Principal Update

Smith ES Parent and Sponsors, 

No school this Friday, September 04, 2026, for Continuous School Improvement Professional Development for faculty and staff.

No School next Monday, September 07, 2026, Federal Holiday, Labor Day Observance. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday traces its roots to the late nineteenth century, when labor activists advocated for a federal holiday to recognize the vital contributions workers made to the nation's strength, prosperity, and well-being. By June 1894, Labor Day had been adopted by 23 states and was soon established as a national holiday. Today, it serves as an opportunity to honor the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of American workers whose efforts continue to drive the success of our communities and our nation. As we observe Labor Day, we celebrate the enduring spirit of the American work ethic and recognize the countless contributions of hardworking individuals across the country.

Thank you to all of our parents who joined us on Wednesday evening for our Open House. I especially enjoyed seeing our students demonstrate such pride in their school as they guided their families through the building and shared their favorite places to learn and grow.  This event also provided parents with valuable information about our DoDEA Blueprint for Continuous Improvement goals, our ongoing focus on excellent instruction for students and professional learning opportunities for teachers, the new DoDEA Parent Bill of Rights, and the DoDEA policy regarding Personal Electronic Devices during the school day.  For your convenience, I have attached many of these documents to this Principal Update email. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.

The Smith ES - School Advisory Committee (SAC) is seeking nominations for new leadership and at large committee members.  If you would like to nominate yourself for another community member, please click the link to the SAC Member Nomination Form.  All nominations must be received by COB September 04, 2026.  You can turn in forms using this [Google Form Link], emailing sacsmithes@gmail.com, or if submitting a printed copy, you may drop it off at the main office.  All eligible nominations will be published on Tuesday, September 08, 2026, in preparation for the election during the week of September 21-25, 2026.  The new board is expected to be installed at the next SAC meeting at 1600 on Wednesday, October 13, 2026. Questions concerning the election process, concerns or recommendations for agenda items can be shared by emailing sacsmithes@gmail.com 

Bicycle/Scooter/Skateboards: IAW the US Army Europe and Africa Headquarters, Wiesbaden, Germany Regulation 190-1 Driver and Vehicle Requirements and the Installation Traffic Code for the U.S. Forces in Germany;  (4) Bicycle operators, nonmotorized vehicle riders, and passengers on U.S. Forces installations must wear an approved helmet properly fastened under the chin. Helmets must meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute or the ECE for bicycle helmets.  (Pg 85 of the AEA Reg 190-1/CNE-CNA-C6F Inst 11240.6AC/USAFE-AFAFRICA Inst 31-202 - 11 Feb 25. 

Are you ready for Recess? As we move into the cooler months and the rainy season, we want all parents to know that students will continue to enjoy outdoor recess each day unless weather conditions make it unsafe, such as lightning, high winds, or temperatures below 20°F. To ensure students are comfortable and able to participate, please send them to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Jackets or coats, rain boots, gloves, and hats are highly encouraged and can be found at many local stores throughout the community. As the Germans wisely say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” With the right attire, students can safely enjoy outdoor play and fresh air throughout the year.

Tardies and Attendance Reporting: If your student arrives late, please park, escort them to the front office, and sign them in. Office staff will issue a tardy pass for the classroom teacher. To report an absence, email SmithES.Registrar@DODEA.EDU with your student's full name, grade, and reason for the absence so it can be documented in their attendance record. After seven absences (excused or unexcused), the School Liaison Officer will be notified and may contact the sponsor's command to provide attendance support. Families needing to request an absence in advance may obtain a pre-arranged absence form from the main office or email SmithES.Registrar@DODEA.EDU .

Please consider joining the Smith ES/PTO for just $5. The cost of membership supports Smith Elementary Teachers and Students by sponsoring Annual Photos, Holiday Markets, Spirit wear, and a multitude of afterschool community events throughout the school year.  We encourage all families to support our students and staff by joining the PTO or volunteering throughout the year. For updates and opportunities to get involved, follow the Smith Elementary School PTO on Facebook.

Do you want to work at Smith ES?

USA Staffing announcement for a Part Time (30Hr) Educational Aide (SPED Assessor) 

USA Jobs Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/881618400

Open Period: 08/24/2026-09/08/2026   Eligible to Apply: Open to Public, Family of overseas employees, Internal DoWEA, Military spouses: Applications only accepted through USA Jobs 

Upcoming Calendar Events:

Friday, September 04, 2026 - No School – Teacher Professional Development Day

Monday, September 07, 2026 – No School – Federal Holiday, Labor Day Observance

Monday, September 14, 2026 – PTO Sponsored FALL Picture Day

Have a great weekend Bulldogs.

Respectfully, 

Richard Dye

Principal, Smith ES