The TORO Bulletin - Week of May 18th, 2026
A Note from the Principal
Toro Parents and Families,
Welcome to this week's edition of the Toro Bulletin!
As we near the end of the school year, we have some exciting events to look forward to, starting with our upcoming spring concerts. Our students have been working hard, and we can’t wait for you to hear them perform.
Here is the concert schedule for the week:
- 4th Grade: Monday, May 18th, from 08:30 to 09:00
- 3rd Grade: Tuesday, May 19th, from 08:30 to 09:00
- 5th Grade: Wednesday, May 20th, from 08:30 to 09:00
Please also make note of a few important adjustments to our schedule next week. We will have a special early release on Thursday, May 21st at 10:55 AM. Additionally, there will be no school on Friday, May 22nd, and Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
As a DoDEA community, Memorial Day holds an important and personal significance for many of us. We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our military families, and we wish you all a meaningful, safe, and restful long weekend.
Pictures of the Week
Picture Perfect Paws: Rota Students Paint for Shelter Pets
ROTA, SPAIN (May 11, 2026) — Rota Elementary School Art Club students, led by art teacher Ms. Hillary Chatham, recently completed a heartwarming project painting portraits of dogs and cats housed at the Rota Animal Welfare League Shelter (RAWLS). The 3rd- through 5th-grade "Toro" artists worked hard to create bright, colorful likenesses of the shelter's lovable pets currently waiting for adoption.
The students proudly presented the finished artwork to RAWLS this month. The shelter plans to give each framed painting to the family that adopts the corresponding animal, providing a special keepsake for the new owners to take home alongside their sweet new friend.
"I am so proud of our students for using their time and talent to help these sweet animals find homes," said Rota Elementary Principal Mr. Kirk.
The project was generously supported by the Rota Elementary Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), which donated frames for all the portraits. To thank the students for their dedication, RAWLS staff brought one of their sweetest shelter pups to the school for a special visit with the Art Club.
The initiative reflects the school's ongoing community service efforts and its support for the important work RAWLS does for animals on the naval base. Residents looking for a furry companion are encouraged to visit RAWLS, where the students' lovely artwork is currently on display alongside the animals waiting for their forever homes.
Coming Up This Week!
Feel the Spring: Upcoming Concerts at D.G.F. Elementary!
Spring is officially here, and it is time to celebrate with some beautiful music! Welcome the season with us at Rota Elementary School as our talented students present their "Feel the Spring" concerts. We are thrilled to invite our families to join us for these delightful morning performances.
Please mark your calendars with the following schedule:
- 4th Grade: Monday, May 18, 2026, from 08:30 to 09:00.
- 3rd Grade: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 08:30 to 09:00.
- 5th Grade: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 08:30 to 09:00.
All performances will be held in the MPB at our campus in Rota, Spain.
We look forward to seeing you there to support our students and enjoy the music!
Important Schedule Updates: Early Release & Memorial Day Weekend
Families, please mark your calendars for some important upcoming changes to our regular school schedule as we approach the Memorial Day weekend:
- Thursday, May 21st – Early Release: Students will have a half-day of school and will be dismissed at 10:55 a.m. Please make sure you have arranged for appropriate child care for the afternoon.
- Friday, May 22nd & Monday, May 25th – No School: There will be no school for students on these days as we close in recognition of Memorial Day.
We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and wonderful long weekend! Classes will resume their normal schedule on Tuesday, May 26th.
Upcoming Events, Important Information, & Reminders
Rota Elementary School SY 2026-2027 Calendar Announced!
School Registration: SY 2026-2027
It’s time to confirm your student’s enrollment status for the upcoming school year. All parents must submit a re-registration request via the DSIS Family Portal to indicate if their student is returning or leaving.
Quick Tips for Success
- Select the Right Section: Use the "Current Student Re-Registration" tab.
- Upload Documents: If your orders are expired or expiring, upload new ones or extensions in the Documents tab.
- Update Info: Review and edit contacts, employment status, and student health records. Clearly mark any emergency contacts to be added or removed.
- Deadlines: Complete the process as soon as possible (no later than the end of the school year) to help with staffing and resource planning.
Important Notes
- Next Steps: The School Registrar will contact you if more information is needed.
- Space-Available Students: Re-registration does not guarantee a seat for the next year. Your school will contact you regarding additional requirements.
- Support: If you have questions or technical issues, please contact your School Registrar.
🏃♂️ Get Ready for Rota Elementary's Field Day!
Mark your calendars for a morning of fun, games, and school spirit! Rota Elementary School is thrilled to announce our upcoming Field Day.
- Date: Wednesday, May 27th
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Parents are welcome to watch! Come out and cheer on our students as they participate in a variety of outdoor activities and friendly competitions. We would love to see you in the audience supporting our kids.
Note for Parent Volunteers: Thank you so much for offering your time! The school will be in contact with you directly very soon to provide specific details and instructions regarding your role for the day.
We look forward to seeing everyone there for a fantastic morning of fitness and fun!
📚 From the Library: End-of-Year Wrap Up
As we approach the end of a fantastic school year, it’s time to start gathering our favorite stories and returning them to the library shelves. To ensure all our books are accounted for before summer break, please take note of the following deadlines:
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Day for Checkouts | Thursday, May 21 |
| All Books Due Back | Tuesday, May 26 |
Closing Procedures
- Final Checkouts: Students are encouraged to grab their final reads by May 21. After this date, we will begin our annual inventory process.
- Search Your Shelves: Please take a moment this week to look under beds, in backpacks, and on home bookshelves for any stray library books.
- Returning Items: Books can be dropped off in the library return bin during school hours.
Thank you for your help in keeping our collection complete for next year’s students! If you have any questions regarding lost books or account balances, please stop by the media center to speak with our library staff.
Happy Reading!
Community News, Resources, & Supports
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.
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.
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
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
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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