The TORO Bulletin - Week of April 6th, 2026
A Note from the Principal
Welcom Back, Toros!,
We hope you had a fantastic spring break! We are thrilled to welcome all students back to campus this Monday, April 6th, to kick off the final stretch of the school year.
Please take a moment to review these key updates:
- Holiday Reminder: There will be no school this Friday, April 10th.
- Month of the Military Child: April is dedicated to celebrating our military-connected students. Stay tuned for special events honoring their resilience!
- STEAM Night & Study Trips: We have an exciting month ahead, featuring various grade-level study trips and our annual STEAM Night at the end of April.
For full details on these events and more, be sure to check out the rest of this week's Toro Bulletin. Let’s have a wonderful week back!
Warm regards,
Ken Kirk
Principal
Pictures of the Week
Red Cross Presenting "Prepare with Pedro" About School Safety to Elementary Students
Coming Up This Week!
Important Reminder: No School on Friday, April 10th
Please be advised that there will be no school for students on Friday, April 10th, as our staff will be participating in a scheduled Teacher In-Service day.
We are sending this reminder so you have ample time to make any necessary childcare arrangements in advance. Regular classes will resume the following Monday.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
Study Trips: Important Guidelines!
We are excited as our grade levels get ready for their upcoming study trips, which are wonderful opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom. To guarantee that every excursion is safe, organized, and successful, please follow the outlined key guidelines for families. These policies help staff maintain continuous supervision and focus:
- Mandatory Bus Travel: All students must ride the provided bus to and from the destination.
- Meeting at the Venue: Parents and siblings are kindly asked not to meet the group at the study trip location. Having extra guests arrive at the venue adds significant challenges to managing the group and supervising the students effectively.
- No Siblings on Trips: Younger preschool-age children and siblings from other classrooms are not permitted to accompany the group. This rule ensures that staff can dedicate their full attention to the participating class.
- Return for Check-Out: There is a strict policy against non-emergency early check-outs directly from the trip location. All students must return to the school campus on the bus before they can be officially checked out.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making these study trips a fantastic educational experience for Rota Elementary School students!
Upcoming Events, Important Information, & Reminders
💜 Celebrate Our Heroes at Home! 💜
Join us for a special Month of the Military Child Family Night! Let's come together as a community to honor the strength, resilience, and spirit of our military children. Expect an evening filled with valuable resources, engaging presentations, dancing, and great food!
Event Details
Date: April 15th Start Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: Rota ES
Schedule of Events
4:30 p.m. | Community Resource Fair Kick off the evening by exploring our Community Resource Fair. Connect with local organizations, discover family support services, and gather valuable information tailored to our military families.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions & Activities
- For Parents: Join us for an insightful and supportive presentation by Dr. Cypers, focusing on the unique experiences and needs of the military child.
- For 1st – 5th Graders: It's time to groove! The USO is thrilled to host the Purple Up Dance. Wear your best purple gear and get ready to show off your dance moves!
- For Preschool & Kindergarteners: Supervised, fun playtime on the playground so parents can attend the presentation with peace of mind.
6:00 p.m. | Free PTSA Family Cook-Out! Families who participate in the parent presentation and the Purple Up Dance are invited to wrap up the evening with a FREE cook-out dinner, generously sponsored by our wonderful PTSA. Grab a burger or a hot dog, relax, and connect with other military families in our community.
Don't forget to "Purple Up!" > We encourage all students, parents, and community members to wear purple to show your support and appreciation for our military kids!
We can't wait to see you there to celebrate the amazing children in our military community!
🎶 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!
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.
🚀 Get Ready for Rota Elementary's STEAM Night!
Join us for a spectacular evening of discovery and fun at our upcoming STEAM Night! Bring the whole family for hands-on activities exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Admission is completely free for all students and their families!
Event Details:
- Date: April 29th
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Location: DGF Elementary School (Gym & Cafeteria)
What to Expect:
- STEAM Passports: Pick up your passport right at the entrance! Visit different stations to complete fun activities and collect stamps along the way.
- Opportunity Drawing: Complete at least 8 stations to enter our Grand Prize Drawing. There will be one lucky winner selected per grade level (UPK - 5th Grade)!
- At-Home Project Competition: Check out the incredible student projects on display. The top participants will be taking home some awesome prizes!
Questions? Please reach out to Teresa Bejar at teresa.bejar@dodea.edu.
We can't wait to see your family there for a night of learning, creativity, and imagination!
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.
School Calendars
Student Meal Program
Get Involved! - Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
Join the Rota Elementary Team for the 2026–2027 School Year!
Are you passionate about education and eager to support military-connected students? Rota Elementary School is currently hiring for multiple roles with the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA). Whether you are a seasoned professional or looking for an entry-level position, there is a place for you on the team of Toro educators!
Current Opportunities Include:
- Teaching Positions: Make a lasting impact in the classroom as a full-time federal educator. These roles offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- How to apply: Use the Employment Application System at webapps.dodea.edu/eas/login.cfm
- Educational Aides & Substitute Teachers: Support student success in flexible, entry-level roles—no college degree required! Enjoy part-time schedules, competitive wages, federal benefits, and room for growth.
- How to apply: Search for openings on USAJobs.gov
Want to learn more? Explore DoDEA careers and resources by visiting dodea.edu/offices/human-resources/work-dodea.
School Information
📢 Action Required: Update Your Contact Information!
Have you moved or changed your phone number recently? If your contact information (such as your address or phone number) has changed since you enrolled your student, please update your details with the elementary front office.
It is vital that we have your most current information on file so we can reach you quickly in case of an emergency.
How to Update Your Information:
- 📞 Call: 856-820-220
- ✉️ Email: Cristina.Nino@dodea.edu
Please act now to ensure we can always stay connected!
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