The TORO Bulletin - Week of April 13th, 2026
A Note from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
As we continue through April, we want to take a special moment to recognize the Month of the Military Child. To all of our military-connected students: we see your resilience, we admire your strength, and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of our school community. Thank you to your families for your service and sacrifice!
In honor of all our amazing students, we have an incredibly fun and packed week ahead. Parents, please be sure to check out the details below so your child doesn't miss out on any of the festivities.
Here is a quick look at this week's events:
- Spirit Week: Join the fun all week long with our daily dress-up themes!
- Campus-Wide Celebration (Wednesday): We will be celebrating our students during the school day with special activities across the entire campus.
- Family Night & Purple Up Dance (Wednesday Night): Keep the celebration going after school hours! Bring the whole family for an evening of connection and fun. During the event, we will be hosting a special Purple Up Dance exclusively for our 1st–5th grade students!
- BINGO Night (Friday): Wrap up the week with some friendly competition and great prizes at our Friday night BINGO event.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make it a fantastic week!
Pictures of the Week
Tiny Trendsetters: The Rota Elementary Toro Fashion Parade!
Coming Up This Week!
💜 Month of the Military Child - Family Night
April is the Month of the Military Child, and it’s time to honor the incredible strength and resilience of our youngest heroes. Please join us for a special Family Night at Rota Elementary School as we come together for an evening of connection, support, and high-energy fun!
To ensure we have plenty of food and supplies for everyone, please let us know you're coming:
👉 [RSVP Here for Family Night]
📅 Event Schedule: April 15th
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 p.m. | Community Resource Fair | Connect with local organizations and family support services. |
| 5:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions |
Parents: Special presentation by Dr. Cypers.
1st–5th Grade: The USO Purple Up Dance!
Pre-K & Kinder: Supervised playground fun. |
| 6:00 p.m. | PTSA Family Cook-Out | A free complimentary dinner for all participants! |
👕 Don’t Forget to "Purple Up!"
We encourage all students, parents, and staff to wear purple! It’s a powerful way to show our collective appreciation for the sacrifices and spirit of our military kids.
We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate our amazing community together!
💃 Get Ready to Glow: The Purple Up Dance is Here!
Calling all 1st through 5th graders! It’s time to lace up your dancing shoes and wear your brightest shades of violet. As part of our Month of the Military Child celebrations, the USO is hosting the high-energy event of the season: The Purple Up Dance!
This isn't just any school dance—it’s a high-octane celebration dedicated entirely to you and the incredible strength you show every day as a military child.
🎈 The Details
- When: April 15th @ 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Rota Elementary School (during the Family Night Breakout Sessions)
- Who: All 1st – 5th Grade Students
- Dress Code: PURPLE! Whether it’s a favorite shirt, fun socks, or head-to-toe grape, show off your spirit.
🎶 Why We Dance
While parents are attending the evening's educational workshops, our upper-elementary students will be taking over the floor. Hosted by our amazing partners at the USO, the dance is a chance to let loose, connect with friends, and celebrate the resilience that makes our "Heroes at Home" so special.
Note to Parents: While your dancers are at the party, please join us for an insightful presentation by Dr. Cypers on supporting the unique needs of military children. We will all reunite at 6:00 p.m. for the free PTSA Family Cook-Out!
You’re Invited: A Campus-Wide Purple Up! Celebration
We are thrilled to invite our entire community to a special campus-wide celebration honoring our military-connected students. This year, we are bringing together the best of David Glasgow Farragut to recognize the strength, sacrifices, and spirit of our military children.
This event is more than just a performance; it is a meaningful experience designed to celebrate the resilient "Purple Up" spirit that defines our schools.
What to Expect
- Musical Tributes: Enjoy heart-warming performances by both our Rota Elementary 2nd-grade students and the MHS music department.
- Student Voices: Hear moving stories and reflections from student speakers sharing their unique journeys as military children.
- Community Connection: Engage in shared experiences designed to bridge our elementary and secondary campuses in a unified show of support.
Event Details
- When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Time: 8:30 A.M.
- Where: David Glasgow Farragut Campus
- Who: All parents and community members are warmly welcomed to attend!
Wear Your Purple! Don’t forget to wear purple on April 15th to show our military-connected kids that the entire DGF community stands behind them.
We can’t wait to see everyone with purple as we celebrate our amazing students together!
🎉 BINGO! Celebrate Month of the Military Child at Rota Elementary! 🎉
April is the Month of the Military Child, and we are ready to celebrate our amazing students with a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Get your daubers ready and join us for a special Month of the Military Child Bingo Night at Rota Elementary School.
Grab your friends and family for a night of community, friendly competition, and celebration. Here is everything you need to know:
Event Details
- Date: Friday, April 17th
- Location: Rota Elementary School
- Doors Open: 4:30 PM
- Games Begin: 5:00 PM (Games start right on the dot, so be sure to arrive early to claim your seats!)
- Admission: Completely FREE!
Food & Prizes
This fantastic community event is proudly sponsored by the USO, who will be giving away awesome prizes to lucky winners throughout the night.
Make sure to come hungry! The Rota Elementary PTSA will have a variety of delicious food and refreshments available for purchase to keep your Bingo energy up all evening long.
Whether you are a seasoned Bingo champion or playing for the very first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, win some great prizes, and show our appreciation for the resilience and spirit of our military children.
We can't wait to see you there!
Upcoming Events, Important Information, & Reminders
Celebrating Our Resilient Heroes: MilKids Week is Here!
Get ready to show your support and celebrate the incredible strength of our military-connected students! Next week, our school community will observe MilKids Week, a dedicated time to recognize the unique sacrifices and resilience of children in military families.
From frequent moves to long deployments, our "MilKids" navigate challenges with bravery and heart. To honor them, we have a full lineup of themed dress-up days. We can’t wait to see everyone participate!
The MilKids Week Schedule
| Date | Theme | What to Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, April 13th | Camo Day | Wear your favorite camouflage patterns to show your support for military-connected children. |
| Tuesday, April 14th | Patriotic Day | Go all out with red, white, and blue! From ribbons and bows to stars and stripes, show off your most patriotic attire. |
| Wednesday, April 15th | Purple Up! Day | This is the signature day of the week. Wear purple to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices. |
| Thursday, April 16th | Hero Day | What does a hero look like to you? Dress in your favorite hero look—capes, combat boots, scrubs, or anything that represents a hero! |
| Friday, April 17th | Spirit Day | Show your school spirit! Wear our school colors, dress as the mascot, or rock your favorite school or class shirts. |
Why Purple Up?
You might wonder why we wear purple on Wednesday. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine Corps red, and Navy blue. When we "Purple Up," we are telling our military students that we see them, we support them, and we are proud of them.
Join the Celebration
We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to join in the fun. Let’s make this a week to remember for our military families! Be sure to take photos and share them with the school office so we can highlight our community spirit in the next newsletter.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our MilKids
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!
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
🌱 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, please contact Rota Elementary School:
📞 Call: 856-82-0220
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.
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
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!
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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