Weekly Update May 7th 2024

Dear Toro Families,

I hope this message finds you well.  As we near the last few weeks of school, here are some important updates and reminders for our school community.  Parents can access the weekly packet by visiting: Weekly Packet for May 6^th.

• TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: May 6th to May 10th, 2024. Let’s celebrate our dedicated educators and show our gratitude for their hard work and commitment! 🌟📚
• END-OF-YEAR (EOY) ASSESSMENTS: Our students in grades 3-5 will be engaging in the ELA EOY Assessments this coming Tuesday and Wednesday. These assessments play a crucial role in providing valuable feedback on your child’s progress and their grasp of the learning standards. We kindly request your support in ensuring your child is present at school on these days, well-rested, and fueled with a nutritious breakfast. Thank you for partnering with us in your child's educational journey. Your support is truly appreciated! 🍎📚
• SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC) MEETING: We invite you to join us for our upcoming School Advisory Committee (SAC) Q4 meeting on Monday, May 13th, at 3:15 p.m. Your input is invaluable to us, and you can choose to participate in person at the elementary school's library or virtually. Share your comments or questions, and feel free to submit your input anonymously through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/ykQajcW4yk.
• NEW PHONE NUMBER: We're thrilled to announce that our school has updated phone numbers! Kindly take note of the new contact details for smoother communication. 

📞 For calls from a regular off-base line, please dial 856-82-0220.

📞 For calls from a DSN line, reach us at 682-0220. 

• 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.
• 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.
• FIELD DAY: Exciting News! 🎉 Field Day is almost here! 🌞🏃‍♂️ Get ready for a day of fun and games on May 23rd for students in grades K-5. Remember to dress appropriately and apply sunscreen. Plus, every student will receive a free Field Day t-shirt! Let's make it a memorable day together!
• 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.
• PTSA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Hey, wonderful community members! The PTSA is looking for volunteers to assist with popping popcorn on Popcorn Wednesdays for our students. Come on board to support our students, get involved in the school community, and mingle with other PTSA members. Click the link below to sign up and be part of this fantastic initiative! 🙌🎉Sign Me Up!. 

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