Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, we hope your holiday was both restful and joyful. We’re excited to welcome our students and families back as we embark on the second half of the school year.
Highlights for the Coming Weeks
- School Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:10 p.m. We will discuss our school budget, continuous improvement goals, and student data. Your voice and partnership are essential to our work together. - District Accreditation Review
Our district’s accreditation review will take place in late February and March. A team of professionals will visit our school on Monday, March 2, 2026 to conduct their on‑site review. We look forward to showcasing our students’ growth, our staff’s dedication, and our community’s support. - Recess Supervision Update
We’re pleased to share that paraprofessionals will be supervising students during recess, helping ensure a safe and positive experience for all. - Volunteer Opportunities
Mr. Jones and I welcome parent and community volunteers to assist daily between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the lunchroom. If you’re interested, please contact elise.rosch@dodea.edu.
Important Dates to Remember
- Monday, January 5, 2026 – No school for students (teachers will participate in professional training).
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 – Students return to school.
- Every Tuesday – Early release; students dismiss at 12:40 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:10 p.m. – SAC Meeting (all families welcome).
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to a wonderful semester ahead. See you next week!
Warmly,
Elise Rosch
Principal
Kerwin Jones
Assistant Principal
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.
| Date | Event |
| 14 January | SAC Meeting @ 2:10 |
| 15 January |
Zukeran STEM Day End of Quarter 2 / End of Semester 1 |
| 16 January | Teacher Work Day - No School for Students |
| 19 January | Martin Luther King Day: Federal Holiday - No School |
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.
Are you a professional serving in a STEM career field? We need you! Please reach out to Jessie Saunders.
All after-school clubs have begun meeting. Year-long clubs will run until the week of May 22nd, 2026. Multi-session clubs will run with start and end dates indicated on our School Activities page. More details, including club sponsor contact info, can be found there as well. If you're new to Zukeran and interested in signing your child up, please reach out to the club sponsor listed or Mr. Kerwin Jones.
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 - 080-6485-7715 or 571-621-3594 (Lower Grades)
- Ms. Tiffanee Gale - 080-6485-7776 or 571-621-4418 (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
School Advisory Committee meeting minutes may be found on our Get Involved / Partnership page. Keep an eye on our social media pages for scheduled meetings and minutes postings.
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School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kerwin Jones | Transportation | 098-970-1042/1019 |
