Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Thank You for a Wonderful First Day of Conferences!
From Elise Rosch and Kerwin Jones, Zukeran’s Instructional Leaders
Dear Families,
Thank you for making the first day of Parent-Teacher Conferences such a success and for bringing your children along to share in these important conversations. Your partnership means so much to us!
I will be in the lobby again on Monday if you have any questions—please stop by and say hello.
Interested in Volunteering?
Reach out to our volunteer coordinator and administrative officer, Mr. David Andler, at David.Andler@dodea.edu. While we cannot accept volunteers in the front office, there are plenty of opportunities to help in the library, lunchroom, recess, and on field trips. Mr. Andler will provide a few quick forms so you can start volunteering today!
Important Reminders:
• Conferences continue on Monday.
• No school Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day.
• Check out our amazing Veterans Day display in the commons!
• Students return to school on Wednesday.
Be on the lookout for updates from your child’s teacher, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Warm regards,
Elise Rosch & Kerwin Jones
Instructional Leaders
School Coffee and Connect with the Principals
Every Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 at Zukeran Elementary School
Zukeran's Principal's Coffee and Connect is a weekly open forum with our school Principal where various topics are introduced, ideas are shared, and questions are answered. These informative meetings take place inside the school, face-to-face, and parents may join virtually as well via the meeting link.
Free and Reduced Meals
DoDEA families can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits during the government shutdown.
The assistance is intended for the duration of the shutdown. Per USDA requirements, free or reduced-price meal eligibility is based on income and family size.
Parents can visit the linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/newsubmit and search for “AAFES DoDEA” to submit an application online.
Zukeran after-school clubs are ready to begin!
Parents, initial sign-ups for after-school clubs have concluded. Selected participants can expect an email from the Club Sponsor no later than COB Friday, November 14, 2025.
All clubs will begin meeting the week of November 17th on the respective meeting day at the times indicated. Year-long clubs will run from the week of November 17th to the week of May 22nd, 2026. Multi-session clubs will run with start and end dates indicated. More details can be found here: https://zukeranes.dodea.edu/school-activities
Our annual Parent Academy, scheduled for Nov. 12, 2025, has been postponed until Spring 2026. We are currently working to solidify details for a new date, which we will be sure to share with you as soon as possible.
The Parent Academy is a highlight for our Pacific South District, offering engaging educator-led sessions through which parents can learn tools and strategies to support their child's learning and resilience at home. We are excited about this continued initiative and look forward to a successful Spring event.
Thank you for your understanding.
We were excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 27-31. This national campaign promotes making safe, healthy, and drug-free choices. Our theme this year is: “Life is A Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free!”
Throughout the week, students participated in fun activities and discussions that encourage positive decision-making and a commitment to living drug-free. Let’s work together to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels empowered to make healthy choices!
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow strong and resilient.
Is your child having a rough go of it at school? Is something getting in the way of their academic success? We want to help!
Counselors
Diane.Jackson@dodea.edu (Grades 3-5)
Justin.Armstrong@dodea.edu (Grades Pre-K-2)
Kenneth.Gamon@dodea.edu (School Psychologist)
MFLCs (Military Family Life Counselors)
- Ms. Cordia Smith - 080-7316-3594 (Lower Grades)
- Ms. Tiffanee Gale - 070-1185-4418 (Upper Grades)
📰 More News from 3–5 Counseling
This school year is off to a strong start with exciting initiatives and student engagement!
🐣 Newcomers’ Groups & Toucan Trailblazers
We welcomed new students through our Newcomers’ Groups and introduced the Toucan Trailblazers—our student ambassadors from grades K–3. These Trailblazers help new students feel at home by:
• Sitting with them at lunch
• Playing together at recess
• Showing them around the studio and neighborhood routines
• Helping them make new friends
🌏 Life on Okinawa & Friendship Building
Students in grades 1–5 met with the Military Family Life Counselor and School Counselors to learn about:
• Life on Okinawa
• Zukeran Elementary routines.
• Strategies for making and maintaining friendships
- 🎤 Meeter-Greeters & Morning Broadcasts
Our 4th and 5th grade Meeter-Greeters continue to welcome new students by escorting them to class and introducing them to peers. They also lead our daily morning broadcast, which covers:
• Zones of Regulation
• Problem-solving strategies
• Coping techniques for everyday challenges
🚫 Bullying Prevention Lessons
We’ve launched our bullying prevention curriculum for October and November. Students are doing an excellent job learning:
• What bullying is—and isn’t
• How to respond and refuse bullying confidently
💌 Friendship Groups
We’ve received an overwhelming number of permission slips for our upcoming Friendship Groups, and we’re thrilled to begin working with students soon! These groups focus on:
• Building positive peer relationships
• Conflict resolution and communication skills
Our SY 25-26 SAC elections have concluded. Positions filled are:
1) SAC Chairperson: Morgan Bates
2) SAC Vice Chairperson: William Rallya
3) SAC Secretary: Mykiah Willis
4) Teacher Member: Carina Castro
5) Teacher Member: Jessie Saunders
6) Teacher Member: Natalie Miles
The first school advisory committee meeting will be conducted soon, and we will provide you the date as soon as possible.
THIS IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) or the U.S. Department of Defense of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. DoDEA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided consistent with the mission of DoDEA.
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Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kerwin Jones | Transportation | 098-970-1042/1019 |
We’re excited to share that DoDEA has won the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award – Website Award of Merit for our School Newsletters Project! This NSPRA award honors outstanding school communication efforts that help connect schools with their communities. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our amazing school webmasters. Thank you for keeping families connected with your hard work and heart!
