The Department of Defense Dependents Schools - Europe (DoDDS-Europe) has announced plans to merge the Darmstadt Elementary and Middle Schools at the end of the present school year.
The combining of the two schools is due to a decrease in the projected Darmstadt community’s student enrollment for School Year 2007-2008, resulting from the deactivation and downsizing of military units in the Darmstadt area.

There will be a Parent Forum Thursday (November 30, 2006) to answer questions and discuss the program for next school year. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Darmstadt Middle School gym.
Dr. Elizabeth Walker, Heidelberg District Superintendent, said Darmstadt Elementary and Darmstadt Middle Schools will reconfigure to become a Kindergarten through 8th Grade school, with most classes being held in the facilities currently accommodating the Darmstadt Elementary School. She added, “However, there is a possibility that the middle school’s gym and music room may continue to be utilized in the future.”

“I am also pleased to announce that Dr. Russ Claus will continue to lead as the principal of the combined school,” Walker said.

In a letter to Darmstadt Elementary and Middle School students Diana Ohman, Director of DoDDS-Europe, said, “I recognize that a change of this magnitude may initially cause you concern regarding future educational arrangements for your child. I assure you the move will benefit students and families by providing us the latitude to provide your student the broadest scope of programs available.”
Ohman said, “I assure you that Dr. Claus, his teachers and the entire staff of the Darmstadt Elementary and Middle Schools will go the extra mile to ensure the transition ahead is a positive change for your child. I am certain the decision is clearly the best step forward for the children in the Darmstadt military community and is in the best interests of your child.”

Dennis K. Bohannon
Public Affairs Officer
Office of the Director
DoDDS-Europe
DSN 338-7612
CIV (49) 0611-380-7612
FAX: DSN 338-7685 CIV 0611-380-7685
dennis.bohannon@eu.dodea.edu

"MATH MATTERS"