Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that students can join an optional Spring Concert after school. If you want your child to participate, please fill out the Microsoft Form by Tuesday, February 10th at 2:10 PM.
Here are the important things to know:
• Students must come to every after school rehearsal to be in the concert.
• Kindergarten and fifth must be able to make all rehearsals on Monday, First and fourth graders must be able to make all rehearsals on Wednesdays, and Second and Third graders must make all rehearsals on Thursdays.
• This is an optional after school club for the following grade groups:
Kindergarten & 5th grade: 20 students total (10 from each grade)
1st & 4th grade: 20 students total (10 from each grade)
2nd & 3rd grade: 20 students total (10 from each grade)
• The first 10 students who sign up in each grade will get a spot in the club.
• You will find out on Thursday, February 12th if your child is selected.
• More details are in the Form.
Thank you for supporting our music programs!
Jessie Saunders
Music Teacher
Zukeran Elementary School
Principal's Coffee and Connect
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 |
| 9 February | CCR Professional Learning Day - No School for Students |
| 12 February | School Glow Dance (Permission Slip Required-see below) |
| 13 February | School Holiday - No School |
| 16 February | President's Day - No School |
| 17 February | CI Professional Learning Day - No School for Students |
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.
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.
THIS IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) or the U.S. Department of Defense of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. DoWEA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided consistent with the mission of DoWEA.
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) or the U.S. Department of War of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein. DoWEA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided consistent with the mission of DoWEA.
Annual School Dance – February 12, 2026
We are excited to host our annual after‑school dance for students. A permission slip is required for all students attending, and families have been informed to check their child’s folder for the form.
Featured News
Upcoming Events
Activities
Zukeran Hosts 3rd Dental Battalion
Follow us on Social Media
School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kerwin Jones | Transportation | 098-970-1042/1019 |
