Weekly Updates March 4th 2024

Toro Parents,

I'm delighted to welcome you to this week’s updates, where we have an exciting lineup of activities planned to celebrate Read Across DoDEA Week. This special week kicks off with Crazy Sock Day on Monday, setting the tone for a fun and engaging week ahead. 

In addition to the spirit week activities, we're also hosting the Potato Book Character Contest, where creativity and literature come together in a unique way. Furthermore, we are proud to be partnering with the USO Reading Initiative to emphasize the significance of reading not just this week, but every day.

Let's come together, explore the world of books, and celebrate the joy of reading. Thank you for your enthusiasm and participation. Let's make this week a memorable one! Please check out the rest of the events and activities planned for Rota Elementary School.

• READ ACROSS DODEA WEEK: Mark your calendars for the week of March 4th-8th, as Read Across DoDEA is just around the corner. In addition to the scheduled spirit days, students will be engaged in a variety of events designed to highlight the joy of reading. For details on the spirit days planned for that week, please refer to the 

  Attachment	Size
  weekly-updates-packet-(march-4th-2024).pdf (12.73 MB)	12.73 MB

  attached flyer.

• POTATO BOOK CHARACTER CONTEST: The Potato Book Character Contest is back! Students who would like to participate can creatively dress up a potato to resemble their beloved book character. They can bring their potato creations to the library from March 4th to 7th. Submissions will be reviewed, and the victors and prizes will be revealed on March 11th. For further details on how to join in, please refer to the attached weekly packet.
• USO READING PROGRAM: We are excited to introduce the USO Reading Program, a heartwarming initiative designed to connect service members with their children during Read Across DODEA Week. As a part of our commitment to keeping military families connected, this program provides a special opportunity for your child to enjoy story time with a loved one, no matter the distance between them. If you are interested, please check the attached weekly packet for more information on how to participate.
• NAEP ASSESSMENT: On March 4th and 6th, 4th-grade students will participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as The Nation’s Report Card. This assessment is the largest ongoing, nationally representative evaluation of public and private school students in the United States, focusing on their knowledge and skills in various subjects.
• PURPLE UP! CELEBRATION EVENT: In honor of the Month of the Military Child, Rota Elementary School is excited to host an evening of fun for students and their parents on April 17th, starting at 4:45 p.m. The evening will kick off with a complimentary dinner for all attendees, followed by an array of kids-zone activities and Social-Emotional Learning workshops for parents. The night will conclude with a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) event. We value your input and would love to know your level of interest in attending. Please provide your feedback by clicking here: https://forms.office.com/r/mxQF0JG6YD.
• S.T.E.A.M EXPO: Preparations are in full swing for our 4th annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Expo. We're currently seeking presenters who are eager to showcase their original STEAM activities to families at our STEAM Family Night. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you're interested in presenting, please contact Ms. Danielle Strutton at danielle.strutton@dodea.edu. 
• MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: If you or your child are feeling stressed, remember that our community's Mental Health Roadmap offers resources and support. Please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. 

Be sure to review the attached documents for additional important information, including school calendars, lunch menus, and more.

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.