The TORO Bulletin - Week of September 7th, 2026
Upcoming Events
- Monday, Sept 7th
- No School - Labor Day
- Wednesday, Sept 9th
- Early Release @ 1:35 p.m.
- Friday, Sept 11th
- Patriot Day Ceremony @ 8:30 a.m. (Courtyard)
- Bingo Night @ 4:30 p.m. (MPB)
- Tuesday, Sept 15th
- School Advisory Committee (SAC) Q1 Meeting @ 3:00 p.m. (Library)
- Wednesday, Sept 16th
- Early Release @ 1:35 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept 17th
- Constitution & Citizenship Day
- Wear Red, White & Blue
- Monday, Sept 21st - Friday, Sept 25th
- School Pictures
A Note from Rota ES School
Dear Rota Elementary Families,
Welcome to this week’s newsletter! As we settle into our September routines, it is wonderful to see our students collaborating, building new friendships, and bringing so much positive energy to our classrooms. Please note that there is no school this Monday in observance of Labor Day. We wish all of our families a wonderful and restful extended weekend!
We have a lot of exciting things happening on campus this month. To help you plan ahead, here are a few highlights you will find in this week's update:
- Patriot’s Day Remembrance Ceremony: Join us this Friday, September 11th, at 8:30 a.m. in the Toro Courtyard as our school community gathers to honor first responders and everyday heroes.
- Back-to-School BINGO Night: Keep the Friday fun going! Meet us at the MPB on September 11th at 4:30 p.m. for a free family night of BINGO, generously sponsored by the PTSA and USO.
- After-School Clubs: Registration is officially open for our 2026–2027 clubs! Options range from Lego Robotics and Chess to Running and Spanish Storytellers. Space is limited, so be sure to check out the details and sign up soon.
- Fall School Pictures: Get those smiles ready for the week of September 21st. We have included a detailed, teacher-by-teacher schedule below so you know exactly which day your child will be photographed.
- School Advisory Committee (SAC): We are thrilled to announce our new parent representatives. We still have one open slot, so please reach out if you are interested in joining!
- Counselor's Corner: Read a great update from our school counselors, Mr. Hale and Dr. Hopkins, who are focusing on the power of respect and teamwork throughout the month of September.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for making Rota ES such a vibrant place for our military-connected children to learn and grow.
School News & Updates
📸 Say Cheese! Fall School Pictures are Here
It’s that time of year again! Get those bright smiles ready because Fall School Pictures will take place during the week of September 21st through September 25th.
To ensure you know exactly which day your child needs to be picture-ready, we have broken down the schedule by teacher below. Note: All sessions will take place during the morning.
Picture Day Schedule
| Date | Grade | Teacher(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Sept. 21st | Kindergarten | McCormick, Pfund |
| 1st Grade | Cookerly, Holmes | |
| Tuesday, Sept. 22nd | Kindergarten | Soldevila, Underwood |
| 1st Grade | Lanker, McFarland | |
| Wednesday, Sept. 23rd | Pre-K | Flake, Lamb |
| 1st Grade | Rockwell | |
| 2nd Grade | Derrickson | |
| 3rd Grade | Borchansky, Fichera | |
| 4th Grade | Flake, Croom | |
| 5th Grade | Kober | |
| Thursday, Sept. 24th | Pre-K | Ontiveros, Ruge, Myrick |
| 2nd Grade | Falcon, Fisher | |
| 3rd Grade | Foster-Ellis, Roman | |
| 4th Grade | Mako, Ramos | |
| 5th Grade | Tressler | |
| Friday, Sept. 25th | 2nd Grade | Kellar, Miller |
| 5th Grade | Tutty | |
| All Grades | Make-Ups |
🌟 Tips for Success
- Dress for Success: Pick out a favorite, comfortable outfit! Solid colors or simple patterns usually photograph best.
- Rest Up: A good night's sleep the evening before helps guarantee a bright, natural smile.
- Don't Worry About Absences: If your child happens to be out sick or misses their scheduled day, our make-up slot will catch them on Friday morning, September 25th.
We can't wait to capture these wonderful memories for the new school year!
Announcing Our New School Advisory Committee Parent Representatives!
We are thrilled to announce our parent representatives for this school year’s School Advisory Committee (SAC)!
Please join us in extending a huge thank you to these wonderful parents for stepping up to support Rota ES. Their involvement provides an invaluable parent perspective as we make important decisions to best support our military-connected children and create the most enriching learning environment for all our students.
We are incredibly grateful for their time and dedication. Below are this year’s parent representatives:
- Abby Robertson
- Tayler Thompson
- Joshua Wise
- Heather Visintin
We currently have one more slot available for a parent representative! If you are interested in joining the SAC and sharing your perspective, please reach out to the school principal at kenneth.kirk@dodea.edu.
Congratulations to our new representatives, and thank you for your commitment to the Rota ES community!
A Message from Your School Counselors
Your school counselors, Mr. Hale and Dr. Hopkins, are absolutely thrilled to welcome you back and support our wonderful students and families this year!
To ensure every student gets the support they need, here are our grade-level assignments:
- Mr. Hale: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
- Dr. Hopkins: 3rd – 5th Grade
- PreK: Shared by both counselors!
🌟 September’s Theme: The Power of Respect & Collaboration We are kicking off September by focusing on Respect—treating people and places with value—and exploring its important connection to collaboration.
Throughout the month, students will learn and practice fun, age-appropriate ways to work respectfully as a team. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and great stories, we will dive into:
- Listening to and building upon each other's ideas
- Taking turns and sharing responsibilities
- Solving problems together to reach shared goals
- Showing kindness, including others, and appreciating our unique differences
- The importance of using respectful words and actions every day
📚 What We're Reading To bring these lessons to life, we will be featuring some wonderful books in our sessions, including: We All Have Value: A Story About Respect, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, The Invisible Boy, The Recess Queen, Do Unto Otters, and Chrysanthemum.
We Are Here For You! If you have questions, concerns, or feel your child could use a little extra support, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!
🎉 B-I-N-G-O! Get Ready for Family Fun Night! 🎉
Ready to kick off an amazing school year with a winning evening? Gather the whole family and join us for our back-to-school BINGO Night! It is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new families, and celebrate the start of a fantastic year together.
Here is everything you need to know:
- When: Friday, September 11th at 4:30 PM
- Where: The MPB
- Cost: 100% FREE Entry!
- Prizes: Awesome FREE prizes for our lucky BINGO winners.
- Food: Come hungry! Delicious food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
A Special Thank You This wonderful community event is proudly sponsored by your PTSA and the USO.
Grab your lucky charms, bring your school spirit, and get ready to yell "BINGO!" We cannot wait to see you there.
Join Us for Our Patriot’s Day Remembrance Ceremony
On Friday, September 11th, our entire school complex will assemble to observe Patriot’s Day. We warmly invite parents and families to join us in the Toro Courtyard, located near the main office, at 8:30 a.m. for a brief but meaningful ceremony.
Together, our school community will take this time to recognize and honor the incredible bravery of first responders and everyday heroes. The morning’s program will feature special student performances and will include a moment of silence as we reflect and remember.
All parents are welcome to attend as we come together in unity and gratitude. We hope to see you there!
Ready, Set, Explore: Sign Up for Our 2026–2027 After-School Clubs!
We are excited to announce our after-school club offerings for the 2026–2027 school year! Participating in these programs is a wonderful way for our students to develop new skills, build friendships, and engage with our school community. If you are interested, please sign up your child using the sign-up form link provided below.
Here is a look at the clubs available this year:
- Chess Club: Students in grades 4–5 can join Mr. Tutty to improve their problem-solving, abstract reasoning, and strategic thinking skills. The club welcomes all skill levels and meets on Tuesdays from 2:35 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in Room 111, running from October 5 to March 22, 2027.
- Club de los Cuentacuentos (Spanish Storytellers): Open to 10 students in grades 1–5, this club focuses on reading, reciting, and recording stories in Spanish to practice literacy skills. A basic level of Spanish and literacy is required; if more than 10 students register, those with the highest Spanish levels will be selected. Mr. Redden will host the club in the library and Room 123 on Tuesdays from 14:40 to 15:30, starting October 6 through December 18.
- Creative Creatures Club: Hosted by Ms. Guido in Room 137, this club invites students in grades 3–5 to build with LEGO, solve puzzles, and play board games. The club aims to develop creative thinking skills through hands-on activities and meets on Thursdays from 2:35 p.m. to 3:35 p.m., between October 8 and March 25, 2027.
- Jigsaw Puzzle Club: Curious 1st and 2nd graders can join Ms. Kimlicka starting Monday, October 5, for weekly gatherings. Members will build teamwork, boost academic skills in reading and math, and improve visual-spatial reasoning by matching shapes and patterns.
- Robotics Club: Open to students in grades 4–5, this club meets weekly after school beginning in October. Students will learn to design and program Lego Robotics. In the spring, members will put their skills to the test by competing in challenges to see what their robots can do!
- Running Club: Students in grades 3–5 will learn about healthy habits and experience various forms of running, including sprints, relays, and long-distance. Limited to 13 students, the club meets every other Wednesday on the track from 1:40 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., running from mid-October through March with Ms. Priddy.
- Student Council: Students in grades 3–5 who enjoy helping others and being leaders are invited to join Mrs. Burts and Mrs. Ramos to plan activities and make a positive difference around the school. The council meets once a week after school for 45 minutes from October through May.
Space is highly limited for many of these activities, so please ensure prompt registration for club interest. Signing up for club interest does not guarantee enrollment in a club. Parents will be notified by the club sponsor for official enrollment in the club. Please also note that parents are responsible for all after-school transportation arrangements, as school buses will not be available for club collection.
Join Us for the Q1 School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting!
As we settle into a wonderful new school year at Rota Elementary, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming Q1 School Advisory Committee meeting!
Composed of dedicated parents and teachers, our SAC holds public, quarterly meetings that are open to all parents. These gatherings are a vital opportunity to provide school updates, gather feedback from our stakeholders, clarify any community questions, and collaboratively explore ways to make our school the best possible learning environment for our students.
Our first quarterly meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 15th at 3:00 p.m. in the school library, and we would love to see you there.
Your voice matters! Whether you plan to attend or not, we would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, and any specific topics you’d like to see discussed at this first meeting. You can easily share your thoughts with us by submitting your completely anonymous responses here: [SAC Stakeholder Input].
We look forward to partnering with you for a fantastic year ahead!
Community News & Resources
Homework Help, Anytime You Need It!
As our kids get settled into their new classes this August, evening homework can sometimes feel like a hurdle. Whether it's tricky new math concepts or practicing writing skills, I want to share an amazing, totally free tool we have access to: Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families.
Because we're living here in Spain, the best part is that this service is available 24/7. Your elementary student can connect with an expert tutor right when they need help, without worrying about stateside time zone differences. The tutors don't just give out the answers; they focus on real conceptual learning to make sure the kids truly understand the material.
It’s completely safe and anonymous, and all the work happens in a recorded digital classroom. They can help with everything from foundational math and science to social studies and English.
It's fantastic for building early confidence. In fact, one parent even shared, "My 7-year-old son is actually motivated to do his homework because of it"! Overall, 97% of students who use the platform report feeling more confident in their learning.
You can check your eligibility and get your family signed up quickly at www.tutor.com/military.
Meet the Girl Scouts!
Are you the parent of a Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd-grade girl? Come discover what Girl Scouts is all about! While parents get all the details on the program, the girls will have a great time earning their very first patch.
- Who: K–2nd grade girls and their parents
- When: September 12th | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Where: The Girl Scout Hut
- Contact: Questions? Email rotagirlscouts@usagso.org
PTSA News & Updates
Support Our Students: Join the Rota PTSA Today! 🐂✨
The Rota PTSA is dedicated to making every school year incredible for our students, staff, and the entire school community. No matter the season, we are always looking for friendly faces to get involved and help us make a real difference!
Ready to jump right in? SIGN UP HERE: https://linktr.ee/rotadgfptsa?utm_source=qr_code
What We Do
Your involvement is the heartbeat of our school. Through your memberships and our fundraising, the PTSA brings magic to the campus all year long:
- Epic School Events: We organize the Fun Run, Winter Bazaar, Field Day, Story Time, and the Book Fair.
- Awesome Programs: We run the Toro Store and serve up fresh popcorn every Wednesday.
- Classroom Upgrades: We fund new learning tools and essential supplies to keep our classrooms top-notch.
- Teacher Support: We back our amazing educators by fulfilling classroom needs and hosting an incredible Teacher Appreciation Week.
Why Join the PTSA?
Beyond supporting our wonderful students and staff, PTSA members score some fantastic exclusive perks! When you become a member, you get:
- A FREE Purple Up shirt (distributed in April).
- Exclusive discounts on select events and products throughout the year.
- An official PTSA member lanyard.
- A PTSA spirit stick keychain.
Show Your Toro Pride!
Joining is quick, easy, and makes a massive impact whenever you decide to sign up. Help us continue to make this year unforgettable!
Don't wait—click the link below to join the PTSA today: https://linktr.ee/rotadgfptsa?utm_source=qr_code
Would you like me to create a super-short version of this that you can use for flyers or printed materials?
Call for PTSA Volunteers!
Our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) works behind the scenes to make our school year incredible. From funding essential supplies to hosting our favorite traditions, your PTSA team is always hard at work for our community.
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 on board to help support our students and teachers.
To sign up today, please click I WANT TO VOLUNTEER or for more information, please contact: rotadgfptsapresident@gmail.com.
Show Your Toro Pride! Rota ES Merch Sale & Spirit Fridays
Families, it is time to represent the Toro and show off your school spirit! We are excited to announce our Rota ES Merch Sale, featuring a great selection of shirts, sweatshirts, and more. Be sure to check out the attached Rota Merchandise.jpg flyer to get a sneak peek at the awesome tie-dye and classic grey designs available.
🛒 Purchase your spirit wear here: https://dgfptsa.givebacks.com/shop
Be sure to grab your Rota ES attire now while it is on sale and supplies last!
Starting September 4th, we are also thrilled to kick off our weekly "Spirit Count" for all students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
Here is how to participate:
- Wear Your Gear: Students are encouraged to rock their Rota ES attire every Friday.
- The Count: Each Friday, we will count how many students in each classroom are showing their Toro spirit.
- The Prize: The class with the highest participation will win the honor of keeping the Toro Mascot for the entire week!
Let's make this a fantastic year of school pride. Buy your gear, encourage your students to participate, and let's see which class takes home the Toro first!
Transportation Services
🎒 Getting To & From School: Everything You Need to Know!
Whether your student rides the bus or gets dropped off, here is your quick guide to school transportation policies and procedures!
Contact the Transportation Office 📍 Location: Elementary Main Office 📧 Email: Rota.SBO@dodea.edu
Riding the Bus (PK – 12th Grade)
Need bus service? Step one is to request Form 4500 from the Transportation Office.
- Registration: All families must have an active registration on file. Pick up a form from the office (or request one via email), complete it, and return it to Rota.SBO@dodea.edu. You are also welcome to drop by in person during regular office hours.
- Renewals: Returning families needing to update their information or renew their spot for the current academic year can request and submit a pre-registration form at any time.
- Bus Stops & Passes: Once registered, your bus stop details will be sent via email. Bus passes will be handed directly to students on their first morning ride.
Bus Stop Safety & Buddy System
- 4th Grade & Up: Students are approved to walk to and from the bus stop independently.
- 3rd Grade & Below: Students must have an adult or designated "responsible person" present at the bus stop.
- Responsible Persons: A designated person can be a sibling or helper in 7th grade or above, provided they are authorized by the parents in writing.
Car Riders & Pick-Up Numbers
Safety is our top priority, which means all car-rider vehicles must display a currently assigned car number.
- Annual Requirement: Car-rider numbers are reset every school year. Numbers from previous school years are not valid, and all families must ensure they are using a current-year number.
- How to Get Your Number: Simply fill out your details on the provided spreadsheet or stop by the Transportation Office to complete the quick paperwork.
Student Meal Program
What's for Lunch? A Parent's Guide to the NEX Student Meal Program
Ensure your child's lunch account is always ready to go! The NEX Student Meal Program provides nutritious, balanced meals to help students power through their school day, and managing your account is easier than ever.
Here are the top reminders for parents to keep in mind throughout the school year:
- Pre-Pay & Monitor Online: You can easily fund your student’s account ahead of time through the online family meal portal. The portal also allows you to track exactly what your child is purchasing for lunch each day.
- Balanced, Affordable Meals: A standard meal is $3.50 for elementary students and $3.75 for secondary students. To qualify as a full meal, students receive an entrée, up to two fruits, two vegetables, and ice-cold milk (students must select at least one serving of a fruit or vegetable).
- Free & Reduced Meal Applications: If you believe your family qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, you can submit an application online at any time. Please note that a new application must be submitted annually, as prior-year eligibility expires 30 days into the new school year.
Manage Your Account Today To set up your family portal, add funds, view upcoming monthly menus, or apply for the free and reduced meal program, visit the official hub at: mynavyexchange.com/studentmealprogram
.
School Calendars
Get Involved!
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.
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