, April 6th.
Whether you are traveling or enjoying a peaceful "staycation," I hope this upcoming break provides your family with plenty of rest, relaxation, and quality time together. We look forward to seeing our Toros back on campus, refreshed and ready to finish the school year strong, on April 6th.
Warm regards,
Ken Kirk
Principal, Rota Elementary School
Pictures of the Week
Drama Club Students "Acting" Silly!
Coming Up This Week!
Upcoming No School Day: Teacher Workday
Please note that there will be no school for students on Thursday, March 26th. This day has been set aside as a designated Teacher Workday to allow our faculty dedicated time to prepare and finalize 3rd quarter progress reports.
Because this is a scheduled workday for staff, the school will be closed to all students. We kindly ask all families to arrange for appropriate childcare for the day.
We look forward to welcoming students back to campus on Monday, April 6th. Thank you for your support in providing our teachers with this essential time to focus on your child's academic growth and documentation.
Get Ready for Spring Break, Rota Elementary!
Our students have been working hard, and now it’s almost time for some well-deserved fun and sunshine! Spring Break is just around the corner.
Our school will be closed starting Thursday, March 26th, with students returning refreshed and ready to learn on Monday, April 6th.
We wish everyone in our school community a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break. Enjoy the downtime and make some great memories!
See you back here in April!
Upcoming Events, Important Information, & Reminders
Spring into the 2026-2027 School Year: Re-Registration Now Open
It's time for School Year 2026-2027 Spring Re-registration! Parents must submit a re-registration to indicate whether each student is staying in DoDEA or leaving their current location. Parents should log into the DoDEA Student Information System (DSIS) Family Portal at https://dodeasis.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do to submit each student re-registration request. The re-registration process also provides a quick and easy way for families to update information (contacts, Sponsor's employment status, student health) if the student is returning.
Below are a few tips to ensure success:
- Make sure you are using the Current Student Re-Registration section in the Family Portal.
- Expired or expiring orders? Upload documents on the Documents tab as part of the re-registration process (i.e., new orders, extensions, etc.).
- Update only information that has changed since last school year.
- Be sure to review and update all contact information for every contact. You will also be able to indicate whether an emergency contact should be added or removed.
Please complete the re-registration process as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school year. The information collected during re-registration will be used to determine each student's continued eligibility, as well as plan staffing and resource needs for the coming school year. After your re-registration submission has been reviewed, the School Registrar will contact you if additional information is required.
Note: If the student is enrolled on a space available basis, the school will contact you for additional requirements. Re-registration is not confirmation that space is available for the next school year.
If you encounter issues, please contact the School Registrar.
🤒 Keeping Our School Healthy: Health Reminders
To ensure a safe learning environment for everyone, please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following:
- Fever
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Persistent Cough
- Sore Throat
- Unexplained Rash
- General signs of not feeling well
⚠️ The 24-Hour Rule
The most important step in preventing the spread of illness is the recovery window. Children must be fever-free and symptom-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) before returning to school.
Sending a sick child to school can make their recovery harder and risks spreading illness to their classmates and teachers. When in doubt, it's always best to rest!
Questions? If you are unsure whether your child is ready to return to class, please feel free to contact the school nurse, Ms. Patten (yolanda.patten@dodea.edu)
🎶 Mark Your Calendars: Purple Up Day Performance!
We are thrilled to invite you to a very special celebration of our military-connected students at David Glasgow Farragut Elementary School. Our talented 2nd Grade students have been working hard on a Special Music Performance to honor Purple Up Day.
It’s going to be a morning filled with music, community, and school spirit. We can't wait to see you there!
Event Details
- What: 2nd Grade Purple Up Day Music Performance
- When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Time: 8:30 A.M.
- Where: David Glasgow Farragut Elementary School
Don't forget to wear your purple to show your support!
Capture the Memories!
The 2025-2026 school year has been one for the books—literally! The Rota Elementary School PTSA is officially opening Yearbook Pre-Orders. From first-day smiles to field day fun, make sure your student has a permanent keepsakes of their favorite moments. The final countdown for all orders ends April 17. Scan the QR code in the flyer below to grab yours today!
🚀 Blast Off into Elementary STEAM Night!
Get ready to ignite your curiosity! We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Elementary STEAM Night on April 29th. This is the perfect opportunity for our young innovators to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and scientific discovery.
Whether your student is an aspiring engineer, a digital artist, or a budding chemist, we want to see what they can dream up! Projects can span a variety of exciting categories, including:
- Experiments & Inventions
- Art + Science Fusion
- Coding & Robotics
🔬 How to Get Involved
- Create at Home: Parents, we encourage you to help your kids design and build a project that sparks their interest.
- Display Your Work: Need a tri-fold board for your presentation? The PTSA has them available for sale!
- Sign Up: To participate in the showcase, please send an email to teresa.bejar@dodea.edu.
We can't wait to see the "amazing" things our students create. Let’s make this a night to remember!
🎨 Don't Let Your Child's Masterpiece Fade Away!
Time is ticking! ⏰ The deadline to place your Original Works orders is almost here—final orders are due April 3rd.
This special program turns your child’s artwork into personalized keepsakes and gifts—think mugs, magnets, tote bags, and more!
💡 How to Order:
It’s easy! Just follow the instructions on the flyer that was sent home with your child. A few clicks are all it takes to turn their creativity into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
❓ Have Questions?
We're here to help! Please reach out to:
- Contact: Miranda Larrison
- Email: vpdgfptsa@gmail.com
Community News, Resources, & Supports
Strengthen Your Bonds: Join the "Ready, Set, Connect" Relationship Summit
Strong relationships are the foundation of a ready force. Join us for Ready, Set, Connect, a free, two-day virtual summit featuring expert-led sessions on building trust, navigating military life as a couple, and mastering long-distance family connections.
Event Highlights:
- Dates: Tuesday, April 7 – Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Format: 100% Virtual – join from anywhere!
- Topics Include: * Building trust and healthy dating.
- Stronger parent-child relationships.
- Prioritizing self-care and individual well-being.
- Staying connected during deployments or time away.
Gain actionable tools to enhance your personal life and boost your mission readiness. Don't wait to invest in your most important connections.
Reserve your spot and explore the full lineup: www.militaryonesource.mil/ready-set-connect
Your Guide to Student Support: Navigating the Rota Roadmap
It is perfectly okay to not be okay. Whether you’re feeling the stress of a deployment, struggling with a move, or just feeling overwhelmed by school, your well-being is our top priority. The Student Support Roadmap is here to help you find the right level of care when you need it most.
🚦 Know Your Level of Need
- Green: No immediate safety issues.
- Yellow: You have some concerns for your safety.
- Red: High concern for safety; you need immediate help to stay safe.
🛣️ Available Support Pathways
Depending on your situation, there are several dedicated teams ready to listen and help:
- For Everyday Support: Reach out to School Mental Health Support or the Rota School Complex staff (teachers, counselors, or the principal) during school hours.
- For Specialized Counseling: * MFLC (Military & Family Life Counselors): Great for talking through stressful life events (requires parent permission).
- FFSC (Fleet & Family Support Center): Helps with adjusting to life in Rota or deployment stress. Call 956-82-3232.
- EDIS Mental Health: Offers medical/mental health counseling for anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
- For Low-Barrier Access: The Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic (IBHC) offers tools for sleep, stress, and mood with no referral needed. Call 956-82-3618.
- For Spiritual or Personal Guidance: Command Chaplains are available for school issues, grief, or faith concerns. Call +34 956 82 2161.
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Support
If you are in danger of hurting yourself or others, please use these resources immediately:
- Crisis Line: Call 988 on base for 24/7 support.
- Emergency Department: Go directly to the ER or call 911 on base (112 off base).
Important Note: You don't have to navigate these challenges alone. If you aren't sure where to start, stop by the School Mental Health office—they can help connect you to the right resource.
🌱 Build Calm and Connection: Mindful Parenting Workshop
Parenting is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be incredibly stressful. If you’ve ever found yourself yelling, feeling frustrated by repeat behaviors, or worrying about the future, you aren’t alone.
The Fleet & Family Support Center is hosting a 6-week Mindful Parenting class designed to help you move from feeling overwhelmed to being intentional. This supportive, practical program focuses on building confidence and creating lasting connections with your children.
What to Expect:
- Stay Grounded: Learn techniques to remain calm and focused during stressful moments.
- Self-Discovery: Explore how your own upbringing influences your parenting style.
- Goal Setting: Identify what you truly want for your children and practical ways to get there.
- Communication: Tips for establishing open dialogue and healthy boundaries.
Event Details:
- When: March 23 & 30 | April 6, 13, 20 & 27
- Time: 1000–1200
- Where: Fleet and Family Support Center
- Who: Open to all service members and adult family dependents.
How to Register:
Ready to bring more peace to your household? You can register by scanning the QR code in the flyer above or by contacting Fleet & Family directly:
- Visit: BLDG 3293
- Call: +34 956 82 3232
- Email: usn.rota.navstarotasp.mbx.ffsc@us.navy.mil
What is Child Find?
Is your child reaching their milestones? If you have questions about your child’s development or learning, now is the time to get answers.
Child Find is a free service provided by DODEA for children from birth to age 21. It’s designed to identify developmental delays or learning challenges early, ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive.
Mark Your Calendar!
Our final screening date for this school year is:
- Date: April 15th
- Who: Military and civilian dependents (Ages 3-5 not currently enrolled at Rota Elementary).
When Should You Seek Help?
You should consider scheduling a screening if:
- You have general concerns about your child’s learning or development.
- Your child struggles with speech, vision, hearing, or motor skills.
- There is a diagnosed condition or health issue impacting their growth.
Take Action Today
Screenings are free and easy to schedule. To learn more or to book an appointment for the April 15th session, please contact Rota Elementary School:
📞 Call: 856-82-0220
Support Your Child with MFLC Services
Did you know your child can access free, confidential support through the Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program right here at school?
Our MFLC counselors are dedicated to helping students navigate the unique challenges of military life, including:
- School transitions and moves
- Deployments and reunions
- Peer relationships and social skills
- Emotional well-being and academic success
Action Required: Complete the ROI Form
To allow your child to receive individualized support from the MFLC, we must have a completed Release of Information (ROI) form on file. Without this form, the counselor is limited to general classroom interactions only.
How to get a form:
- Pick one up at the front office.
- Request to have one sent home with your student.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s emotional health and success!
PTSA News & Updates
Shape the Future of Our School: PTSA Board Nominations are Open!
Parents and Guardians, we are already looking ahead to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year! To make it a success, we need passionate voices to help lead the way. We currently have open seats on the Rota Elementary School PTSA Board, and we want you to join us.
Available Positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Various Coordinator Roles
Whether you have a specific skill set to offer or simply want to be more involved in your child’s educational environment, there is a place for you here. You can nominate yourself or someone you know who would be a great fit!
How to Get Involved:
- Fill out the Interest Form: Sign Up Here
- Send us an Email: Reach out to rotadgfptsapresident@gmail.com
Important: The deadline for all nominations is April 1st.
We look forward to building an incredible team for the upcoming year!
Did You Know the PTSA Does That?
Our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) works behind the scenes to make our school year unforgettable! From funding essential supplies to hosting our favorite traditions, here is a look at what we’ve been up to:
- School Events: We bring the fun with events like Field Day, Story Time, the Book Fair, our annual Fun Run, and the Winter Bazaar.
- Upgrades & Supplies: We invest directly in our students' education by purchasing new supplies and modern learning tools for our classrooms.
- Teacher Support: We show our gratitude by funding classroom needs and hosting a special Teacher Appreciation Week every year.
- Weekly Programs: Don’t forget—we make fresh popcorn and run the Toro Store every Wednesday!
- Fundraising: All of this is made possible through your memberships, yearbook sales, and school merchandise.
Join the Team!
We are always looking for new members and volunteers to help bring these programs to life. Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, we’d love to have you.
👕 DGF Elementary Merch is Officially Here!
It's time to show your school spirit and support the PTSA! Our brand-new DGF Elementary merchandise has arrived, featuring our fierce bull mascot on cozy sweatshirts and bright tees.
Whether you're looking to outfit the kids or grab some gear for yourself, we've got you covered with both Youth and Adult sizes available. Best of all, every purchase directly supports our PTSA programs!
Ready to gear up?
- Shop Online: Visit dgfptsa.givebacks.com
- Quick Access: Scan the QR code on the official merch flyer to go straight to the store.
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