Principal Update

The week of
May 15, 2026
Smith Bulldog with German and American Flags

Important Dates

May 22: No School 

May 25: No School - Memorial Day

May 29: K-5 Field Day Celebration

June 03 - SY27 PreK Registration & Parent Meeting

June 05: Preschool Field Day Celebration

June 08: Q4 PRIDE & Honor Roll Assembly

June 08: 5th Grade EOY Celebration of Success

June 09: Last Day of School/Early Release @ 1100

Questions?

+49 (0)611-143-545-1225

DSN: 314-545-1225

Email:  richard.dye@dodea.edu 

News You Can Use

Smith ES Parents and Sponsors, 

No School next Friday, May 22, 2026 and No School on Monday, May 25, 2026, Federal Holiday, Memorial Day.   I will be traveling to the US this week to celebrate the birth of our granddaughter, Evelyn Rosemary Dye who was born on May 11, 2026.  While I am out of the office, Ms. Washington, Ms. Ramos, and Mr. Jonathan Ramos the BMHS Assistant Principal will serve as acting admin. I will still be monitoring email each day, but know that responses will be delayed during this time. 

Presidential Fitness Test will be conducted on all kindergarten through 5th grade between now and the end of the school year. Please see the parent letter attached to the principal update email.

Kindergarten through 4th grade parents received an email this past week about a pilot program we are launching this summer.  Our Host Nation Summer Enrichment Program will provide a four-day, Monday through Thursday, one week in June and one week in July for students who will complete Kindergarten through 4th grade this school year.  Limited enrollment and eligibility rules apply. See the parent letter attached to the Principal Update email for more information.  There are still spaces available at this time, register today.

Yearbooks on SALE NOW - online through May 25, 2026. Thank you to the Yearbook Club for working the entire school year to create such a wonderful memoir for families and students to enjoy for years to come and a reminder the wonderful experiences at Smith ES this school year.  Click here to access the ability to purchase your hardcover SY26 Smith ES Yearbook for $40 available only online. For more information reach out to Ms. Renee.Stotz@dodea.edu the Yearbook Club Sponsor.  

Field Day Volunteers needed for Friday, May 29th.  If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for this exciting full day annual celebration event, please reach out to Mr. Jawann.Jackson@dodea.edu who is the event POC. 

PreK Registration is currently open for SY2026/2027.  If you have or know of a new student who will turn 4 years old on or before September 01, 2026, then this student would be eligible for PreKindergarten at Smith ES.  Please share the Flyer on the right side of this newsletter, and the QR code for registration at the bottom right corner of click on the online registration using the ASPEN Parent Portal. We will host a PreK Parent Meeting and Registration Seminar on June 03, 2026 in the cafeteria.  Additional flyers are available in the main office, please post them and distribute them in your command for incoming families.

Parents can update your emergency contact information, updated orders, housing letters, or request records prior to your PCS by emailing SmithES.Registrar@dodea.edu or 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 School Advisory Committee has begun the closeout for 2025/2026. Minutes from the final meeting are posted on our website and posted outside the main office.  The SAC leadership for SY27 will be Chairman, Mr. George Clevenger, and Vice Chairman, Mr. Luke Holthus, and our faculty representative Ms. Angela Hollingshead. The next SAC meeting will be on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.  If you have concerns or questions you wish to be added to the SAC agenda, please send an email to sacsmithes@gmail.com

PTO has new leadership for the SY27 volunteer board.  The new board President, Ms. Raina Vaughn, Vice President, Ms. Serena Castellanos, Secretary, Mr. Luke Holthus, Treasurer, Ms. Dosha Salyers, Charter Representative, Ms. Gallia Holthus, Publicist, Ms. April Tovar, and Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Vanessa Przybylinski.  Please check out the PTO Facebook page for more information concerning events and how to volunteer with the PTO.

The garrison reminds us all to maintain strict Operations Security (OPSEC) on all personal and professional social media is mission essential. Information that may seem harmless can have severe consequences. Pause before you post. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to local law enforcement off post at 110, or on post to Military Police at +49 611-143-541-7008. You can also make a report to the USAG Rheinland-Pfalz security team at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/j7VryiMv4g.  Again, Please refer to the Principal Update Link email for sponsored event times and locations.

Working at Smith ES:    

      Educational Aides (SPED) https://www.usajobs.gov/job/863930700 

      Educational Aide / Educational Aide (Sure Start) / Educational Aide (Kindergarten) https://www.usajobs.gov/job/863940500

      Educational Aide (Prekindergarten), https://www.usajobs.gov/job/863941300  (Both part-time 30hrs & Full-time 70hours positions use the same link)

      Substitute, https://www.usajobs.gov/job/862978500

Please make sure your USAJobs.gov application online indicates your desire to work in the Baumholder area.  If your name does not appear on the USAJobs.gov referral list, you will not be eligible for hire.   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.  

Go Bulldogs.

 

Richard Dye

DoDEA's official photo of Mr. Richard Dye.

Mr. Richard Dye

OPC 405 Box 20
APO, AE 09034
United States

+49 (0)6317-106-6060
PreK Program & Registration Information Flyer - Meeting June 03, 2026
Yearbook Sale QR Code
MWR Reading Program
Moving?  Please let the school know as soon as possible.

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 Pages

Upcoming Events

Activities

Smith ES Students Celebrate MOMC with a Special Movie Night

Smith Elementary School students wrapped up a fun‑filled Month of the Military Child celebration with a special movie night hosted in partnership with AAFES. Families gathered to enjoy Dog Man, inspired by Dav Pilkey’s popular graphic novel series, turning the evening into a lively mix of laughter, community, and appreciation.

The event gave military‑connected students a chance to relax, connect with friends, and celebrate their resilience. With popcorn in hand and plenty of excitement in the air, students followed the adventures of the beloved half‑dog, half‑police‑officer hero on the big screen.

Smith ES and AAFES worked together to make the night memorable, highlighting the strength and spirit of military families. It was a simple but meaningful way to honor the young heroes of the community and close out MOMC with joy.

2026 Smith ES MOMC Assembly & Celebrations

Smith Elementary celebrated the Month of the Military Child with an energizing and student‑centered assembly led by A4L (Anchored 4 Life Team). Through music, movement, and fun, A4L celebrated the resilience, strength, and unique experiences of our military‑connected students. The assembly brought the entire school together in a joyful, high‑energy atmosphere that honored our community and set a positive tone for the month’s celebrations. Students left feeling seen, appreciated, and proud of the important role they play in our military families.

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DoWEA School Dress Code

Image showing dress code and location of armpit and mid-thigh

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

* DoWEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoWEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

School Administrators

Name Position Details Phone
Registrar Registrar +49 (0)6317-106-6062

School Hours

Summer Recess Hours Weekdays 0900-1500 

Grade School Hours Office Hours
PK - 5th

7:55 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.

(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday)

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

(Monday - Friday)

PK - 5th

8:55 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.

(Thursday)

 
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