Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Zukeran Tribune Parent Newsletter
Dear Zukeran Elementary Families,
Please see my weekly email for the latest commentary from the Principal's Desk. If you're not receiving my weekly email message, or if you have any questions, please reach out to elise.rosch@dodea.edu.
With appreciation,
Elise Rosch, Principal
Kerwin Jones, Assistant Principal
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.
On February 25th at 8:30 AM, Zukeran Elementary will conduct a scheduled Lockdown Drill as part of our regular safety training for students and staff. This practice helps ensure everyone knows what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. You may notice first responders on or near campus during the drill. They will be observing and supporting our practice to help us continue improving our safety procedures. Please don’t be alarmed—this is only a drill, and there is no cause for concern. The drill will last only a few minutes so that we can keep the school day running smoothly.
What Is the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)?
Our school follows the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) adopted by DoDEA. This system uses clear, common language and focuses on what actions students and staff should take in any type of situation. The SRP includes five simple actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
Students and staff practice these procedures throughout the year to help ensure everyone stays safe, calm, and prepared.
More information about DoWEA's Standard Response Protocol can be found in the School Handbook by scrolling to Standard Response Protocol in the DoDEA Policies Section. If you have any questions about the drill or our safety procedures, please feel free to contact elise.rosch@doda.edu.
The DoDEA Stakeholder Feedback Survey is underway, and we encourage parents and students to take a few minutes to participate. The survey is voluntary, anonymous, and provides meaningful insight that helps schools identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. The survey remains open through March 13.
Survey access is available through DSIS email. If you haven’t received a link in your inbox, please check your spam folder.
| Date | Event |
| 2 March | School Accreditation Visit |
| 2 - 6 March | Read Across America Week |
| 5 March | Literacy Night 4pm - 6pm |
| 25 March | End of Quarter 3 |
| 26 March | Teacher Work Day - No School for Students |
| 27 March - April 3 | Spring Recess |
| 6 April | Instruction Resumes - Beginning of Quarter 4 |
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.
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.
Don't forget to order your child's year book! Click here or scan the QR code to order.
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.
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 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.
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.
Featured News
Upcoming Events
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School Procedures
School Administrators
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kerwin Jones | Transportation | 098-970-1042/1019 |
