Parent Handbook 2012:2013 - John F. Kennedy School

PARENT HANDBOOK
2012/2013

“I look forward to a world which will be safe not only for
democracy and diversity but also for personal distinction.”
Mission Statement
John F. Kennedy, October 26th, 1963
The John F. Kennedy German-American Community School encourages independent,
collaborative, and critical thinking, fosters bi-cultural, bilingual academic excellence,
embraces international diversity based on mutual respect and cooperation, and, in doing so,
shapes responsible and democratic global citizens.
Die John F. Kennedy Deutsch-Amerikanische Gemeinschaftsschule
unterstützt unabhängiges, auf Zusammenarbeit bezogenes und kritisches Denken,
fördert die Fähigkeit zu herausragenden akademischen Leistungen in einem bilingualen und
bi-kulturellen Umfeld, setzt sich für internationale Vielfalt auf der Basis gegenseitigen Respekts
ein und erzieht somit die Schüler zu verantwortlichen und demokratischen Weltbürgern.
John F. Kennedy School
Deutsch-Amerikanische Schule
German-American School
Teltower Damm 87-93, 14167 Berlin
www.jfks.de
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to the John F. Kennedy School.
We are pleased to present you with our Parent Handbook. Compiled as part of a Parent Council
initiative, the topics and points covered are meant to help familiarize you with our school and
facilitate your child’s transition to their new environment.
Should you be in need of additional information or have further questions, please do not
hesitate to contact the guidance department, your child’s homeroom parent representative, the
homeroom or subject teacher, or a member of the school administration. Helping you and your
children to adjust to the John F. Kennedy School is our business.
Sincerely,
The Elementary and High School Principals of the John F. Kennedy School
From left to right: Reinhard Roth, Managing Director and German Elementary School Principal,
Steven Pothen, American Elementary School Principal, Joe Kelly, American High School Principal,
Kathrin Röschel, German High School Principal
Barbara Jasper, Assistant German ES Principal, Racso Cortinas, Assistant American ES Principal,
Ted Anderson, Assistant American HS Principal, Jan-Peter Heinsohn, Assistant German HS
Principal
Jeanette Fraede and Patrick Coan, Elementary School Office, Gabriele Barmeyer and Martina
Josse, High School Office
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Table of Contents
1. School Philosophy 8
2. School Regulations 8
3. History of the School 8
4. General Information 10
4.1 Administration Contact Information 10
4.2 Admissions 11
4.3 Your Way Around the School 11
4.4 Transportation 12
4.5 School Attire 12
4.6 Lunch 12
4.7 Lost and Found 13
4.8 Illness/Absence 13
4.9 Teaching Material Fund 14
4.10 After School Day Care at the JFKS 14
5. Elementary School 15
5.1. An Overview 15
5.1.a Entrance Class 15
5.1.b Grade 1 16
5.1.c Grade 2 16
5.1.d Grade 3 17
5.1.e Grade 4 17
5.1.f Grade 5 18
5.1.g Grade 6 18
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5.2. Starting Times / End of School Day 19
5.3 Daily Elementary School Schedule 19
5.4 Grades and Evaluations 20
5.5 Elementary School Supplies 21
5.6 Homework 21
5.7 Testing 21
5.8 Double Mother Tongue Program 21
5.9 Elementary School Policies 22
5.10 Religious Instruction 22
5.11 Elementary School Library 23
5.12 Extracurricular Activities 23
6. High School 25
6.1 Objectives 25
6.2 Daily Schedule 25
6.3 Grading and Evaluation 26
6.4 Instruction and Testing 26
6.5 Class Conference 26
6.6 Middle School Leaving Exam 27
6.7 The Abitur Program 27
6.8 High School Diploma 27
6.9 Advanced Placement Program 27
6.10 Achievement/Aptitude and College Qualifying Testing 28
6.11 High School Library 28
6.12 High School Homework 29
6.13 Electives 29
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6.14 Extracurricular Activities 29
6.15 Student Handbook 31
6.16 Ethics Course (Ethik) 31
6.17 Elevator Keys 31
6.18 Report Cards 31
6.19 Attendance 31
6.20 Withdrawing from School 31
6.21 Student ID Cards 32
6.22 Visiting Students Policy 32
7. Student Services 32
7.1 Guidance Counseling 32
7.2 Peer Helping and Mediation 33
8. School Committees 34
8.1 Parent Council (PC) 34
8.2 Educational Directorate (ED) 34
8.3 District Parent Council 34
8.4 School Conference (SC) 34
8.5 Subject and Grade Level Conferences 34
8.6 Elementary and High School Faculty Meetings 34
8.7 Student Council 35
9. School Community 35
9.1 The Verein 35
9.2 John F. Kennedy Friendship Center 35
9.3 Sport-Club John-F.-Kennedy-Schule Berlin e.V. 35
9.4 The Parent Newsletter 35
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9.5 Late Birds 36
9.6 School Shop 36
10. Information and Assistance for New Families 36
10.1 Sport-Club John-F.-Kennedy-Schule e.V. 37
10.2 Other Sport Groups 37
10.3 Scouting Program 38
10.4 School Groups 38
10.5 Community Liaison and Childcare 39
10.6 English Speaking Clubs 39
11. Helpful Addresses and German Terms 40
12. The Verein 41
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1. School Philosophy
The John F. Kennedy School (JFKS) is a bilingual, bicultural German-American tuition-free public
school. It offers an integrated elementary and high school program that combines the strengths
of both the German and American educational traditions. Acknowledging and appreciating
cultural diversity, it serves German and English speaking students of all nations for the purpose
of developing international understanding, as well as pursuing academic achievement. The
languages of instruction, German and English, are equally respected. Within this framework the
educational program incorporates the essentials of the German and American school curricula.
Upholding high academic standards of both educational systems, the JFKS gives students an
opportunity to learn through different modes and strategies. Promoting learning as a continuous
lifetime process, the balanced curriculum supports student growth in all areas, including fine
arts, humanities, languages, sciences, mathematics, and sport. The school trips are an important
part of formal education and they supplement instruction by providing direct observation and
experience, thereby creating new ways for students to deepen their understanding of what they
have already learned and to acquire new knowledge.
In guiding students to understand themselves and the world around them, the JFKS fosters
independent inquiry, critical thinking, open-mindedness and service to others. The curriculum
and learning strategies encourage the development of responsible, democratic citizens. At all
times the dignity of the individual student and teacher is paramount.
2. School Regulations
An atmosphere, which promotes learning, teaching, and living together, is vital for any school.
This is especially true for a bilingual, bicultural school. In order to ensure the rights of all
students to equal opportunities for education, certain school rules are necessary.
Rules and regulations that apply to the high school are published in the Student Handbook,
which is available on www.jfks.de and in the guidance office.
For more information, please see the website of the German Federal Ministry for Youth and
Family Affairs at www.bmfsfj.de (bmfsfj = Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und
Jugend).
3. History of the School
Originally founded as the German-American Community School in 1960, the school was named
after U.S. President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Predicated on the value
of a combined German-English language education, JFKS emphasizes the development of crosscultural
tolerance, understanding, and respect. Although the JFKS is a public school, which is
established in accordance to German law, it was set up under its own by-laws, which are geared
toward the German-American nature of its program.
The second decade of the JFKS was essentially one of implementation and consolidation of the
decisions and curricula developed for the school in the course of the 1960's.
Since 1972, JFKS has offered the standard German college preparatory certificate, the Abitur,
along with offering students the opportunity to complete the requirements for a US high school
diploma.
In the 1980's, the JFKS engaged in a re-examination of its goals and effectiveness in the wake of
educational reforms that had been adopted in Germany and the United States in the previous
decade. Three areas received particular attention and improvement: the middle grades, language
instruction, and extracurricular activities. In the mid-'80's the school embarked on an intensive
series of discussions concerning teaching methodology and launched a new program of
construction and renovation to enable the implementation of improvements identified in these
deliberations. In addition, during this time the high school received its first accreditation from
the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
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The collapse of the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in 1989 and the
reunification of Germany in 1990 presented new challenges to the JFKS. Reunification and the
subsequent withdrawal of Soviet forces from eastern Germany resulted in a corresponding
withdrawal of Allied forces in Berlin. This altered political and military landscape required
significant adjustments for the JFKS because the children of US military personnel accounted for
approximately 25 percent of the school's total enrollment. In 1993-94 the JFKS administration
decided to expand the school's English-language dimension by opening attendance to qualified
applicants from other English speaking countries. The school saw a major impact after Berlin
was reinstated as Germany’s capital and the subsequent influx of embassy families in the
community. For example, the number of students attending JFKS rose from approximately 1,200
in 1999 to 1,650 in 2001
Today, roughly 53 percent of the JFKS' students are German, 43 percent American, and 4 percent
come from a broad spectrum of countries. English continues to receive special emphasis in the
curriculum.
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4. General Information
4.1 Administration Contact Information
All faculty members and JFKS employees can be reached by e-mail, using their first initial
and last name with the ending @jfksberlin.org. (for example: rroth@jfksberlin.org)
Elementary School (ES)
Secretaries Jeanette Fraede-Kollwig 90299-5711
Patrick Coan 90299-5754
ES Fax Number 90299-6377
Managing Director &
German ES Principal Reinhard Roth 90299-5714
American ES Principal Steven Pothen 90299-5701
Assistant American ES Principal Racso Cortinas 90299-5779
Assistant German ES Principal Barbara Jasper 90299-5575
Elementary School Librarians Sally Burk
Barbara Nicolai 90299-6268
High School (HS)
American HS Secretary Martina Josse 90299-5758
German HS Secretary Gabriele Barmeyer 90299-5710
HS Fax Number 90299-6868
American HS Principal Joe Kelly 90299-5713
Assistant American HS Principal Ted Anderson 90299-5771
German HS Principal Kathrin Röschel 90299-5700
Assistant German HS Principal Jan-Peter Heinsohn 90299-6595
High School Librarian Lucy Scott-Kellermeier 90299-5663
HS Pedagogical Coordinators
Abitur Coordinator Peter Wiechert 90299-6575
Abitur Coordinator Steffen Schulz 90299-6577
Guidance Office – Haus Reil 90299-6584
School Registrar Mariya Fogarasi 90299-5021
Pedagogical Assistant Barbara Lopocz 90299-6138
Guidance Counselors
Grades Entrance Class-5 Alison Wither 90299-6583
Grades 6-9 Kara Krull 90299-6221
Grades 10-12 Marcea Eckhardt 90299-6585
Welcome Office /
Admissions Liaison Annika von Maydell 90299-5137
welcome@jfksberlin.org
Admissions Office admissions@jfksberlin.org
Elementary School Admissions Patrick Coan
High School Admissions Gabrielle Barmeyer
JFKS Trust Fund Manager Kerstin Buse 90299-5708
Fax 90299-6377
Custodians (Hausmeister) Michael Gracner
Ronald Dammann 90299-5709
Cafeteria GREENs Unlimited www.greens-unlimited.de 90299-6005
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4.2 Admissions
Submission of grade 1 to grade 12 applications for the following school year can be made as of
September 1st. Entrance Class applications must be submitted between October 1st and January
31st, for the following school year. Applications can only be considered when all of the
accompanying documentation is complete. Please consult www.jfks.de for more information, or
email your questions to welcome@jfksberlin.org
Elementary school applicants need to submit their report cards from the previous and current
academic year, and passport copies from both parents and child. Birth certificates can also be
submitted should the applicant not have a passport. The administration may require applicants
to take an English test if a possible space becomes available. A language test is given to all
Entrance Class applicants whose parents are both German and American.
American High School Diploma applicants need to supply copies of report cards (for grades 8
and below) and/or transcripts (for grades 9 and above) from the previous three years. German
Abitur applicants need to submit copies of report cards since grade 5. High school applicants
need to submit copies of their and their parents‘ passports.
German applicants must be fluent in English, transferring from an English speaking school.
Priority is given to those applicants returning from abroad. German high school students
returning from an exchange program in the United States can apply for admission.
High school applicants not coming directly from an American school will be required to pass an
English test at JFKS before being admitted. High school diploma applicants for grade 12 must
have completed U.S. history. U.S. students applying from the States may have the possibility to
complete a U.S. history course online. Non-U.S. students without U.S. history will not be
admitted.
4.3 Your Way Around the School
Upon reaching the Teltower Damm main gate entrance, you will find a large sign listing the
various buildings or offices located on the school campus such as: Elementary School, Guidance
Office and Gymnasiums (Sporthallen).
Each area is color-coded. Signs are posted on the campus for your convenience.
The buildings are coded according to the color of the window frames. In most cases the letter
designation used is the same in English as in German.
Y yellow/gelb Entrance Class
R red/rot Elementary School, classrooms
GR green/grün Elementary School, Administration, Auditorium
G green/grün Music & Fine Arts (entrance from bus ramp)
W white/weiß High School and H.S. Administration
B blue/blau High School
S black/schwarz Gymnasiums
HR Haus Reil Guidance Offices
Room numbers which begin with “1” are found on the ground floor. Rooms beginning with “2”
are on the next floor up, and so on. This slight bit of confusion points to the difference between
how floors are numbered in the United States and Europe (the “first floor” in Germany is always
above the “ground floor”). The school uses the American numbering system.
A room labeled, as GR222b should be read as follows:
GR Green: Elementary School
2 Above the ground floor (U.S. second floor/ German first floor)
22 Room number
b This room has two entrances, marked by “a” or “b”
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Security: School security and the safety of your child are our top priority
When entering the school grounds or a particular school building, be prepared to identify
yourself and state the purpose of your visit, if asked by one of the staff members. The
administration is in regular contact with the U.S. Embassy and the Berlin Police Authorities, and
in times of crisis there are regular information meetings for the entire staff. Evacuation/fire drills
take place at regular intervals and telephone chains are organized by the parent council
representatives in your child’s class for the dissemination of information in the event of an
emergency.
4.4 Transportation
Because JFKS serves children who live throughout the city of Berlin, various means of
transportation must be used. Older students and those living in close proximity to the school are
encouraged to walk or ride their bicycles. Public transportation, which includes bus, subway (U-
Bahn) and city train (S-Bahn), is safe and reliable. For information about public transportation
please visit the www.bvg.de website. The station nearest the school is S-Bahnhof (S-train station)
Zehlendorf (S1).
Children, not yet ready to use public transportation alone or those students who live in less
accessible locations, are encouraged to use the private school bus transportation. We can
recommend the following two bus companies that work in close coordination and
communication with the school’s administration:
Ahorn (030) 417 7220
Mobile 0173-231 2129 (emergency only)
Website www.ahornbus.de
E-mail ahorn@ahornbus.de
Lehmann 03328-353 866
Mobile 0174-940 8156 (emergency only)
E-mail FA.JoachimLehmann@t-online.de
These are private bus companies, any contract agreed upon for transporting children to and
from school remains strictly between the parents and the bus company.
4.5 School Attire
The JFKS has no dress code, but students should wear sturdy, washable, and comfortable
clothing to school. Attire should be seasonably appropriate. Please label your child’s clothing so
that lost articles can be more easily identified. Large quantities of clothing go to charity each
year because the school is unable to find the owners of lost clothing.
A T-shirt, shorts and gym shoes need to be brought to school in a gym bag for physical
education classes. The sports teachers will give you any additional information regarding sports
gear.
We ask that your child not wear expensive clothing items to school. This pertains also to such
items as watches, jewelry and other personal effects. The school cannot be responsible for the
loss of such items.
4.6 Lunch
Grades Entrance Class-2
Due to the shorter hours of daily school attendance, which ends at 13:20, the students are
expected to have lunch once they have returned home from school. It is recommended that each
child bring a snack and a drink from home.
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Grades 3-6 and High School
A hot lunch is served daily in the school cafeteria (Aula) by Greens Unlimited, www.greensunlimited.de.
There are at least two menus offered daily, including a vegetarian option. The cost
per meal is approximately 2.50 Euros. Weekly menus are posted in the cafeteria area of the
school, or can be found online at the following link: http://php.greens-unlimited.de/
greenschnaebel.html Lunch can be ordered on a monthly basis on the Greens Unlimited website,
or be bought on a daily basis, without pre-ordering. The cafeteria also offers a selection of
bottled drinks, sandwiches, pastries and other snacks at lunchtime and in the early morning.
Students always have the option of bringing their own lunch and drink from home.
4.7 Lost and Found
Lost and Found boxes are located near the elementary school office (GR220) and at the main
entrance of the large gymnasium (Sporthalle). Valuables are stored in the elementary school
secretary’s office.
The high school students have their Lost and Found cabinet in the high school building outside
the secretary’s office W103.
Parents are urged to label clothing with the child’s name and to clearly mark items such as gym
shoes and personal playground equipment. Unidentified clothing and other items not picked up
by the end of the school year in July are donated to charity. Students and/or parents who have
lost an item are, therefore, encouraged to check the "lost and found" regularly. The
administration asks students not to bring items of great value (expensive watches, shoes,
jackets) to school.
4.8 Illness/Absence
Parents are required to notify the school within three days of any given period of absence by
providing the homeroom teacher with a written excuse. The excuse should include the name of
child, date of absence and reason for absence. Normally, valid excuses include illness, medical
or legal appointments and legitimate family emergencies. If the sickness is contagious, a note
from the doctor must be submitted, stating that your child is allowed to participate in school
again. In any event, thank you for keeping your child at home if he or she is not feeling well. It is
not necessary to call the school offices for absences up to three days.
Students are responsible for making up work missed due to their absence. This can also apply to
tests and quizzes but students should check with their teachers to find out what is expected, as
this varies from class to class.
Student participation in school related activities are marked as “excused” absences. Students
remain, however, responsible for all work missed; this also includes homework. They must make
arrangements in advance with all teachers in regard to all homework assignments and for any
makeup date, if a quiz or test is to be missed. If the absence is just prior to vacation, approval
must be requested from a principal.
In the event of an extended leave, i.e., an emergency, where an absence of three days or longer
is necessary, the parents must contact the administration and the homeroom teacher.
Subsequently, a plan can be developed so as to insure that missing material can still be covered
and homework, if any, can be completed. Absences should not be planned beyond the regularly
scheduled vacations. If absence is before vacation it has to be agreed on by the principal, NOT
by the homeroom teacher.
Regular attendance is important for a successful school experience. Any absence for which a
proper excuse has not been received during the above period is considered as “unexcused”.
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4.9 Teaching Material Fund
In accordance with the Berlin School Senate, there is a fee for of 40 Euros for elementary
students and 60 Euros for high school students for books and teaching materials. This fee is the
responsibility of each student’s parent or guardian and is payable to the school’s “book account”
specified in a letter sent to the parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year.
4.10 After School Day Care at the JFKS
There are two after school day care programs at JFKS, the Hort Program and Late Birds:
Hort
Parents who are in need of day care before and/or after school for their child(ren) in grades
EC-6th, may apply for a place in the Hort Program run by the JFK Friendship Center e.V.. The
following hours of care are available:
Early module 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Afternoon module 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Late module 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Vacation module 07:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. on school free days
The day care is carried out according to a cooperation contract with the John F. Kennedy School,
which as a public “verlässliche Halbtagsgrundschule” (reliable half-day elementary school) must
make state-supported day care available to families who qualify. The supervision and activities
are planned to complement the school’s educational program.
The day care (Hort) program provides a multitude of inspiring and motivating activities from
different areas of education, such as: art, music, physical education, science, social and cultural
topics, as well as homework supervision. During vacations, an assortment of field trips and a
Hort holiday are offered.
Admission to the Hort program is only possible after filing a request to the Jugendamt (Youth
Welfare Office) in the town hall of your area of residence (Bezirk). To obtain this application
form, contact the Jugendamt or go online http://www.berlin.de/sen/bwf/service/formulare/. If
the district office (Bezirksamt) deems that the requirements are fulfilled based on parents’ work
or educational pursuits or the child’s social or educational needs, parents receive a “Notification
of Approval” (Bewilligungsbescheid) with which they may enter a contract with the JFKFC for its
day care services. Day care includes lunch and is provided at a monthly fee based upon the
module granted and family income. Any questions regarding the Hort can be addressed to: Hort
JFK Friendship Center, Ms. Svetlana Ostojic, phone: 030 / 815 81 18. Office hours: Wednesday, 3
pm – 5 pm or by appointment. E-mail: svetlana.ostojic@jfkfc.org
Late Birds
As an alternative, we offer the Late Bird program which you can make use of without involving
the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office). Late Birds is an afternoon supervision program, primarily
but not exclusively for children from the Entrance Class through 2nd grade, which takes place in
rooms of the JFK elementary school building. The children have the opportunity to eat a hot
lunch, do art work, play inside and outside, rest in the quiet room where they can look at or read
books or do their homework. Supervision is provided Monday – Fridays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Charges are €3.00 for 1 hour, €4.50 for 2 hours and €6.00 for 3 hours. Only the hours that the
child attends are charged. Late Birds is very flexible in regard to a child‘s attendance which can
be on a daily, weekly, monthly basis or even on a short notice occasion. Day camps are offered
during some vacations and on school free days according to the JFK school schedule. For more
information, please contact Petra Rose in room R 136 in the elementary school building,
phone: 902 99 5116 or 03329-696 90 46.
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5. Elementary School
5.1. An Overview
It is important that you have a grade-by-grade overview of what your child and you can expect
during his/her time in the JFKS elementary school.
5.1.a Entrance Class
What is the Entrance Class?
Usually a child will be admitted to JFKS into the entrance class; this class starts one year before
grade 1. Like all JFKS educational programs, the entrance class (Eingangsklasse) is designed to
enhance learning and social development in a bilingual and bi-cultural environment. By assisting
each child’s integration into the school community and teaching appropriate social behaviors in
building respect for the rights and feelings of others, the entrance class serves as a
developmental bridge between the family and the broader world. Children learn to listen and
wait their turn and gain confidence by expressing their ideas in front of their classmates.
The entrance class offers a preschool curriculum, which is designed to prepare the children for
learning in school, writing and early math. Pre-literacy Mother Tongue lessons are introduced to
the children in the second half of the school year.
At JFKS there are no single language classes; in every class there will be German- and Englishspeaking
children. Instruction in the classrooms is held in both languages at once.
What happens before the school year starts?
If you have been accepted at JFKS, you and your child will be invited to an open house day in
June before the entrance class begins in September. On this day, you and your child will
participate in a typical entrance class day, and you will be given more detailed information for
the start of school while your child has the chance to work and play in an entrance class.
There will be an English-language and a German-language open house day, so that there are not
too many children in the classes at once. The fact that you have been invited to one or the other
does not mean that a decision regarding your child's mother tongue language has been made.
This will be determined in the second half of entrance class, with the final decision being made
at the end of the school year.
Each child and his/her parents will have a one-on-one meeting with the child's homeroom
teacher, a few days before school begins. This will give you the chance to get to know your
child's teacher and to give her any important information about your child such as allergies,
illnesses, etc.
How is the first day of school for the Entrance Class organized?
The school days in entrance class start at 8:55 am. Please see 5.3 Daily Schedule for more
complete details. The first day of school for the entrance class is for German mother tongue
children, the second day is for English mother tongue children. Both groups come to school
together on the third day. Again, this division does not indicate a decision on your child's
mother tongue language.
On the Friday following the first days of school there will be a big „Einschulungsfeier“, a
ceremony celebrating the first day of a child’s official school career.
What is the “Einschulung” ceremony?
This is the German celebration of the first day of school for children starting 1st grade. JFKS has
its “Einschulung” for the children starting the entrance class. Children and their families are
welcomed by the current 2nd graders with a performance in the Aula and are then accompanied
to their classrooms, where school will officially begin the following week. Children are usually
given a “Schultüte” (a 'school cone'), a decorated large paper cone, filled with school supplies,
small gifts and candy. Schultüten can be purchased at any store that sells office supplies. (e.g.
McPaper, Woolworth, Karstadt)
What happens in the course of the Entrance Class year?
In the first semester the children spend most of their time with their homeroom teacher. They
have one hour per week of sports with a sport teacher.
After the first semester there will be parent-teacher conferences, at which time the teacher will
inform and discuss with the parents which language will be the child's mother tongue for school
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purposes. From the second semester on, children will have two periods of mother tongue
literacy preparation per week. For this, a child might have to leave the homeroom, depending on
the homeroom teacher's mother tongue language.
Entrance class is a probationary year. If the teacher foresees a problem with your child, you will
be informed at the parent-teacher conferences, and you will receive a letter from the
administration. It is the class conference which makes the final decision if the child will pass
probation and remain at the school or if the child must leave. The class conference consists of
all the teachers that teach a particular child, plus one administrator and the guidance counselor.
If the class conference decides that a child will not be suited for a bilingual school, the parents
will receive a letter from the administration near the end of the second semester, stating that the
child will not be able to continue at JFKS and should attend a monolingual school.
Will my child have the same teacher in 1st grade?
Sometimes a teacher stays with his/her entrance class, sometimes not – this is determined by
the administration and is based upon the available human resources.
5.1.b Grade 1
Beginning in grade 1, the school day begins at 08:05 hrs (please see 5.3. Daily Schedule for
details). Your children will have a new classroom and perhaps a new homeroom teacher.
The school accepts several new children per class. There is no “Einschulungsfeier” celebration,
but instead there is a simpler “Mappenfest” at the end of the first week of school, to which the
parents are invited.
Religion classes are offered on a voluntary basis for two hours per week (please see 5.10
Religious Instruction for details). The children will also have two hours of sports per week.
Children will be asked to do homework occasionally (for more detail please see 5.6.Homework).
There are 10 hours of mother tongue instruction per week. The children will learn to read and
write in their mother tongues.
If a child is especially weak in the partner language, he/she will be given the opportunity to
participate in a voluntary socialization activity in this language. This activity takes place during
the 7th hour. Parents will be informed if their children should participate.
There will be parent conferences in January (please check the school calendar) and as needed
during the school year. Parents will be invited to school should problems arise.
The school work is not graded; at the end of the school year the children will receive a checklist
report card without grades. (Please see 5.4. Grades and Evaluations for details)
5.1.c Grade 2
The basic schedule remains nearly the same as in grade 1, except the children have one hour
class library time per week. (For more information on the library please see 5.11 ES Library).
As part of the Social Studies curriculum there will be a unit related to sex education, with
emphasis on the family and when the students themselves were babies.
There are several school sponsored extra-curricular activities which take place during 7th hour
(please see 5.12 Extra-curricular Activities for more details).
As of grade 2 the children will receive a report card at the end of both semesters. There will be
parent teacher conferences at the end of January and as needed.
At the end of the grade 2 the classes will eat lunch at school several times. In this way the non-
Hort children get used to eating at school, as they will be having lunch in school from grade 3
on.
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At the end of the grade 2 the class conference decides whether a child, who has not acquired the
necessary competencies and skills to be successful in grade 3, should spend an additional year
in the lower elementary school. The parents, who have been informed regularly during grades 1
and 2, will be told the final decision of the class conference in early June.
All grade 2 classes are reshuffled, and in grade 3 your child will be with different children and a
new teacher. The grade 2 teachers decide how their children will be divided up in the new
classes, so that there is balance according to ability, gender and nationality. The school tries to
place each child with at least one friend.
5.1.d Grade 3
As the classes have been reshuffled your child will have a new homeroom teacher and a new
class. The school day is longer and goes until 14:10 hrs. Therefore, the children will have lunch
and recess during the 5th hour. (see 5.3. Daily Schedule for more details.)
Official partner tongue begins, with instruction every day of the week, during which the children
will learn to read and write in that language.
German partner tongue instruction is offered at three differentiated levels: beginning (D4),
intermediate (D3a or D3b) and advanced (D2).
English partner tongue is instructed in heterogeneous classes.
The children will learn to type with 10 fingers during one of their mother tongue hours.
From this grade on, the children will be taught by specialists in science and music.
There will be swimming class once a week during a double hour, and traffic and bicycle safety
instruction begins.
The children can take part in more extra curricular activities such as choir, recorder and different
kinds of sports.
Monday – Friday during 8th hour there is school-sponsored “homework help” available.
From 3rd grade on, 2 student representatives (one for each nationality) will be elected per class,
and these will participate in the student council.
All children attend the elementary school assemblies which are held regularly.
The parent conferences take place in October/November and in March and as needed.
5.1.e Grade 4
Many aspects of grade 4 are the same as for grade 3.
The children will have 3 hours of sport per week.
They will have sex education, which is instructed during Science.
They will take a written and practical bicycle test.
In 4th grade they will finish learning to type with ten fingers and start to complete some of their
work as Word documents.
From this grade on, students can participate in Odyssey of the Mind (see 5.12 Extracurricular
Activities for more details) and the elementary school newspaper “JFKS Times”.
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At the end of the year, and based upon teacher recommendations, some bilingual children can
test for the double mother tongue program which then will begin in 5th grade. (Please see 5.8
Double Mother Tongue Program for more information).
This is the first grade level, where number grades are used on the report cards; these will be
handed out at the end of each semester.
The parent conferences take place in October/November and in March and as needed.
At the end of the 4th grade the classes are reshuffled again; in 5th grade your child will be in a
new class with other children.
5.1.f Grade 5
The school day is longer again than in grades 3 and 4; it will go until 15:00 hrs.
New classes have been formed; your child will have different classmates.
In grade 5 the students will have weekly
6 hours Mother Tongue,
6 hours Partner Tongue,
5 hours Math
3 hours Social Studies
1 hour Art
1 hour Library
4 hours Science,
2 hours Music,
3 hours Sport
2 embedded activity hours.
A rotating unit on sex education and drug awareness will take place in either 5th or 6th grade.
The children can sign up for one year-long activity or two semester-long activities from music,
sports or academics. They have the possibility to learn an instrument during school time as
either part of the band or the orchestra. Those that do not choose an instrument will rotate
through different musical classes during their music rotation hour.
In 5th grade students can continue to be tested for the double mother tongue program (see 5.8
Double Mother Tongue Program for details.) If they qualify, they will start at the beginning of the
following semester.
The students will be changing their classroom and their teachers more frequently to prepare
them for high school; they will be expected to complete more assignments digitally and their
grading percentage will become stricter.
From this grade on, the students are eligible to become peer mediators.
The parent conferences take place in October/November and in March and as needed.
There is the possibility of a class trip at the end of the 5th grade or the beginning of the 6th.
5.1.g Grade 6
In this grade the students will have
6 hours Mother Tongue,
6 hours Partner Tongue,
5 hours Math
4 hours Social Studies
2 hours Art
4 hours Science,
2 hours Music,
3 hours Sport
1 embedded activity hour.
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There will be no more designated library hour, but usually it is possible to visit the library during
one of the Social Studies hours.
Students can be tested for the double mother tongue program (see 5.8 Double Mother Tongue
Program for details.) If they qualify they will start at the beginning of the following semester.
At the end of the first semester, the class conference meets and makes a preliminary decision
which children qualify to go on to 7th grade (usually 98% do). Academically endangered students
will receive a letter at the end of January. At this time a recommendation is made to the parents
that the student might be asked to leave JFKS for a monolingual school.
The parent conferences take place in October/November and in March and as needed.
The second semester brings regular meetings with the counselor to prepare the children for 7th
grade. This is the middle school counselor, who will accompany the children through 9th grade.
Toward the end of the school year, there will be a parent evening sponsored by the high school
to inform the parents about the upcoming changes.
At this time, there will be no decision made about Abitur- or high school track; this will happen
later in high school. The classes will be reshuffled again so that the students will start 7th grade
in different classes.
The end of the school year marks the end of the students’ elementary school career, so the
students attend the “bridge ceremony” on the last day of school. They cross the actual bridge
and are greeted on the other side by the high school principals.
5.2. Starting Times / End of School Day
With the exception of the Entrance Class, which begins at 8:55, elementary students (Grades 1-6)
generally arrive at school between 7:40 and 7:55. They can play outside or, on rainy days, wait
in the Aula. At the sound of the first bell at 7:55, students go directly to their homerooms.
At the end of the school day, a teacher escorts younger children to the bus ramp, and older
students are dismissed directly from their classrooms. Unless the older students are enrolled in
an after-school activity, they are expected to leave the campus within 15 minutes following their
dismissal.
Please note, that there is no playground supervision before 7:30 as well as after the Entrance
Class-2 have departed at 13:30; no supervision after grades 3 and 4 have departed at 14:15, and
there is no supervision after grades 5 and 6 depart at 15:00. Parents who give their children
permission to play on school grounds following dismissal are held legally responsible for any
accidents or problems, which might occur.
5.3 Daily Elementary School Schedule
Entrance Class: Upon arrival, children are met at the main entrance (bus ramp area) by the
homeroom teacher and taken as a group to the classroom. The same procedure, in reverse, is
carried out at the end of the day.
Time - Period Entrance Class Grade 1 - 2 Grade 3 - 4 Grade 5 - 6
07:30 – 07:55 Early Care Playground
Supervision
07:55 – 08:05 Early Care Enter school, go
to Homeroom
08:05 – 08:50
1st period
Playground /
Aula Supervision
Enter school, go
to Homeroom
Playground /
Aula Supervision
Enter school, go
to Homeroom
Early Care Instruction Instruction Instruction
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Time - Period Entrance Class Grade 1 - 2 Grade 3 - 4 Grade 5 - 6
08:55 – 09:40
2nd period
Instruction Instruction Instruction Instruction
09:40 – 09:50 Instruction Break Snack Snack
09:50 – 10:35
3rd period
10:40 – 11:25
4th period
11:30 – 12:15
5th period
12:20 – 13:05
6th period
Instruction Instruction Instruction Instruction
Instruction
Snack
Snack / Recess Instruction Instruction
Instruction Instruction Lunch / Recess Recess / Lunch
Instruction
Recess
Instruction Instruction Instruction
13:05 – 13:20 Dismissal Dismissal 10-min.
Homeroom
13:25 – 14:15
7th period
14:20 – 15:00
8th period
15:05 – 15:50
9th period
5.4 Grades and Evaluations
Activity
Remedial
10 min.
Homeroom
Instruction Instruction
Dismissal
Activity
Instruction
Dismissal
Activity
Formal grading using numbers or percentages to indicate achievement begins with the fourth
grade. Prior to that, written comments and checklists are used to indicate performance on daily
work, as well as on report cards issued at the end of each school semester to the parent or
guardian. Regular parent-teacher conferences are also seen as a valuable means of
communicating student progress and whenever specific academic, social or health problems
arise.
Given a specific grade level, the following can be expected:
Entrance Class: Parent conferences as needed at the beginning of the school year; January
parent conference; narrative report card at end of the school year.
Grade 1: January parent conference; comprehensive checklist report card at end of the school
year.
Grade 2: January parent conference; comprehensive checklist report card at the end of January
and at the end of the school year.
Grade 3: Fall parent conference; comprehensive checklist report card at the end of January and
at the end of the school year; March conference, if needed.
Grade 4: Fall parent conference; checklist report card with grades at the end of January and at
the end of the school year; March conference, if needed.
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Grades 5 - 6: Fall parent conference; checklist report card with grades at the end of January and
at the end of the school year; March conference, if needed.
5.5 Elementary School Supplies
Grades 1-6: All students will need a backpack to carry material, folders and homework to and
from school. Each grade level has its own list of items, which can be found on www.jfks.de under
elementary school, supply lists. Students will also need clothing for physical education (Shorts,
T-shirt, gym shoes). Remember to put your child’s name on all items.
5.6 Homework
The purpose of homework is to support classroom learning through the completion of
assignments, independent reading, purposeful writing, guided practice, special projects and use
of learning resources, not usually available in the classroom. Students receive homework
regularly. Teachers try to co-ordinate major homework assignments with other teachers so
students are not overburdened at one point and left with none at other times. There should be a
variety of timely homework activities.
Suggested amounts of homework on an average are:
Entrance Class None
Grades 1 and 2 10 –20 minutes per night
Grades 3 and 4 20 – 40 minutes per night
Grades 5 and 6 30 – 60 minutes per night
5.7 Testing
Tests and quizzes are legal documents; therefore they should be signed by the parents and
returned to the teacher. School policy is that no more than one test and one quiz may be given
on a particular day. A numeric system is used to indicate the quality of work a student has done,
with 1 being the best and 6 being the worst. Written and oral test grades and report cards may
be shown with +’s and –‘s.
All grades are given in the German numbering system in the following manner along with the
equivalent to American grades:
Third and Fourth Grade
1= outstanding 1+ = A++ 1 = A+ 1- = A 95-100%
2= very good 2+ = A 2 = A- 2- = B+ 82-94%
3= satisfactory 3+ = B 3 = B- 3- = C+ 68-81%
4= adequate 4+ = C 4 = C- 4- = D+ 50-67%
5= poor failing 5+ = D- 5 = F 5- = F 25-49%
6= failing 0-24%
Fifth and Sixth Grade
1= outstanding 1+ = A++ 1 = A+ 1- = A 95-100%
2= very good 2+ = A 2 = A- 2- = B+ 85 - 94%
3= satisfactory 3+ = B 3 = B- 3- = C+ 71 - 84%
4= adequate 4+ = C 4 = C- 4- = D+ 50 - 70%
5= poor failing 5+ = D- 5 = F 5- = F 30 - 49%
6= failing 0 - 29%
5.8 Double Mother Tongue Program
Beginning with the 5th grade, students have the possibility to participate in the mother tongue
(MT) instruction in both languages, German and English. Participation is possible under the
following conditions:
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- Student needs to be recommended for this program by both his/her language teacher and his/
her homeroom teacher.
- The student’s grade in German and English must be no less than 2.
- Student must pass a test that shows that he/she is ready for the MT level in their partner
tongue (PT) language.
The “class conference” decides at the end of each semester about a child’s participation in the
program. The first semester is a probationary period.
5.9 Elementary School Policies
Policies are agreements that the members of the elementary school community (teachers,
principals, students, parents) make, understand and follow, in order to make the school a safe
and pleasant place to be. Although there are many different policies in the elementary school,
many related to the specific grade levels, these are the most important to remember:
Hall Policy - Because of the number of students, for safety reasons only walking is allowed in the
halls and on the stairs of the JFKS. If students are caught running, they will be asked to return to
their starting point and walk the distance again. Students are asked to move quietly from place
to place and speak in a normal tone of voice. When using the stairs, students stay on the right
side. Bouncing balls in the halls is not allowed anywhere.
Wheels Policy - The use of wheels for transportation on the JFKS campus is not allowed for safety
reasons. Upon reaching the front or back gate, students are expected to walk their bicycles,
carry their skateboards, or push their scooters. "Heelies" are not allowed on campus anywhere!
Wheelchairs may be used by handicapped people.
Electronic Devices Policy - The use of electronic devices brought from home is not allowed in the
JFKS elementary school. Upon reaching the front or back gate, students are expected to turn off
and put away all Gameboys or other hand held electronic games, cell phones and music listening
devices, MP3 players, etc. Electronic devices being used at school will be taken away and given
to the homeroom teacher, who will return them the following day when a note from the parents
has been brought to school. In some cases in the upper elementary school, parents are expected
to come to school to retrieve cell phones, when students are using them on the school grounds
or during instruction.
Grade Level Policies - Grade level policies are specific agreements made by all of the homeroom
teachers on a specific grade level. These may include rules about clothing and hats, returning to
the homeroom from another class to get forgotten school things, use of Religion Rest hours, or
certain expected behavior. Parents and students are informed of these policies early in the
school year, both at school and at the parent evenings. If there are questions, be sure to contact
the grade level chairperson.
5.10 Religious Instruction
Religion classes are taught two times each week and are integrated into the regular weekly
school schedule. The various religion classes are organized and paid for by organized religious
institutions in Berlin. Parents are required to register their children for these classes in written
form, which are handed out by the homeroom teachers at the beginning of the school year.
Children from Grade 1 through 6 will remain enrolled in the class registered for, until written
notice has been received from the parents, to proceed otherwise. Children who do not
participate in a religion class will be enrolled in a “religion-rest” class. Alternately, the elementary
school offers a course called “Lebenskunde” which explores many aspects and questions of life.
The religion class emphasizes moral and ethical principles within a given specific religious
context and interpretation. Learning sources may include art projects, the singing of traditional
songs, preparation and celebration of religious holidays and the teaching of selected Bible
narratives. Themes such as social responsibility, family, and tolerance verses discrimination are
also emphasized.
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5.11 Elementary School Library
The Elementary School Library serves the entire school community, supporting the goal of
bilingual, bicultural education. Our library's collection includes over 20,000 pieces of materials
in both German and English, ranging from books and magazines to software and DVDs, and new
acquisitions are made throughout each school year. New materials are acquired every school
year, helping to ensure that the library contains up-to-date, high-interest materials to support
the learning needs of all students. Students use networked computers both independently and
with their classes to further support their studies.
The bilingual library staff strives to help students become independent, intellectually curious
library users, develop an appreciation of outstanding children's literature, and develop an
understanding of the benefits of the Internet and other technologies. Students in Grades 2 – 5
visit the library weekly to learn how to use a library, develop research strategies, and search for
materials to strengthen their skills as readers. 6th graders visit the library both independently
and with their teachers to conduct research and select reading materials. Author readings,
classroom presentations, and reading competitions are also planned throughout the year.
The library is open for student use between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each school day.
Additionally, parents are invited to visit the library with or without their children during the
regularly scheduled parents' hours posted at the library door. Please allow time during your first
visit to set up an account.
Parents are asked to help their children remember that returning books on time is part of good
library behavior. The loan period for materials is as follows:
Entrance Class and Grade 1 maximum 1 material/1 week
Grade 2 maximum 2 materials/1 week
Grades 3 and 4 maximum 5 materials/1 week
Grades 5 and 6 maximum 5 materials/2 weeks
Parents maximum 8 materials/2 weeks
5.12 Extracurricular Activities
An Information Fair is held every September. This is an information evening held at school where
all the community clubs present their extra-curricular programs for children and parents within
the German/American community. You can gather information about and register for sport
clubs, language and social clubs, scouting programs and more.
A large variety of extracurricular activities and electives are also offered by the school. These
vary from year to year based upon what the teaching staff can offer and time which is available
in the school schedule. Please check the school’s website for the most current list of activities.
A sample of some of the activities that have been offered follows:
Music: Grades 3 and 4
Those students who already have sufficient instruction and skill on an orchestral instrument are
able to join the elementary school orchestra. All students have the opportunity to join a choir
that meets once a week after school and may audition for a small vocal ensemble. Beginning and
intermediate instruction on the recorder, Orff musical instruments and guitar are available for
interested students.
Music: Grades 5 and 6
Instruction on band and orchestra instruments is an important facet of the 5th grade program
and has been incorporated into the curriculum in the form of a music elective. The school owns
sufficient instruments to permit all 5th graders to try and borrow an instrument, but they must
obtain their own, if they continue with it in the 6th grade and high school. Students who do not
wish to join the band or orchestra may instead choose a rotating music elective which exposes
them to several groups of instruments. Fifth and sixth graders have the opportunity to take a
choir elective and may also audition for the small vocal ensemble. The choir performs a musical
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every year and all the ensembles perform at least twice a year at our holiday season and end-ofthe-year
concerts. The music program is organized in such a way that students can participate in
both instrumental and vocal activities.
Odyssey of the Mind
This innovative program integrates students in a fun learning adventure, which encourages
creative thinking and promotes problem-solving skills. Participation in this activity includes
teams of children in 4th through 12th grade. Each team consists of 5 to 7 members and their
coach. While each team receives the same problem, the solution may vary depending on the age
of the team members, their imagination and innovation. The students work together to solve the
problem and the challenge.
Once team members develop a solution, they present it in a performance, designing and
creating all props, costumes and other elements to bring the solution to life in an 8-minute
program.
Each year, five new problems are presented to teams. One is structured where teams design and
build structures. Another problem is a mechanical/vehicle in which teams design, build, and
operate vehicles with various power sources. The classics problem is based on the classical,
from literature to architecture to art. In the performance problem, teams present performances
that revolve around a specific theme. Teams make innovative contraptions and incorporate
artistic elements into their solutions of the technical problem. The problems are designed for
competition, with scoring components and limitations or rules to be followed. Teams compete in
local and regional contests and may even make it to the world competition. In 2010, we had
teams compete in both the European finals in Belarus and in the world competition in Michigan.
In 2011, several groups competed in Danzig, Poland.
Sports
JFKS has 2 gyms and a track and a sport field with artificial turf. The elementary school has 7
sports teachers. Children have physical education up to 3 times per week. 3rd grade is required
to have swimming instruction instead of the regular sports instruction.
There are a number of extra curricular sports activities offered after school. These are taught by
JFKS teachers and include: gymnastics, badminton, basketball, flag football, soccer and track
and field.
The high school has a sports faculty of 12 and high school students have up to 3 hours of sport
per week. The extra curricular sports activities for high school students include: badminton,
basketball, volleyball, track and field, rowing, lacrosse, flag football, weightlifting, soccer, dance
and yoga.
Periodically throughout the year, you will receive notification that students will be participating
in a sporting event and will need to be released from class. This occurs for basketball, track,
soccer, and American football. Students are only allowed to participate with the consent of their
teachers and they are responsible for work missed. Lunchtime intramural activities are
sometimes available for students in grades 3 to 6. Please check with the sport department for
current activities and times.
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6. High School
6.1 Objectives
The educational objectives of the JFKS include the possibility of attaining the American high
school diploma and the German Abitur. Students may elect to seek either the German Abitur
and/or the American high school diploma. All courses are college preparatory and are taught in
either German or English. Great emphasis is placed on high achievement standards directed
toward matriculation into American and German universities. The high school is fully accredited
by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).
Structure
Grades 7-12 are included in the high school. The high school is divided into two sections:
Grades 7-10 Mittelstufe or Middle school
Grades 11-12 Oberstufe or Senior High School
All new students (including former JFKS 6th graders) entering the High School are invited to
Orientation Day. They and their parents should attend this event, which takes place on the Friday
before the 1st day of school. Please contact welcome@jfksberlin.org or the Guidance Office at
902 99 6584 for more information.
Instruction in grades 7-10 is scheduled by class, whereas students in grades 11-12 are
scheduled individually, based on their chosen courses.
Students in grades 7-12 elect to complete either the German Abitur and/or the American High
School Diploma. Students registered in the Abitur program may also receive the high school
diploma, if they meet the minimum requirements.
All students are enrolled in both English and German language instruction. Each student is
registered at the mother tongue level of one language and the partner tongue level of the other
language according to his or her ability. Mother tongue level indicates that the student has
reached native proficiency in that language. Partner tongue courses are at a higher level than
"Foreign Language Study", e.g., French, Latin, and Spanish. The combination of German mother
tongue (D1) and English partner tongue (E2) for German students is comparable to the English
mother tongue (E1) and German partner tongue (D2, D3 or D4) combination for American/
international students. The advanced German and English partner tongue level (D2 and E2)
indicate a near native proficiency that enables a student to enroll in academic courses in all
disciplines taught in either language. Achieving native proficiency in the partner language makes
it possible for many students to participate in instruction at the mother tongue level in both
English and German (E1, D1).
Teaching Material Fund
In accordance with the Berlin School Senate, there is a fee for books and teaching materials for
each high school and elementary school student. This is 60 Euros for high school students and
40 Euros for elementary school students. It is the responsibility of each student’s parent or
guardian to pay these fees. They are payable to a “book account” specified in a letter sent to the
parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year.
6.2 Daily Schedule
Period 1 08:00-08:45 Period 6 12:20-13:05
Period 2 08:52-09:37 Period 7 13:25-14:10
Period 3 09:45-10:30 Period 8 14:15-15.00
Period 4 10:37-11:22 Period 9 15:05-15:00
Period 5 11:30-12:15 Period 10 15:55-16:40
High school lunch 12:20-13:25
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Please note that Grades 7-9 are not permitted to leave the school premises and only 10th
graders, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian which is kept on file, are
allowed to leave. Students in grades 11 and 12 are exempt from this regulation.
6.3 Grading and Evaluation
Students are given grades according to the German (numerical) marking system. The following
list presents the meaning of German numerical grades as well as the equivalent to the American
alphabetic system.
1 = Very Good 1+ = A+
1= A
1- = A
2 = Good 2+ = A-
2 = B+
2- = B
3 = Satisfactory 3+ = B-
3 = C+
3- = C
4 = Adequate 4+ = C-
4 = D
4- = D
5 = Poor, Failing 5+ = F
5 = F
5- = F
6 = Failed 6 = F
A “4-” is the lowest possible passing grade in the high school. While a “4-“ is the passing grade in
grades 7-10 of the Abitur program, it is considered a failing grade in grades 11-12 of the Abitur
program.
6.4 Instruction and Testing
In courses other than language courses, instruction and testing may be either in English or
German depending on the following:
1. All instruction and testing may be in English in grades 7-12. In all classes with students
enrolled in beginning or intermediate partner tongue German (D4 or D3), the language of
instruction and testing must be English.
2. Instruction and testing may be in German, if all students are in German mother tongue (D1) or
advanced partner tongue (D2).
3. Special subject matter terms are to be provided in all classes in both languages.
6.5 Class Conference
A class conference is called into session when individual efforts towards resolving matters
involving student discipline (i.e., not attending classes, etc.) and behavioral problems are
unsuccessful. Parents are notified in writing seven days in advance that a class conference
involving their child will take place, but they are not allowed to participate in the meeting. The
homeroom teacher will call the class conference into session with the high school principals and
all the teachers who have the student in their classes. The appropriate Parent Council
representatives will also be a part of the class conference unless the parents of the involved
student disagree with their participation. Minutes from the class conference are written and
recorded as a permanent document to be placed in the student's school file. An earnest attempt
is made to resolve the issue first through educational measures and, if that is not possible, with
disciplinary measures, only as a second course of action.
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In addition, the class conference may be called to discuss and/or make suggestions or act upon
any problem affecting a class or individual within the class including academic, social or
organizational problems.
6.6 Middle School Leaving Exam
All 10th-grade students must take the Berlin-wide Middle School leaving Exam (MSE, called MSA
or Mittlerer Schulabschluss in German). Students will only be promoted to the 11th grade, if they
have passed both the MSE and earned at least a “4-“ as final grade in all school subjects
(exceptions are delineated below).
The MSE consists of four parts:
Three written examinations in English, Math and German
One oral presentation in another subject
JFKS has received permission to substitute the English component of the MSE with the PLAN test,
a standardized test created specifically for 10th-grade students by the ACT program. In the
United States the PLAN test is usually administered to 10th graders in the fall and the JFKS
follows suit by holding the PLAN test in November as the English test for the MSE.
The Math and German tests are scheduled in the spring of the year (exception: for students at
D3 or D4 level, the science portion of the PLAN is used in lieu of the German exam. Additionally,
an English translation of the math exam will be provided.)
The project presentations are also scheduled in the spring. Exact times will be announced each
fall. Students select their presentation topic themselves and may prepare and present it in small
groups.
Students must achieve a “4“ or better in all four exam areas in order to pass the MSE. However, a
“5“ in one exam area can be compensated by a “3“ in another.
6.7 The Abitur Program
Entrance to universities in Germany is based on obtaining the German secondary school “leaving
certificate”, called the Abitur. The Abitur is completed and obtained in grade 12. Although a
student does not actually enter the Abitur program until grade 11, the decision to prepare for
the Abitur track is made as early as grade 7.
Students are promoted to the 11th grade when they have passed both the MSE and the 10th
grade. Final school grades must be at least a “4-“ in all subjects. One failing grade can be
tolerated as an exception. Should a student receive two “5’s,“ they are required to take make-up
exams in those subjects at the beginning of the next school year. Students who earn three or
more “5’s” cannot be promoted but they have the possibility of repeating the 10th grade. More
information will be given in the course of the school year.
6.8 High School Diploma
JFKS requires a student to earn at least 26 academic credits for graduation. All courses taken in
grades 9-12 are entered on an official high school transcript and count towards the high school
diploma. Students registered in the Abitur program may also receive the high school diploma, if
they meet the minimum requirements. Please check the JFKS website www.jfks.de under
Academic Programs/Graduation Requirements for more details.
6.9 Advanced Placement Program
This program offers academically talented 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to receive
college or university credits for their knowledge and skills acquired at the JFKS in specific subject
areas. The AP examinations are administered in May of each year. According to the performance
on the exam, students may receive college or university credit hours, advanced placement or
exemption from certain prerequisites at several colleges or universities. Thus, it is possible for a
student who is successful on AP exams to enter at or near the college/university sophomore
27

levels. It is also possible to earn an International AP diploma, as well as the normal diploma at
JFKS.
Should you like more information about the differences between the high school and Abitur
programs, please go to the following link: http://www.jfks.de/pdf/
Key_Differences_between_High_School_and_Abi.pdf
6.10 Achievement/Aptitude and College Qualifying Testing
Achievement, aptitude and college testing is administered through the guidance department at
the JFKS to help students with post high school educational goals and/or vocational plans. The
following tests are included in the current testing program:
Stanford Test, Stanford Olsat Assessment Test, administered in the eighth grade to help
determine the academic standing of JFKS students in comparison to US High School students.
PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test,
administered in the eleventh grade to help predict achievement on the SAT exams, also may
qualify students for recognition as national merit scholars and/or as outstanding student
scholars.
SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test
ACT American College Testing Program
AP Advanced Placement Exam
Each test has a required fee. The SAT is offered approx. 6 times a year, always on Saturday
mornings. The ACT is offered 2-3 times a year, also on Saturday mornings. AP exams are offered
in May of each year. For dates, registration and other information, contact the guidance office.
6.11 High School Library
The library is open to all students, staff, parents, and the larger community from:
Monday - Thursday 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fridays 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Telephone: 030 90299-5663
hslibrary@jfksberlin.org
“The mission of the school library media program is to ensure that students and staff are
effective users of ideas and information. The school library media program empowers students
to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of
information.” - AASL 2009
The library staff believes that a dynamic, effective, student-centered and learning-centered
library media program should be an integral part of the total educational program of the school.
We believe the library plays an important part in educating our students to become socially
responsible, independent, information literate, life-long learners. We also believe in our role as
instructional partners in learning and teaching and in providing information access and delivery.
In addition to books, we offer a variety of other materials, including DVD’s, magazines,
examination preparation guides, university information, a MAC lab, and wireless Internet access.
Take advantage of the JFK high school library database, Student Resource Center. This Gale
database includes content in major subject areas. Information in this database is taken from
primary sources, reference, newspapers, journals, magazines and websites.
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Services
The library provides Internet access, printing and scanning, quiet study areas, as well as, group
study areas, and of course, research and guidance in finding just the right book for recreational
reading.
Online Catalog
You can access the database, and online catalog from the JFKS website. Please click on “High
School” tab, then “Library” tab, which will bring you to the library website. Click “Catalog” to
access the library home page and online catalog.
6.12 High School Homework
Students should be able to do homework without the help of a parent or other person. The
school conference has the authority to decide on the principles of homework according to this
regulation. Homework as a punishment or as a disciplinary measure is pedagogically not sound
and not allowed.
Homework shall be assigned so that it does not exceed:
Grades 7-9 90 minutes daily
Grade 10 120 minutes daily
Grade 11 6 hours per week
Grades 12 10 hours per week
The amount of homework, however, cannot be measured in minutes per day, but rather by
achievement. The above mentioned times should be used as a guideline. In the 11th grade, no
more than 6 hours of homework should be given per week. With a course load of 36 hours, this
means approximately 10 minutes per period. In the 12th grade, homework shall not exceed 10
hours per week, if a student has up to 36 class periods per week. If a student has more than 36
periods of instruction per week, the amount of homework has to be decreased. No homework
may be given in grades 7-10 during school holidays and vacations.
6.13 Electives
At the end of the 7th grade, each student decides which one of the eight elective courses he or
she would like to take in grade 8. Students fill out a form indicating their first and second
choices. Only courses with sufficient enrollment will be offered. Once assigned to a class, a
student may not change to another elective until after a year. For more complete information of
course descriptions and requirements, please contact the administration.
The following electives have been offered in the past:
Latin
Spanish
Chemistry/Biology Lab
Drama
Art
Computer Science
Media Science
Creative Writing (German)
Please note: In the 7th grade, all D1 or D2 students will automatically be assigned to beginning
French. Students who have not reached D2 level will be assigned additional hours in German
(D3–4), instead of French, or four additional hours of instruction in their bilingual science
classes in order to further develop their German skills.
6.14 Extracurricular Activities
Many extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, athletics, and performance groups) are open to high
school students. These activities promote German-American relations and enable students to
learn, refine, and demonstrate their talents and skills outside the classroom. They play an
instrumental role in the integration of German and American students. Activities meet at various
29

times depending upon the students' schedules. A list of activities offered each semester is
posted in the information hallway of the White Building. Some of the activities that have been
offered recently include:
Music
Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, String Quartet, Barbershop and Sweet Adeline Choruses, Chamber
Choir, and other ensembles rehearse once or twice a week. Orchestra, Symphonic and Concert
Band, and Choir are regular classes. All of these groups perform in and outside of school
throughout the year. The music department ensembles participate in the yearly international
AMIS honor festivals, please check www.amis-online.org for further information about this
program.
Drama
German and American drama groups present plays each school year. A musical in either
language (German or English) is also performed. The more technically minded may want to join
the Stage Crew. Please check the drama boards in the Green Building for more information.
Art
Pottery and ceramics and jewelry-making groups meet regularly, as does the Art History Club.
Science
Interested students meet weekly to carry out experiments in the Chemistry Activity. “Jugend
forscht” gives students the opportunity to work on projects for a nation-wide competition.
Sports
After-school sports activities such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, track and field,
and rowing are offered. Intramural soccer and basketball activities are also available during
lunch hours, as is weightlifting. A complete listing is posted on the sports bulletin board and
included in the activities list, which is posted in the information hallway in the White Building.
Politics / Model United Nations (MUN) / Debating
Each year JFKS students attend the annual 'The Hague International Model United
Nations' (THIMUN) conference in The Hague, Netherlands, where some 3,500 students from all
over the world come together for a week in January to simulate a working session of the United
Nations. Participating JFKS students take part in mock sessions of the General Assembly, the
Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and several committees. Students learn
lobbying and speaking skills to deal with international issues currently discussed at the actual
United Nations.
Each participating school represents a member state of the United Nations and prepares for
THIMUN Conference by researching, writing resolutions and policy papers, and holding mock
debates. Each year in November, JFKS hosts the Berlin Model United Nations (BERMUN)
conference. Students from schools in Berlin and Brandenburg, the Czech Republic and Poland
and many other countries are invited to attend this conference. For more information about the
Model United Nations program at JFKS, please contact Fr. Hövermann
khoevermann@jfksberlin.org, or check the Bermun website for further information:
www.bermun.de.
Student Publications
The student newspaper, “The Muckraker”, is edited and produced by students without school
supervision and it appear regularly. The JFKS Literary Magazine is a also a student produced
creative literary magazine with teacher supervision and appears throughout the year. Both are
free and available around high school campus upon publication.
Yearbook
The JFKS yearbook is completed by students, under teacher supervision, to create a reflection of
the year, as well as a memento for the graduating senior class. All middle and high school
classes are represented in pictures and quotes. The administration, teachers, clubs, sports,
music, drama and art are also shown. The yearbook can be purchased at the end of the year.
30

Other activities
Community Service, Ambassador’s Group, Literature Group, Photography, Best Buddies, Peer
Helping, Students Against Violence Group, Polynesian Dance, Computer, Robotics, and Chess.
A complete list of all activities offered in the high school is published at the beginning of the
school year and is available from homeroom teachers or tutors. Please refer to the school
website, www.jfks.de, for current listings.
6.15 Student Handbook
A Student Handbook is published every two years and is distributed to every high school student
free of charge at the beginning of the school year. It can also be downloaded from www.jfks.de.
6.16 Ethics Course (Ethik)
Mandated by the Berlin Senate, ethics is a required subject for all 7th through 9th grade
students. Its objective is to inform students about philosophy, various beliefs, cultures and
values of Western societies, and to encourage discussions about these topics. In ethics, students
explore the question of how we live our lives and what is necessary to lead successful lives.
Ethics is a philosophical discipline and presents a neutral view of the world. Consequently, ethics
is not based on a specific religious or worldview, nor does it promote a particular point of view.
Rather, the ethics course is designed to help young people understand values.
6.17 Elevator Keys
Students who are physically incapacitated and cannot use the stairs may check out an elevator
key from Ms. Josse (W 103). The elevator is only to be used by students who checked out the
key.
6.18 Report Cards
Report cards are issued quarterly in grades 7-10. Classes with two or less hours per week only
receive grades at the end of the semester. Report cards are issued once a semester In grades 11
and 12. All courses appear on this report card. The final grades in grades 7-10 (the average of
all quarters and semester grades) are decisive for the promotion into the next grade level.
6.19 Attendance
An attendance program created for the John F. Kennedy School and running on the local school
network can only be used by the subject teachers to enter absences and tardies, and by the
homeroom teachers to enter excuses. It can no longer be used by parents or students to check
absences.
6.20 Withdrawing from School
Parents are requested to notify one of the administrators in writing if their child is permanently
withdrawing from school. A student in grades 7-12 who leaves school prior to the last day of
school, must be aware of the following:
1. Credit is not usually granted to a student who leaves earlier than three weeks before the end
of the school year. Requests for a student to leave before this time must be approved by one of
the principals.
2. Any student granted an early leave is responsible for contacting all of his or her teachers and
must make arrangements to complete work assigned for the period of time to be missed.
3. The student must contact the guidance office to pick up the Leave Form ten school days prior
to the date of departure. Each teacher is to sign this form certifying that all books, the student's
ID card and materials have been returned.
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6.21 Student ID Cards
Student ID cards (Schülerausweis) are issued to students at the beginning of the school year and
have a two-year validity. The plastic student ID Cards (SchülerCard) are used as a student I.D., a
library card, a BVG Student ticket which entitles one to reduced fares on public transportation, as
well as to obtain reduced entrance fees to museums, special exhibitions, swimming pools, etc. It
can also be used as a lunch card with the school caterer. This SchülerCard is generated by the
school photographer rather than the school. The photographer will come to photograph new
students in September, and generate their student ID/SchülerCard. A standard paper Student ID
will be issued if a student looses his/her SchülerCard, or misses this photo shoot.
6.22 Visiting Students Policy
A visiting student is one who is not currently enrolled at JFKS and simply wants to attend the
school for a day with either a friend or relative. This includes former JFKS students wanting to
revisit their former classes.
Visiting students are not allowed at JFKS. They are not covered by our school insurance.
Exceptions may be made for former JFKS students for a maximum of one school day with the
approval of one of the principals. No exceptions to this rule will be made during the last two
weeks of school.
7. Student Services
7.1 Guidance Counseling
The Guidance Department in Haus Reil (the “white house”) is for all students. It is designed to
help students have a positive and productive educational and social experience at JFKS. Parents
and teachers may contact the counselors when there is a concern about a student’s emotional,
social or academic development. Students are also encouraged to see a counselor for advice.
Elementary School Counseling
An elementary counselor provides guidance services for all students from the entrance class
through grade 5. The counselor works with classroom groups as well as small groups or
individuals. Examples of areas in which work is often done include academic counseling, conflict
management, improving self-confidence, decision-making, stress management, crisis
counseling, and dealing with transitions.
Middle School Counseling
A middle school counselor provides guidance services for all students in grades 6 through 9.
The middle school counselor works with the homeroom teachers and house captains to provide
information on a variety of topics such as study skills, decision making, organizational
strategies, goal setting, stress management and conflict management. In addition, the counselor
may facilitate small groups and work with individuals as needs arise.
High School Counseling
A high school counselor provides guidance services for all students in grades 10 through 12.
The counselor provides information on college entrance and placement, testing, and letters of
recommendation. In addition, the counselor works in small groups or with individuals on topics
such as decision making, resumé writing, stress management and a wide range of personal and
social issues. The high school counselor also works with the two Abitur coordinators. The Abitur
coordinators assist students with the selection of courses that meet the requirements for the
Abitur. They also provide educational and career information for students through cooperation
with the Berlin State Employment Office (Arbeitsamt).
Should you have any concerns about your son/daughter, please contact your student’s
counselor. Guidance and counseling services are located in Haus Reil, the Abitur coordinators
are in the high school administration offices in the white high school building.
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Guidance Office Staff
Gil Ney Haus Reil Office Manager 90299-6584
Mariya Fogarasi School Registrar 90299-5021
Counselors:
Allison Wither Elementary Counselor, Grades EC-5 90299-6583
Kara Krull Middle School Counselor, Grades 6-9 90299-6221
Marcea Eckhardt High School Counselor, Grades 10-12 90299-6585
Peter Wiechert Abitur Coordinator 90299-6575
Steffen Schulz Abitur Coordinator 90299-6577
Contact Teacher (Vertrauenslehrer/in)
The contact teacher is a position designed by the Berlin Senate. It is an appointed position and
every school is requested to designate a contact teacher. The Berlin Education Ministry provides
training and organization of the contact teachers for each district of the city. Contact teachers
are trained to detect, react to and deal with issues involving addictive behavior. They are
available to students, teachers and parents. The contact teachers work closely with the Guidance
Office and outside institutions such as the District School Psychologist, Youth Services
Department, addiction prevention and counseling services, etc. The contact teachers may be
reached through the high school administrative secretaries or Kara Krull at 90299 6138.
7.2 Peer Helping and Mediation
Elementary School
In September 2000, the so-called “Peace Table” was started by 5th and 6th grade volunteers,
who receive intensive mediation training by the middle school counselor. Since then, students
have been giving up part of their lunch break on a rotational basis to help other elementary
school children at the “Peace Table” to resolve their conflicts with a minimum of teacher
involvement. Children come to Haus Reil (the white house) of their own accord or are sent there
by the teacher on duty. Typical issues include teasing and bullying.
For those children who have completed the training course to become a mediator, the sense of
responsibility and the maturity they assume when taking on this role is impressive. The program
has been very successful and has been expanded so that 4th grade students also receive
training in mediation.
High School
A student mediation program is in place to support the existing group of peer helpers. The
differences between these two groups is described below, although their common goal remains
the same i.e. students helping students with a teacher in an advisory role. Each member of peer
helping and student mediation obtains training and all assistance is confidential. Please contact
Kara Krull in room B 106 or at kkrull@jfksberlin.org for more information.
Peer Helping
Helps talk through problems that one person has for example with drugs, depression, health
problems, eating problems, stress, and more.
Student Mediation
Helps talk through conflicts between two or more people involving put-downs, mobbing,
physical fights, misunderstandings, or any other conflict.
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8. School Committees
8.1 Parent Council (PC)
The Parent Council serves to facilitate optimal lines of communication between parents, the
administration and teachers. It discusses relevant school issues and work towards constructive
solutions of any problems that may arise. Four parent representatives (one American main/one
American alternate and one German main/one German alternate) are elected from their
children’s homeroom class and have the responsibility to gather information and inform the
other parents about important issues regarding both the classroom in particular and the school
in general. Generally, seven PC meetings are held during the school year with occasional guest
speakers, in addition to conducting a standard agenda. Besides the parent reps, one teacher
representing the elementary school and one teacher representing the high school participate as
well as two members of the student council and two school principals from high school and
elementary school, respectively, attend the meetings. The minutes are published in the monthly
Parent Newsletter in English and in German.
At its first general meeting, the Parent Council elects the board which consists of 1 German and
1 American chairperson, as well as 3 German and 3 American board members. The board works
together in organizing the general meetings and special meetings that present speakers on
relevant school topics. Generally, the board members are involved in a variety of school
activities, which require organization. The PC Board may be reached by email:
parentcouncil@jfksberlin.org.
8.2 Educational Directorate (ED)
The ED serves as a school board (unique to German public schools) meeting every 6 weeks. It
leads discussions about school policy and communicates with the city’s department of education
in regard to the school’s unique governing law, granting teachers tenure and considering other
hiring matters concerning them. The ED consists of members from the school administration,
the U.S. Embassy, the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district government, the Berlin Department of
Education, the Parent Council, and teacher representatives.
8.3 District Parent Council
The District Parent Council consists of 2 PC representatives and 2 alternates. They are elected
from the parent council reps and attend 6 to 8 meetings where they participate as voting
members on the district level. They discuss broader educational and political concerns affecting
schools in the entire district and the city as a whole. The meetings are in the evenings and are
held in German only.
8.4 School Conference (SC)
The School Conference membership consists of four elected parent representatives, four
teachers, four student council members and four school principal (equal German/American
representation) and has the mandate to discuss and decide educational issues such as classroom
instruction and issues regarding pedagogical purposes, homework quantity, school calendar,
school and educational rules, and school policy. 4-6 meetings take place each school year and
are usually scheduled on Wednesdays at 15:00. Attendance is mandatory.
8.5 Subject and Grade Level Conferences
PC reps participate in a non-voting capacity in meetings throughout the year with subject
department heads and other teachers to discuss topics including; curriculum, teaching
materials, grading criteria, assignments and the amount of homework that is given.
8.6 Elementary and High School Faculty Meetings
Here one main and one alternate representative are elected to attend the faculty meetings as
non-voting participants. There are 6-10 meetings in the school year usually take place on
Wednesdays at 15:15.
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8.7 Student Council
The Student Council serves and represents the student body’s interest as a whole, carrying out
self-directed duties within the framework of instructional and educational goals of the school
and the school law. The Student Council consists of one American and one German
representative elected from each homeroom in grades 3 -12. It is chaired by one German and
one American president for both the high school and for the elementary school. These
presidents are elected by the student body at large.
Major duties of the Student Council are organizing the Spirit Week, raising funds for the Student
Council Scholarship and the selection of a recipient of the Student Council Scholarship each year.
A Student Council meeting is scheduled about once a month. The agenda is posted on the
Student Council bulletin board before every meeting.
For more information please contact: scpresidents@gmail.com
9. School Community
9.1 The Verein
The Verein is a non-profit, parent-run fundraising organization that dedicates its monies to the
support of high-quality education at the JFKS. It assists in the organization of various fundraising
activities for the school. These funds are then used for special projects throughout the year. It is
important that every family of the school is a member of this support club. Please join and help!
Please see the application form at the end of this handbook.
9.2 John F. Kennedy Friendship Center
The JFK Friendship Center (FC) was founded in 1983 by parents and teachers of the John F.
Kennedy School as a non-profit German-American community center. The original goal of the FC
was to further promote friendship between Berliners and Americans. As the situation in Berlin
has changed following the reunification, the FC still strives to support this special bicultural
community. While maintaining its emphasis on American and German traditions and cultures,
the FC provides opportunities for all residents of Greater Berlin - newcomers and natives - to
meet and enjoy each other's company in many different settings.
In addition to its two bilingual day care centers and JFKS Hort program, the Friendship Center
brings people together by offering a program of activities for the family and for various interest
groups: language classes, drama, gym, seminars, dance, art, music, special events and social
gatherings. The activities program contains complete information, and is published every two
months. Membership is open to the general public. For more information, please go to the
Friendship Center website: www.jfkfc.org.
9.3 Sport-Club John-F.-Kennedy-Schule Berlin e.V.
The club offers children a wide spectrum of sports activities that exceed those activities offered
by the school itself. Also, there are a variety of competitions and leagues for the different sports
activities. The sport club includes in its program baseball, soccer (coached by parent volunteers),
swimming, Tae Kwon Do, gymnastics (coached by qualified trainers), jazz dance and
cheerleading. In addition, the sport club offers activities for adults, such as Tae Kwon Do,
aerobics, aquatic fitness, and back exercises.
9.4 The Parent Newsletter
The JFKS Parent Newspaper (PN) is generally published on a monthly basis and is funded by the
JFKS Verein, enjoying the support and cooperation of the JFKS community. The intention is not
only to provide the parents and other JFKS community members with information and a monthly
events list, but also to provide a forum and inspire community spirit. It includes minutes and
articles on issues at the various school bodies and connected organizations. Individual class
activities, sporting, music, drama, and other special events are also announced. For more
information, please contact the Parent Newsletter at pn@jfksberlin.org.
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9.5 Late Birds
Late Birds is an afternoon supervision program, primarily but not exclusively for children from
EK (entrance class) through 2nd grade, which takes place in rooms of the JFK elementary school
building. The children have the opportunity to eat a hot lunch, do art work, play inside and
outside, rest in the quiet room where they can look at or read books or do their homework.
Supervision is provided Monday – Fridays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.. Charges are €3.00 for 1 hour,
€4.50 for 2 hours and €6.00 for 3 hours. Only the hours that the child attends are charged. Late
Birds is very flexible in regard to a child‘s attendance which can be on a daily, weekly, monthly
basis or even on a short notice occasion. Day camps are offered during some vacations and on
school free days according to the JFK school schedule. Please contact Petra Rose in room R 136
in the elementary school building, phone: 902 99 5116 or home: 030 805 84 146. Email
petra_rose_latebirds@web.de
9.6 School Shop
JFKS T-shirts, bags, gym wear and various other items can be bought at the JFKS School Shop.
It is located in room R 131a, in the elementary school building. Opening hours are on
Wednesdays from 12:15 - 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
10. Information and Assistance for New Families
The JFKS Welcome Office is available to answer any questions you may have concerning the JFKS
community. Please contact Annika von Maydell for information about getting settled at JFKS and
Berlin: welcome@jfksberlin.org Office GR 201, Monday –Thursday 12:00 – 15:00,
phone 90299 - 5137
Orientation Day
All new families, parents and children, are invited to Orientation Day. This event takes place on
the Friday before the 1st day of school. Please contact welcome@jfksberlin.org or the Guidance
Office at 902 99 6584 for more information.
Important Numbers
Fire, Accident and Rescue Services 112
Police and Emergency Call 110
Poison Control Centre 19240
Doctors on call for Berlin 31 00 31
Emergency Youth Services 192 42
Pharmacies on call 01141 or 11833
Domestic Call Assistance 11833
International Call Assistance 11834
Taxi 030 26 10 26
Information Fair
Each year, in September, a JFKS Information Fair is held in the school’s auditorium, where most
of the community and school organizations are present. Please check the school calendar on
www.jfks.de for the Information Day date. Please also use the school’s website and its links to
view the most current information on groups and organizations available through the school.
For other activities in Berlin, please see the official Berlin website at: www.berlin.de
36

10.1 Sport-Club John-F.-Kennedy-Schule e.V.
Sport-Club John-F.-Kennedy-Schule e.V
www.scjfks-berlin.de
Gymnastics
Birgit Reinert
turnen@scjfks-berlin.de
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop for Boys
Ute Hämmerle
ute@elremmah.de
78 71 53 24
Rammettes Cheerleading
Katja Pritzel
playoffcoach@aol.com
0177 27 84 833
SC-JFKS Soccer Division
Olaf Döhr
mueller.doehr@berlin.de
030 80 49 93 44
Berlin Bear-A-Cudas Swimming Club
Amanda Walzer
www.berlin-bear-a-cudas.de
Amanda@halgrimson.com
030 88 70 77 53
Berlin Baseball League
John Dillon
baseball.jmd@googlemail.com
Tae Kwon Do
Ellen Berthold
ellen_tkd@t-online.de
030 815 6731
Catrin Großmann
catrin.grossmann@freenet.de
01071 743 3619
10.2 Other Sport Groups
American International Yacht
Club Berlin e.V.
Quincy Liu
theboard@aiycb.de
www.aiycb.de
030 80 40 36 30
Olympic Sport Club-JFKS Division
Borislava Kitzov
borishahida@yahoo.ca
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Brandenburg-British-Pony-Club e.V.
Nicola Osterburg
0176 963 41 054
www.bbpc.de
Women's Walker and Running Group
Gayle Lee GayleLee42@aol.com
03328 352 961
Lesley Hirst hirst@gmx.de
030 851 52 19
10.3 Scouting Program
Girl Scouts
Nelly Heidbrink
naheidbrink@googlemail.com
Cub Scouts
Vanessa Hansen
vhansen980@hotmail.com
030 80 48 21 95
Boy Scouts 895
Michael Kaiserauer
kaiserauer-berlin@t-online.de
030 89 09 69 98
Boy Scouts 46
Coleman Cain
berlinhusker@yahoo.com
10.4 School Groups
Der Verein JFKS
info@jfk-schule-verein.de
www.jfk-schule-verein.de
Parent Newsletter
pn@jfksberlin.org
Berlin Model United Nations
www.bermun.de
secretariat@bermun.de
Musical Activities
Tim Germann
tgermann@jfksberlin.org
030 902 99 5187
Odyssey of the Mind
Joseph Parker
jparker@jfksberlin.org
030 902 99 5711
Sport Activities at JFKS
Richard Butemann
rbutemann@jfksberlin.org
030 902 99 6436
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ISTA-International Theatre Assoc.
Dr. Charles McDaniel
cmcdaniel@jfksberlin.org
Becci McDaniel
rcmcdaniel@jfksberlin.org
030 902 99 5758
10.5 Community Liaison and Childcare
The John F. Kennedy Friendship Center
www.jfkfc.org
Christina Schmock
030 818 4000
Community Liaison Office (CLO)
U.S. Embassy Berlin
CLOBerlin@state.gov
030 83 05 15 50
Community Support Association (CSA)
U.S. Embassy Berlin
www.berlincsa.de
030 83 05 12 47
10.6 English Speaking Clubs
The John F. Kennedy Friendship Center
www.jfkfc.org
Christina Schmock
030 818 4000
American German Business Club (AGBC)
www.agbc-berlin.de
American Women's Club of Berlin e.V.
www.awcberlin.org
Angelika McLarren
president@awcberlin.org
79 70 65 23
Berlin-American Club
www.berlin-american-club.de
info@berlin-american-club.de
030 892 86 88
British Berlin Ladies Club
Lynda Gmerik gmerik@t-online.de
030 831 30 52
Deutsch Britische Gesellschaft
www.debrige.de
Cornelia Neumann
030 203 98 50
German-English Creative Writing Group e.V.
www.cwg-berlin.com
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Berlin International Women's Club
www.biwc.de
Ginger van der Linden
info@biwc.de
030 284 82450
Berlin Historical Association e.V.
www.pinnow.com/bha
030 81 81 99 88
German-American Women's Club of Berlin
www.vdac.de
Alicia Heinrich
amw.berlin@gmx.de
11. Helpful Addresses and German Terms
www.berlin.de , Berlin‘s official website, provides information about Berlin. There is also a direct
link to the site on www.jfks.de, please click on the Berlin logo.
Registering Automobile and License Plates:
Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsbehörde
Jüterborgerstr. 3
Kreuzberg
902 693 300
Driver‘s License:
Führerscheinbüro
Puttkammerstr. 16-18
Kreuzberg
902 693 00
Bicycle Training for Children:
Verkehrsschule Zehlendorf
Brittendorfer Weg 16A
811 47 44
German Terms
What is a “Schulbescheinigung”?
A document issued from the school, confirming that a child is a student there.
What does "Schulpflicht" mean?
This refers to the Berlin school law that requires a child to enter 1st grade the year it turns 6.
What is a “Schülerausweis” ?
This is a student ID in German. You will need one in order to purchase the monthly public
transportation ticket at a discounted student rate.
Please note that we strive to keep the information in this handbook current. The Parent Council
Board, however, assumes no liability for information provided herein. Please contact us for
additional questions: parentcouncil@jfksberlin.org
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12. The Verein
The Verein is a parent-run fundraising organization that dedicates its monies to the support
of high-quality education at JFKS. As a non-profit, charitable organization, we fund the purchase
of multimedia and computer equipment, teaching and art supplies, and music and sports
equipment through our membership fees. We also support vital school programs like the Model
United Nations Program, Odyssey of the Mind and Challenge Day.
We raise additional monies through the sale of school merchandise (such as gym outfits,
sweatshirts, caps, scarves, pens). We sell our merchandise at many school events, at Haus Reil
(the white house) during school hours, and at our school store in the courtyard located next to
the entrance of the elementary school (red doors) on Wednesdays afternoons.
Every JFKS child benefits from the wide-ranging support that the Verein provides to the
school. Please help your child enjoy the best educational experience possible by joining the
Verein today! And all contributions are tax-deductible in Germany.
JFKS Verein, Teltower Damm 87-93, 14167 Berlin.
info@jfk-schule-verein.de
www.jfk-schule-verein.de
Yes, I want to help and become a member!
Annual Membership Dues: ____ € 62 for one child ____ € 80 for two or more children
Membership can be cancelled at any time by written request
Name: ________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
Tel./Fax: _______________ Email: _________________________________
Name and Class of Students: ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Date/Signature__________________________________________________
Please sign me up for automatic payment:
Acct. No.: ___________________ Bank Code (BLZ):____________________
Bank: _________________________________________________________
Date/Signature __________________________________________________
Thank me in school publications for my membership (circle one): YES Please! NO Thanks!
Please send your signed form to:
info@jfk-schule-verein.de
Verein der Eltern und Freunde
Der John F. Kennedy Schule e.V.
Teltower Damm 87-93, 14167 Berlin
or fax to (030) 90299 6377
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