Week of January 2 – 6 2017
DAYS for Specials Classes:
January 3
January 6
January 11
January 16
Day 5
Day 2
Day 5
MLK Holiday
January 4
January 9
January 12
January 17
Day 6
Day 3
Day 6
Day 2
January 5
January 10
January 13
January 18
Day 1
Day 4
Day 1
Day 3
DoDEA Goals
Student Excellence
School Excellence
Talent Excellence
Organizational Excellence
Outreach Excellence
Important Dates
January 2, 2017
January 3, 2017
January 16
January 19
January 20
January 30
February 2 & 3
February 20
NEW INFORMATION
New Year’s Federal Holiday Observed
School Resumes
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Federal Holiday No School
End of the 2nd Quarter/First Semester
Teacher Record Keeping Day – No School for al KMC Students
Parent / Teacher Conferences – No school for all KMC Students
No School for students at KHS, KMS, KES, VES, LEMS, SES, SMS
President’s Day / Federal Holiday No School
January / February Days Off for Students
The KMC school calendar receives input from all of the schools and command in the KMC, including the
School Liaison's Offices of both the Army and Air Force. I know that it can be very frustrating when
looking at the calendar and seeing all of the days when students will not be in school. When the
calendar is set that there is a concentrated effort to try to have the least impact as possible.
Friday, January 20; Teacher Record Keeping Day for Semester / Second Quarter / All KMC Schools
Monday, January 30; Parent / Teacher Conference Day / All KMC Schools
Thursday, Friday February 2 - 3; Teacher Professional Training Days / All Kaiserslautern; Landstuhl, and
Sembach Schools
Tuesday, February 28; Fasching Tuesday; is part of the “parade” season in Germany before Ash
Wednesday. Villages across the area have parades and our buses have limited on no access to villages
on this day. Wednesday, March 1 is Ash Wednesday with many parades being held on Tuesday.
Inclement Weather Policy
The decision to delay school and busses by 2 hours, to close or dismiss school early is made by the 86th
Wing Community Commander. Once the decision is made the notification process begins.
If there is a “2 hour delay” all bus times are delayed by 2 hours, and school begins 2 hours later. That
means if your child’s bus time pick-up is 7:23 it would be at 9:23.
http://www.ramstein.af.mil/weatherinfo.asp
REPEATED INFORMATION
Cold Weather - Dress For Recess
Children benefit from vigorous exercise and should be given the opportunity to play outside as long as
they are appropriately dressed. During typical fall/winter days we look beyond a specific temperature
and consider factors such as wind chill, whether the ground is frozen or the sun is shining, how well the
children are prepared to play outdoors (jackets, gloves, and hats), what activity the children are
participating in, and the length of time to be spent outside.
It is the intention of the school to hold recess during winter, but to use every caution especially with
wind chill factors based on the National Weather Service Windchill Chart.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/windchill/
Joseph Lovett - Principal
Paul Crane – Assistant Principal
Lori Hill – Assistant Principal
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SCHOOL YEAR 2016-2017 DoDDS School Calendar
KAISERSLAUTERN MILITARY COMMUNITY
FIRST SEMESTER
Monday, August 29
Begin First Quarter and First Semester
Monday-Friday, Aug 29-Sept 2
Kindergarten Home Visits
Monday, September 5
Labor Day – Federal Holiday Observed
Tuesday, September 6
Kindergarten Students First Day of School
Thursday, September 15
Sure Start First Day of School
Thursday, September 29
KMC College Night
Thursday, October 6
Early Release – Professional Development/DoDEA Annual Trainings
Friday, October 7
No School for Students – Professional Development
Monday, October 10
Columbus Day - Federal Holiday Observed
Thursday, October 27
No School – KHS, KMS, KES, VES, LEMS, SES, SMS
Friday, October 28
No School – RHS, RMS, RIS, RES, Baum MS/HS Smith ES
Thursday, November 3
End of First Quarter
Friday, November 4
No school – Teacher Work Day
Monday, November 7
Begin Second Quarter
Friday, November 11
Veterans Day – Federal Holiday Observed
Monday-Tuesday, November 14-15
Parent/Teacher Conference Days
All KMC Schools (KHS, RHS, KMS, RMS – Monday, Nov.14th only)
Thursday, November 24
Thanksgiving – Federal Holiday Observed
Friday, November 25
Thanksgiving Recess Day – No school
Wednesday, December 7
Accelerated Withdrawal Date (Must Attend All Day on December 6)
Monday, December 19
Winter Recess Begins
Monday, December 26
Christmas – Federal Holiday Observed
2017
Monday, January 2
New Year’s – Federal Holiday Observed
Tuesday, January 3
Instruction Resumes
Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Federal Holiday Observed
Thursday, January 19
End of Second Quarter and First Semester
Updated August 19, 2016
Page 1
Friday, January 20
No School – Teacher Work Day
SECOND SEMESTER
Monday, January 23
Begin Third Quarter and Second Semester
Monday, January 30
Parent/Teacher Conference Day - All KMC Schools
Thursday - Friday February 2-3
No School – KHS, KMS, KES, VES, LEMS, SES, SMS
Monday-Tuesday February 6-7
No School – RHS, RMS, RIS, RES, Baum MS/HS Smith ES
Monday, February 20
Presidents’ Day – Federal Holiday Observed
Tuesday, February 28
No School – Professional Development Day
March 13-17
Terra Nova Test Week (Grades 3-8)
March 20-24
Spring Registration for SY 17-18
Terra Nova Make up Test (Grades 3-8)
Thursday, March 30
End of Third Quarter
Friday, March 31
No School – Teacher Work Day
Monday, April 3-7
Spring Recess
Monday, April 10
Instruction Resumes – Begin Fourth Quarter
Monday, April 17
No School – KHS, KMS, KES, VES, LEMS, SES, SMS
Tuesday, April 18
No School – RHS, RMS, RIS, RES, Baum MS/HS Smith ES
May 1-12
AP Testing Window
Thursday, May 18
Accelerated Withdrawal Date (Must Attend All Day on May 17)
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day – Federal Holiday Observed
Thursday, June 8
Sure Start Final Day of Instruction
Thursday, June 15
End of Fourth Quarter and Second Semester – Early Release
Friday, June 16
No School – Teacher Work Day
KEY:
KES (Kaiserslautern Elementary), KMS (Kaiserslautern Middle), KHS (Kaiserslautern High), LEMS (Landstuhl Elementary/Middle), RES
(Ramstein Elementary), RIS (Ramstein Intermediate), RMS (Ramstein Middle), RHS (Ramstein High), SBES (Sembach Elementary),
SBMS (Sembach Middle), VES (Vogelweh Elementary)
**Based on the best information known at the time. Please always check with schools for changes.
Updated August 19, 2016
Page 2
K M C Eme rge nc y M a nag e me n t
D ECEMBER 16—F EBRUARY 17
WINTER WEATHER NEWSLETTER
786 CES/CEX
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS
Building 2494
Ramstein AB, Germany
480-7673
Flight Commander
Know the terms used to describe changing winter weather conditions and what
actions to take. These terms can be used to determine the timeline and severity of
an approaching storm. (Advisory / Watch / Warning).
Capt Joseph Matejcik
Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop.
Flight Superintendent
Snow Blizzard - A severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds
480-6458
of at least 35 mph (56 km/h) and lasting for a prolonged period of time, typically
three hours or more. The loose snow on the ground is lifted and blown by strong
winds causing low visibility.
480-3269
SMSgt Kenneth Kurtzhals
Emergency Management
Section Chief
Snow Accumulation - Snow accumulation greater that 1/2" and less than 2"
480-3088
within 12 hours.
MSgt Michael Knipmeyer
Heavy Snow Accumulation - Snow accumulation greater than of equal to 2"
Planning Element
within 12 hours
480-5245
Freezing Precipitation - Precipitation that freezes when it hits the ground, cre-
TSgt Michael Osburn
ating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
SSgt Dallas Christian
Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes
SSgt Philip Turner
moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Operations Element
Wind Chill - Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside.
480-1060
The NWS provides a Wind chill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/
windchill.shtml
MSgt Nathan Hargrafen
TSgt Timothy Clay
SSgt Christopher Liggon
A1C Benjamin Thompson
Logistics Element
480-5228
SSgt Jacob Dodson
A1C Bria Jackson
Watch - A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is
intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible.
Warning - A warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring,
Training Element
imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or
property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action
480-5952
Advisory - An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring,
TSgt Bradley Iseminger
imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that
cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.
SSgt Aaron Harris
“Like” KMC Emergency Management’s Facebook Page!
Page 1 of 4
K M C Emerg ency M anag emen t
D ECEMBER 16—F EBRUARY 17
WINTER WEATHER NEWSLETTER
KIT CORNER
ROAD CONDITIONS
Road Conditions will change as the winter weather
alters from mild to severe. Be aware of the changes in
road conditions. Ensure to leave for your destination
with plenty of time to spare if conditions are dangerous. Be patient, and be a defensive driver in hazardous weather.
GREEN-Road conditions are normal.
Every residence should have a 72
hour kit to make it through potential disasters.

Water (1 gal per person per
day)

Food (nonperishable)

Duct tape

Hygiene
items

Medication

First aid kit

Flashlight with batteries

Radio with batteries

Map
YELLOW-Road
conditions vary from normal to
dangerous. Exercise precautions when driving. Installations should be open, but stay tuned for late reporting or early releases.
RED-Road
conditions are hazardous. Exercise extreme caution; individuals are discouraged from driving POVs unless absolutely necessary. Possible closures of services and early release / late reporting.
BLACK-Road
conditions are EXTREMELY hazardous. GOV use off base is at the discretion of the
owning commander. POVs should not be driven; installations will likely close.
BE PREPARED
Being prepared will limit stress and possibly save money in the long run.
Knowing what to be prepared for is the key to surviving severe winter
weather. Whether you have a family or live alone, being prepared will
keep you sane and warm this upcoming cold season.
House/Utilities-Be sure your propane or fuel oil tank has enough fuel to
last the winter if you have gas heat. When not using your radiators for
heat, place the dial on the snowflake or warm setting to keep the pipes
from bursting. Ensure your water pipes are insulated and outdoor water
spigots are covered to prevent freezing. Check your windows for seals,
escaping heat can be costly.
Vehicle-Check your antifreeze/coolant in your vehicle routinely. Test
your heater and defroster. A good idea is to have a scraper handy for
those cold and frosted mornings, even better is to park your car in a garage or car port if available. Be sure your winter tires are mounted instead
of summer tires. Put a small kit in your vehicle for emergencies that
would include items like: thermal blanket, snacks, water, hand warmers,
games, flares, flashlight, etc. It is always better to be prepared than to be
sorry.
Apps to
look
into
A tailored winter emergency
supply kit could have the following recommended items included to your 72 hour kit:

Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to
melt ice on walkways

Sand to improve traction

Snow Shovels and other
snow removal equipment

Sufficient heating fuel

Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm
For more recommended items
please visit the KMC Emergency
Management
Program
SharePoint site or the KMC
Emergency Management Facebook page.
Page 2 of 4
KM C Eme rge nc y M a nag e me n t
D ECEMBER 16—F EBRUARY 17
WINTER WEATHER NEWSLETTER
Helpful links:
PLAN
Winter Toolkit
Severe Weather
Snow & Extreme Cold
American Red Cross
Having a well thought out plan can keep you and your family safe and
warm this winter. Knowing what to prepare for and how you plan for extreme situations reduces wasted time when those minutes or hours count.
Keep these things in mind when planning for winter weather contingencies:
FEMA
Weather
KMC EM Facebook
DID YOU KNOW?
In Germany changing your tires from
summer to winter rated tires is not
just a suggestion, it is mandated by
law. The general rule in Germany is
“von O bis O” or “from October to
Easter”. According to the law put
into place November 2010, winter or
snow tires must be used when road
conditions are considered icy. When
it comes to handling winter's toughest
conditions, choose a tire with the
mountain/snowflake symbol and skip
the white knuckle driving!
Of
course, a tire that's marked solely
with the M+S symbol will do a good
job during the summer, spring and
fall months. Anything beyond some
light snow and these tires can become
traction challenged quite quickly.
Another law for winter tires is that
only snow tires WITHOUT studs or
spikes are allowed in Germany. Be
sure if you order your tires online
they do not have spikes or studs installed. If you are caught driving
without winter tires you may be assessed a 40 Euro fine. If you are in a
vehicle related accident and do not
have the correct tires the fine automatically jumps to 80 Euros with
points assessed!
Who do I call? - Have a list of numbers, written down or printed out in the
event your cell phone dies, for multiple personnel or entities. i.e.: If you break
down on the side of the road, who will you call? Your spouse? Your supervisor? Road service agency? If your heat goes out, who will you call? Your
landlord? The housing office? Communication is paramount during emergencies and knowing who to call can be a life saver.
How much emergency food do I need? - This will all depend on your family
size, from being single to raising four kids, the amount of food will differ for
every family. Be sure you know how much dry/canned food you need if the
weather turns for the worse. Also plan on shopping to avoid large crowds,
emergency food is critical to beat the empty shelves during weather scares. DO
NOT FORGET TO STOCK WATER.
How will I stay warm? - If your home has multiple methods of heating, be
sure they both work (wood stove, oil, natural gas, etc.). What is your plan if
one, or both, methods fail? Do you have a designated room in your home to
take shelter in that will retain heat better than others? Do you have plenty of
blankets and warm clothes? Do you own any hand/foot warmers? Take the
time to consider your pet’s warmth and safety, too.
How will I get to work/Can I get to work? - Stay tuned to AFN for weather
updates and check other sources such as www.weather.com as a daily plan.
Listening for base closures and late reporting is important when poor weather
conditions are present. Keep a recall roster for contacting your chain of command and pay attention to road closures in your area. Many villages in Germany have multiple entry/exit routes, so know which ones to take for the safer
drive.
Do I have emergency funds? - It is always smart to have extra funds saved for
Tip:
When buying snow tir es the unexpected. Whether you wreck your vehicle on an icy road, or you get
know that the 3 peak
snowed in on vacation and have to stay an extra night, extra cash can come in
mountain
symbol
handy. Within Germany and the EU, be sure you
represents tires that
have extra Euro in your pocket as well.
meet the highest traction standards.
Page 3 of 4
K M C Eme rge nc y M a nag e me n t
D ECEMBER 16—F EBRUARY 17
WINTER WEATHER NEWSLETTER
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WINTER
HOW COLD WILL YOU BE?
Forecasted temperatures for December
2016 in the Kaiserslautern Area are
graphed in the chart to the left. The projected temperatures are mild, but we all
know they can change. Prepare yourself
and your family to deal with the fluctuations of temperatures this winter season.
Layer clothing and bring gloves or warm
headgear for long stays outside.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE ELEMENTS

Expect high winds and flooding in the
Kaiserslautern area

Prepare for thunderstorms (make your
home kits!)

If travelling during winter breaks, check
the weather along travel routes as well as
for your destination, i.e. some passes in
the Alps require snow chains

Plan ahead of time when warned of inclement weather

Have you PCSd into the KMC area recently, do you have the proper winter
clothing and work gear?

Are your home and vehicle ready for the
forecasted weather?

Do you have plans to care for your pets
during the winter season?

Stay vigilant and gather information on
how the weather is scheduled to unfold in
your area
Apps to
look
into
Page 4 of 4