Weekly Update April 29th 2024

Dear Toro families,

We hope this message finds you well as we spring into an exciting month packed with engaging activities and important announcements. Our school is bustling with energy and anticipation for several key events that promise to make this a memorable week for our students and the whole community.

• SEVILLANA/FERIA DAY: Rota Elementary School will celebrate Feria Day on Wednesday, May 1st. Students are encouraged to wear traditional Feria and Sevillana attire, such as Spanish dresses and suits. Paella will be offered as a lunch option, and students can watch the Sevillana Club's dance performance at 2:00 p.m. Additionally, community members are invited to join us at 5:00 p.m. to enjoy another performance by the Sevillana Club and to participate in our school’s STEAM Expo.
• S.T.E.A.M EXPO:  Join us on Wednesday, May 1st, starting at 5:00 p.m. for our 4th annual STEAM Expo. Students and families will have the opportunity to explore a variety of community-based STEAM events across our campus. Additionally, there will be showcases of fifth-grade science projects and other grade-level STEAM projects. Food will be available for purchase during the event.
• STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR SY 24-25: The registration window is now open. Parents should complete a re-registration for each currently enrolled student as soon as possible. During re-registration, parents must indicate whether their student will be withdrawing or returning for the upcoming school year.  Parents can compete re-registration at https://www.dodea.edu/registration.
• ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE CONTEST: It's Not Too Late! We invite K-5th graders to celebrate by participating in grade-level contests. Students in Kindergarten through 1st grade can create a country flag, those in 2nd through 3rd grades can make a homemade lantern, and 4th through 5th graders can craft an origami picture. Prizes include NEX Gift Cards and books! Please submit entries to Ms. Cuba in Room 143 by May 2nd.
• UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN:  We are excited to announce that Rota ES will be implementing Universal Prekindergarten for the school year 2024/2025. This program is open to students who are 4 years of age by September 1st. To learn more about Universal Prekindergarten and check eligibility criteria, please visit DoDEA's website at https://www.dodea.edu/education/universal-prekindergarten-program. Parents can start enrolling their child for Universal Prekindergarten by visiting https://dodeasis.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do. 
• CYP CLOSURE: All Child and Youth Program facilities will be closed Friday, May 10^th for a staff in-service training day.  This includes the Child Development Center, School Age Center, Youth Center and YSF programs.
• MAY MUSIC CONCERTS: Get ready, because the 2024 Spring Concert Season at DGF Elementary School is finally here! Our talented students are thrilled to showcase the musical skills they've been honing all year in the music classroom. Don't forget to mark your calendars for these upcoming performance dates.
• SPORTS PHYSICAL RODEO: Don't miss the upcoming Health Fair & Physical Rodeo on May 30th at the DGF gymnasium, hosted by Naval Hospital Rota! This event is your chance to streamline all required sports paperwork for the 2024-2025 school year, including Rota Swim team and CYP Sports participation. Explore various medical departments like optometry and audiology while ensuring completeness by submitting paperwork to the school nurses by May 17th. For inquiries, contact Medical Homeport at 727-3606 or Nurse Colombo at Sanda.Colombo@dodea.edu.

Be sure to check out the attached documents for more information on school calendars, lunch menus, and other important details. 

Warm Regards,

Ken Kirk

Principal

Rota Elementary

2022 National Blue Ribbon School

Mission – Educate, Engage, and Empower each student to succeed in a dynamic world.

Vision – Excellence in Education for Every Student, Every Day, Everywhere.