School News
Published on February 7, 2026
In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, sailors and civilians from Okinawa’s 3rd Dental Battalion visited Zukeran elementary school to teach Pre-K through fifth-grade students how to care for their teeth and prevent gum disease. Through hands-on lessons, students learned proper brushing and flossing techniques and the importance of healthy habits. The event supported National Health Education Standards by promoting preventive care, skill-building, and lifelong healthy habits.
Published on January 27, 2026
Zukeran ES 2nd graders became builders, innovators, and proved that the next generation is ready to solve real problems with emerging technology.
Published on January 25, 2026
Zukeran Fifth graders have begun their fractions units using the CRA (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) model, starting with hands‑on tools and drawings to build strong understanding before moving to abstract problem‑solving. This approach supports our school improvement goal of increasing fraction proficiency and aligns with the DoDEA Blueprint’s focus on rigorous, engaging instruction for all learners.
Published on January 18, 2026
Zukeran Elementary School hosted an extraordinary STEM Day designed to inspire curiosity, innovation, and real-world connections for all students. Coordinated by music teacher Ms. Jessie Saunders, the event brought together multiple members of our military-connected community who volunteered their time and expertise to highlight the many pathways within STEM careers. The day included an assembly with Brigadier General Robert Brodie, Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Okinawa, Japan.
Published on January 12, 2026
Through collaboration and creativity, the third grade team at Zukeran Elementary showed how learning extends beyond the classroom.
Published on January 8, 2026
Students from Zukeran ES recently brought vibrant energy and cultural pride to a local Okinawan school’s winter festival.
Published on December 18, 2025
The Pacific Student Transition Program provides a welcoming and supportive environment as new students adjust to new communities..
Published on November 22, 2025
Zukeran Elementary partnered with Camp Foster firefighters for Fire Safety Week, where students learned vital skills like practicing family escape plans, safe exits, and handling electronics responsibly. The event featured interactive lessons, a session with Sparky the mascot, and a simulated house fire drill, leaving students better prepared to protect themselves and their families.
Published on November 6, 2025
Zukeran Elementary School recently hosted its annual Fall Festival, a celebration drawing families, educators, and volunteers.
Published on November 1, 2025
Zukeran first graders using colored number tiles putting the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) model to work, helping students build number sense through hands-on exploration, visual grouping, and abstract reasoning.
Published on October 25, 2025
Student leadership elections at Zukeran elementary school empower students to develop essential life skills, foster a sense of belonging, and actively contribute to a positive school culture. This initiative aligns with the DoDEA Blueprint by promoting student excellence, shared responsibility, and community engagement.
Published on October 18, 2025
Zukeran's recent Fall Festival was a heartwarming celebration that brought together families, teachers, and our PTO to create a joyful and memorable evening. The event highlighted the power of community in fostering a supportive and vibrant school environment where students can thrive.
Published on October 9, 2025
Zukeran Elementary School staff came together on October 3, 2025, for a dynamic and inspiring Continuous Improvement (CI) Day centered on the theme, “What’s Our Piece of the Pie?” The event focused on uniting staff around a shared school goal—improving student understanding of fractions through the consistent use of the C-R-A (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) instructional strategy.
Published on September 27, 2025
Fifth grade students engaged in differentiated math games to review decimal concepts, using DoDEA-adopted curricular resources aligned with key standards. This instructional strategy supports DoDEA’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement by promoting fairness, rigor, and student-centered learning.
Published on September 22, 2025
Beginning Monday, September 22, every elementary family will receive a copy of Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr. Over the following weeks, families are encouraged to read the book together at home. The initiative aims to foster a love of reading, strengthen family connections, and build a vibrant community of readers across the island.
Published on September 17, 2025
Zukeran Elementary’s Pre-K students were welcomed into their first school experience with joyful decorations, engaging classrooms, and enthusiastic teachers. These interactive and positive first-day experiences are essential for building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. By creating a nurturing and stimulating environment, Zukeran sets the foundation for academic and social success from the very beginning.
Published on September 12, 2025
Zukeran Elementary’s fourth-grade math team delivered a hands-on rounding lesson using helium balloons, showcasing a strong alignment with DoDEA’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, MTSS framework, and the CRA instructional strategy. Through collaborative teaching and differentiated support, students engaged in meaningful learning that progressed from concrete experiences to abstract understanding.
Published on September 6, 2025
Zukeran Elementary School is using the CRA (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) math strategy to help students build strong, lasting understanding of math concepts through hands-on learning, visual modeling, and symbolic reasoning. A recent fourth-grade activity, where students modeled the school dome with pattern blocks and equations, showed how CRA helps learners connect simple ideas to complex structures in meaningful ways.
Published on August 21, 2025
During the first week of school, young students explored their learning studios and built relationships with classmates and teachers, laying the groundwork for a successful year. These early experiences help students feel safe, understand expectations, and begin developing the skills needed in a 21st century learning environment.
Published on June 7, 2025
Zukeran Elementary School students in Okinawa participated in small group transition meetings, lunch buddy sessions, and guidance discussions to prepare for moving up a grade or transferring to schools in the U.S., Japan, or other DODEA schools, fostering confidence and community support.
Published on March 24, 2025
Soroban Education Workshop provides hands-on learning experience for DoDEA Pacific students
Published on March 21, 2025
Zukeran ES recently wrapped up an exciting and engaging Read Across America Week, celebrating the theme "Literacy Sparks Innovation."
Published on May 6, 2024
Pacific South elementary and middle school students met at Kadena Elementary School on April 25th for the first Tech Lego Challenge.
Published on April 18, 2024
Zukeran Elementary recently hosted a wildly successful PreK-5 Math Extravaganza at the Camp Foster Exchange in Okinawa, Japan.
Published on October 1, 2023
Zones of Regulation gives students words to express how they feel, and tools to help them move into a zone that is conducive to learning.
