WIESBADEN, Germany - Anti-bullying initiatives and standing up a juvenile review board were on the agenda along with updates on school partnerships and student safety at the first Installation Advisory Committee meeting for the 2013-2014 school year.
Aukamm Elementary School hosted the meeting of educators and U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden officials Oct. 16 that picked up where it left off in the spring.
The school administrators expressed strong appreciation to their military partners for the units answering the calls for support to schools through mentor programs, physical labor and other efforts.
According to Principal Dr. Susan Hargis, Wiesbaden Middle School's partnerships with Headquarters U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District are still "rocking and rolling." She said the school will partner with USAREUR Soldiers to get SAVVY -- Students Against the Violence and Victimization of Youths -- about bullying matters. The school will also team up with USACE to highlight science, technology, engineering and math initiatives throughout the school year. Also, an added partnership endeavor with the Defense Science and Technology Center promises special learning opportunities for students and teachers.
Wiesbaden High School's culinary arts program received a huge boost from its 2nd Signal Brigade Soldier partners who answered the call to move and rearrange furniture to facilitate an environment conducive to learning and turning out delicious dishes.
"It couldn't have happened if they wouldn't have been there for us," said Principal Sharon O'Donnell, who said she was reluctant to call the unit. "But we were down to the wire and they were quick to respond."
Aukamm Elementary administrators lauded its partner 102nd Signal Battalion for the help and success with its chess and homework tutoring clubs.
"We really appreciate their assistance," said Principal Dr. Debbie Parker, who said she was looking forward to future engagements with the school's partner unit.
Hainerberg Elementary School Principal Penelope Miller-Smith said that with their partner 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, they are "moving forward together," making mention of the success the school had as a result of help with its field day and STEM night in the spring.
The committee took a bit of time out to discuss anti-bullying initiatives taking place around the community.
Aaron Chapius, Youth Program manager, and Peter Witmer, schools liaison officer, surveyed 10 percent of Wiesbaden High School's students about bullying during a Food for Thought Lunch session. The survey's findings revealed that bullying in the community was occurring mainly outside of school in the playground areas. It was found that while the incidence of bullying in the community among youths had decreased, the witnessing of incidents was on the rise.
"Bullying stops when bystanders get involved," said Witmer, giving way to the school administrators to share the different initiatives being employed in the schools.
And while the administrators were on one accord about the urgency in which bullying is handled, Hainerberg Elementary and Wiesbaden Middle's daily efforts were highlighted.
Everyday, Wiesbaden Middle School staff and students make a pledge to stamp out bullying. "The 'Bullying Pledge' is a constant reminder that we're not going to do it," said Hargis. "It's not cool. We nip it quick. We don't let it linger."
Hainerberg Elementary School's approach is focused on "replacing negative behavior by rewarding positive behavior," said Miller-Smith, speaking of its Hainerberg High Five school-wide behavior program that encompasses anti-bullying initiatives and actively recognizes students for their individual behavior. "It's based on one of our five tenets that you treat everyone with respect."
"There's no bullying going on there," said Carl Albrecht, assistant district superintendent, who visited HES earlier that day and was attesting to the fact that HES is a "bully-free school." He further encouraged the educators to continue to work at reducing incidents by identifying bullies.
Garrison officials are also on board to ensure bullying and youth misconduct cases are given proper attention.
According to the Civilian Misconduct Action Authority, the garrison will begin the practice of holding juvenile disciplinary review boards. The practice is being instituted to alter and change behavior, to ensure the safety and security of the community, to make perpetrators and sponsors accountable for such negative behavior. "A thorough investigative process removes the distraction of disruptive behavior," said USAG Wiesbaden Command Sgt. Maj. Sa'eed Mustafa, who will also serve as chairperson for the boards that will begin convening in November.
Aukamm administrators presented its two concerns for student safety to the board. The school recommended adding a crosswalk on Westfalenstrasse to ensure student safety when walking to and from school. Administrators also solicited suggestions for a revised evacuation plan that facilitates sufficient command and control of students and staff, if such an event was to occur.
Witmer also shared updates about DoDDS and host nation partnerships, mentioning that the success in the Leonardo partnership has generated more occasions for students to engage and exchange. The upcoming event "Jam On" is an American music event that will feature German and American student performers, Nov. 15 at Wiesbaden High School. Also Hainerberg Middle School will host the open John F. Kennedy in Hessen exhibition that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the presidential visit to Wiesbaden. The exhibit will open to the community Nov. 4, and will be open daily throughout the month of November during school hours; special viewing can be arranged with the middle school's administrators.
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