The JFKS Parent Council (PC) is formed by all elected Parent Representatives of the school and serves to facilitate optimal lines of communication between parents, the administration and teachers. It discusses relevant school issues and works towards constructive solutions of any problems that may arise.
More official but general information can be found on the Senat website (in German only).
At JFKS, four parent representatives (one US main/one alternate, one German main / one alternate) are elected from each homeroom class and have the responsibility to gather information and inform the other parents about important issues regarding both the homeroom class in particular and the school in general. We encourage parents to become involved, however, it is highly recommended that parents only become parent representatives in one homeroom.
Generally seven PC meetings are held during the school year with occasional guest speakers, in addition to conducting a standard agenda. The PC elects representatives who participate in the Educational Directorate (ED), School Conference (SK) as well as the District Parent Council (BEA), ES and HS Faculty meetings, Subject and Grade Level conferences.
Student Council representatives, one teacher representing the elementary school and one teacher representing the High School also participate in the PC meetings as well as two school principals from the elementary and the high school respectively.
The minutes of the PC meetings are published in the Parent Portal of the school website.
The Parent Council Board (PCB)
At its first general meeting of the school year the Parent Council elects its Board consisting of one German and one US Chairperson, as well as three US and three German Board members.
| German PCB Members | American PCB Members |
| Ms. von Schweinitz | Ms. Jerardi |
| Mr. Grohé | Ms. de Vivanco |
| Mr. Müller | Ms. Broad |
| Mr. Erlbaum | Ms.White |
The PCB can be reached via email at .
The board is responsible for organizing the general Parent Council meetings, setting the agenda, sending out the invitations and writing the minutes. The PC Board also calls regular meetings (“Town Hall meetings”) of all parent representatives on the different boards within the school and the district in order to facilitate communication and discuss important issues and developments.
Some of the events supported or organized by the Parent Council Board and the Parent Council include the Orientation Day for new families, the ES Art Show, the JFKS Flea Market and the Spooktacular.
Guidelines for JFKS Parent Representatives
Thank you for accepting the role of Parent Representative. Being a Parent Rep is a great way to stay connected with the school, fellow parents, and the students in your child’s class. Your role is to promote parent involvement in our school community. As a class rep, you are a valued member of our school community and your time and commitment are very much appreciated. Some of your most important responsibilities are:
- Attend Parent Council (PC) meetings and serve as liaisons between the PC Board, administration, faculty and the parents of your class.
- The school schedules the first parent evenings in September. Parent Reps have the authority to call subsequent parent evenings for your class and the teacher as needed (totaling up to 3 per year). In the ES, the teachers often call a second parent evening. Invitations to parent evenings have to be sent out in writing at least a week before.
- Welcome new parents and help them get to know other parents and feel part of the community. Encourage parents to be involved e.g. class get-togethers, classroom helpers, etc.
- Organize potluck dinners early in the fall to help parents get to know each other and if desired, shortly before summer break.
- Disseminate information to families, including PC announcements and requests
- Support the class teachers, as needed.
- Support school activities such as the Fun Run, Spooktacular, Fun Day, etc. by volunteering or finding volunteers to help.
- In case of conflict between parents and teachers, act as a liaison between the concerned parties. Parents should try to first resolve any conflict with the teacher. If that fails then the principals can be approached. If you feel the need for advice or a mediator, please approach the PC Chair Persons.
- You may be called to a class conference by the administration when a student in your child’s class is having a particular problem. Your role is to attend the meeting, hear the case, and help come up with a solution to the problem remaining neutral and objective.
- Hort: if you have a child in Hort you automatically are Parent representative for the Hort, as well. Please put together an address list for each Hort group for the parents
- Please keep in mind: Information that has been made available to you in your role as parent representative might be sensitive and should be handled with discretion.
Again thank you for doing this – let’s have a fun year!
Questions?
