Principal Update
Important Dates
January 16: End of 2nd Quarter
January 16: Teacher Workday (no school for students)
January 19: Martin Luther King Day - Federal Holiday
January 20: Begin 3rd Quarter and 2nd Semester
February 04: Q2 PRIDE & Honor Roll Awards Assembly
February 04: Curriculum Night
February 09: CSI Day (no school for students)
Questions?
News You Can Use
Smith ES Parents and Sponsors,
Our Bulldogs had a great first week of 2026. We returned to routines and even the weather put out the white carpet to celebrate our return which made recess lots of fun. The students did amazing playing in the snow safely each day. Please remember this colder season to send coats, gloves, and hats to keep us warm.
Our preschool students ended this first week of the new year and the end of their clothing unit with a Fashion Show. It was great to have them cheered on by parents, and our older elementary school students at an assembly where they were the stars. You can see photos in the gallery section of the newsletter.
The end of the second grading period is next Thursday, January 15, 2026. For your planning purposes, the Q2 PRIDE & Honor Roll Assemblies are scheduled for Wednesday, February 04, 2026, and parents of recipients should expect an email invitation the week prior.
No School on Friday, January 16, 2026, for Teacher Record Keeping Day.
No School on Monday, January 19, 2026, Federal Holiday, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Kiss-N-Ride Reminder: Please only drop students off in the AM between the two orange cones for safety. We cannot see your students safely beyond this area and it could be dangerous. MPs may stop you if you are dropping off in the road.
Breakfast is served each day starting at 0735 unless there is a 2-hour delay. In this case, even though breakfast is not served students may enter the cafeteria at 0930 to stay warm. However, please do not drop off students earlier than 0930 during a weather delay.
We have had several parents inquire about lunch debts associated with their School Lunch Accounts. AAFES manages the school lunch program at Smith ES and notifies parents via email when there is a debt. Furthermore, the School Liaison Officer may also notify command when/if a debt is over a reasonable amount. You can visit https://linqconnect.com to set up payments, spending limits, monitor school meal accounts, apply for free and reduced meals or Visit https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program for more information on the School Meal Program.
Staffing Changes: In December, we said goodbye to our AAPS Teacher, Ms. Linda Yates who moved to DODEA Americas to serve as a Special Education Teacher in Kentucky and we are currently recruiting for her position. Ms. Jill Hills, our Music teacher moved to K-Town, and I have hired a Long-term Certified substitute, Ms. Nadia Puig to serve as our Music teacher. Finally, we said goodbye to Mr. Robert Woods, who retired after serving at Smith ES for more than 40 years as our Registrar. Our new Registrar, Ms. Lynzie Covey started working this week and is ready to support all your registration needs. Best wishes to all of those departing and a hearty welcome to those filling big shoes.
Speaking of our New Registrar, you can now email all attendance or absence notifications, updated orders, housing letters, or requests for records to SmithES.Registrar@dodea.edu. You will still be able to upload these documents to the DODEA Student Information System, or ASPEN Parent Portal https://dodeasis.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do. Call the main office if you need help with your account login/password.
The DoDEA Teacher of the Year Program provides avenues for teachers to be honored, awarded, and nationally recognized for their outstanding efforts in providing the best education for DoDEA’s military-connected students. Nominations for the 2027 DoDEA Teacher of the Year are being accepted Jan. 5-Feb. 6, 2026. This is the time to recognize DoDEA’s outstanding educators with more than three years of teaching experience. DoDEA employees at all levels are encouraged to submit nominations using the online form. Students, parents, and community members are also welcome to submit nominations. Nomination Form | DoDEA
Join the Board Game Club: Sponsored by Ms. Kellie.Saunders@dodea.edu A place to play exciting board games, make new friends, and learn while having fun! From classics like Chess and Scrabble to modern favorites, there’s something for everyone. Build teamwork & social skills, boost critical thinking & problem-solving, enjoy screen-free fun, learn patience and sportsmanship from 1420-1530 Thursdays in January, and Wednesdays in February, March, April, and May. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/h1Gzr2Gip4KBttCq6
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This year’s theme is “A Healthy Mouth is... A Happy Life”. Dr. Parks, Baumholder’s pediatric dentist and staff will be at Smith Elementary School on Tuesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, February 4th (half day) to provide both fun dental activities and dental screenings. If you would like more information or if you do not want your student to participate in this event, please reach out via email to Nurse Jennifer.Lasley@dodea.edu.
The School Advisory Committee or SAC met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and elected a SAC Board for the 2025/2026 School Year. Congratulations to our Chairman, Mr. George Clevenger, and Vice Chairman, Mr. Luke Holthus, and our faculty representative Ms. Angela Hollingshead. We are still in need of a secretary to round out the team. If you or someone you know are interested in serving as Secretary on the School Advisory Committee, please email sacsmithes@gmail.com to make a nomination. The next two Quarterly SAC meetings are scheduled for March 10, 2026, and May 12, 2026. If you have concerns or questions you wish to be added to the SAC agenda, please send an email to sacsmithes@gmail.com
Winter weather is here and the weather in Germany can be unpredictable. So, in Germany, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Everyone should have winter clothing including coats, gloves, hats, and boots for recess. Recess is expected to be outside unless there are high winds, lightning, or extreme temperatures below 20 F. Coats must be zipped when the temperature drops below 32F or Zero degrees Celsius. Please remind your students that they can bring an umbrella, but we cannot run when it is in use.
In the event of a weather delay or closure, this official decision is at the discretion of the Rhineland-Pfalz Garrison Commander and then communicated to the community through various media channels. There is a road conditions flyer posted at the bottom of the principal update, you can monitor our Smith ES Official Facebook page, or you can download the MyArmyPost App for latest information. When the school administration is notified of a delay or closure, you can expect an email notification from our Smith ES - Mass Notification System.
Working at Smith ES: The job of a substitute is to stand in the place of the classroom teacher executing the daily instructional plans and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom. If you or someone you know is interested in working as a substitute teacher at Smith ES, please log into USAJobs.gov and apply today. We generally pull applications and interview candidates at the first of each month.
Happy New Year to Welcome to our Bulldog Families, have a great weekend.
Richard Dye
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense Education Activity of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein.
Featured News
Upcoming Events
Activities
Resources
Crochet Club
Students explore the basics of crochet — from holding a hook to making their first chain — and gradually work their way toward small projects. More advanced members help mentor newcomers, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels successful.
Beyond crafting, the Crochet Club encourages patience, focus, and problem‑solving. Students often describe the experience as calming after a busy school day, and many enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from turning yarn into something they can hold, wear, or gift.
With enthusiasm and skills growing each week, the Crochet Club is quickly becoming a favorite activity — a place where creativity thrives and friendships grow.
2025 Snow Much Fun!
The snowy recess offered a perfect mix of imagination, teamwork, and pure winter joy. Teachers noted how students encouraged one another, shared materials, and found clever ways to make the most of the chilly weather.
Moments like these remind us that play is powerful — and sometimes all it takes is a snowy day and a piece of cardboard to create memories that last long after the snow melts.
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School Procedures
DoDEA School Dress Code
Students MUST wear:
- Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
- Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
- Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
- Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
- Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed
Students CANNOT wear clothing with:
- Language or images promoting violence
- Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
- Derogatory speech and/or imagery that targets groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head
* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress
* DoDEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoDEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events
Applicable DoW Policies
School Administrators
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | Registrar | +49 (0)6317-106-6062 |
