Department of Defense Education Activity

Puerto Rico Band JAMboree unites DoDEA school bands in collaborative musical experience. The Puerto Rico Band JAMboree offered a unique platform for students from DoDEA schools across the island to collaborate, learn, and perform together. Inspired by a dialogue between Cedric Figueroa, music teacher at Antilles High School, and David Quinones, music teacher at Ramey Unit School, the event marked a historic collaboration among students from Ramey, Antilles High School, and Antilles Middle School. The concept for the JAMboree emerged from discussions where Figueroa, a percussion specialist, and Quinones, a low brass expert, recognized the mutual benefits of sharing their expertise. "The Jamboree idea came from conversations with David Quinones. We talked about how our students would benefit if I could work with his percussion section, and he could assist with my wind instruments," Figueroa said. This initiative was particularly poignant for both educators, who once walked the halls of DoDEA schools as students, now giving back as teachers. ...Show more

Ramstein High School leads the way in inclusionary traditions. At Ramstein High School, we're creating traditions that exemplify love and illustrate inclusionary best practices across DoDEA Europe. When I arrived in Ramstein, Germany, in October 2022 as the LIMS teacher, I was greeted by staff and administration eager to volunteer their time and energy to foster a school culture of inclusion and acceptance. Since then, we've birthed two traditions whose popularity is quickly spreading across DoDEA Europe: the Buddy Ball Game and the LIMS Formal Dance. The Buddy Ball Game Among the many championship banners that hang in the gymnasiums of DoDEA schools, one is unique to Ramstein High School: the Buddy Ball Game banner. The idea of a Buddy Ball Game was born from my passion for softball and creating opportunities for kids with varying abilities. I recognized the need for more events tailored to families of students with varying needs, especially after the COVID-19 school closures resulted in the cancellation of Special Olympics. A student is up at bat during the 2024 Buddy Ball Game held at Ramstein High School’s gym on May 17, 2024. The event welcomed students, teachers, and parents from Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden, Ansbach, and Stuttgart....Show more

DoDEA Europe Announces Wiesbaden/Sembach/Baumholder/Landstuhl District Community Superintendent Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, Department of Defense Education Activity-Europe director for student excellence, announced that Dr. Sara Schmidt was selected as the next community superintendent for the Wiesbaden/Sembach/Baumholder DoDEA-Europe Central District. “Dr. Schmidt is an accomplished leader and dedicated professional. I am pleased to announce her selection for this significant role,” said Howard-Brahaney. Dr. Schmidt most recently served as the principal of Lakenheath Middle School for four years. During her tenure, she focused on fostering a strong community among teachers, students, and families, with an emphasis on instructionally focused interactions and enhancing program availability for all students. Before her role at Lakenheath Middle School, Dr. Schmidt served as assistant principal for Lakenheath, Spangdahlem and Bitburg elementary schools from 2014 to 2017. She also taught at Yokota West Elementary School from 2005 to 2014. Prior to joining DoDEA, she taught English in multiple Japanese high schools through the Japanese Exchange and Teacher Program and worked for the New York City Board of Education in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from 2002 to 2004. Dr. Schmidt earned an education doctorate with an E-learning specialization from Northcentral University. She also holds a Master of Education in leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master of...Show more

Ft Knox Middle High School wins state-wide theater competition! The Kentucky Thespian Festival (KTF), a prestigious event held annually in Owensboro, Kentucky, for more than 25 years boasts a remarkable showcase of talent from high schools across the state. This year, Fort Knox Middle High School’s Troupe 11673 emerged victorious in the Chapter Select competition, earning the honor to represent Kentucky at the International Thespian Festival. The KTF, known for its diverse range of individual events (Thespys) including acting, musical theater, costume and set design, and more, culminates in the Chapter Select competition. Here, high school troupes present a one-act-play judged by a panel of experts. Fort Knox Middle High’s Troupe 11673 captivated the judges with their performance of “I, Chorus,” directed by senior Luella Sikorski. The troupe received an impressive 19 out of 20 points from all three judges, marking their performance as superior. High school students in a large group hug on stage. Fort Knox Middle High School Drama students celebrate on stage after winning the Kentucky Thespian State Championship during the Kentucky Thespian Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky. The students will now represent the state of Kentucky at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University during the summer of 2025. Abigail Ziglar, who played ‘Oren’ and received an All-Star Thespian award, expressed her excitement: “It's really special that we will be able to represent ...Show more