The JFKS Administration would like to reassure the community that evacuation and lock down procedures are fully in place for the staff and students of the school. It is not in our own interest to publicize all of the details of our security procedures. While the most current warning from the Department of State appears sharper than in the past, we would plead with members of the community to refrain from hysteria and making the situation more tense than is necessary. The administration remains in regular contact with the German Police and the US Embassy. It is the responsibility, however, of the entire community to ensure that the gates remain closed when entering or leaving the campus. We thank you for your trust and understanding.

U.S. Embassy Berlin

Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  Worldwide Travel Alert

November 24, 2015

1. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats.  Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.  This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.

2. Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq.  Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.  Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.  In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali.  ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.

3. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.  Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places.  Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.  U.S. citizens should:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.  Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
• Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
• Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
• Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

4. Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots.  We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism.  Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.

5. For further information:

• See the State Department’s travel websitefor the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Follow us onTwitter and Facebook.

• The American Citizen Services Unit for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is located at Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin, and is open by appointment only Mondaythrough Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone number for routine calls is answered 2-4 p.m. Monday–Friday +49-69-7535-0; email:.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the after-hours emergency number for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is +49-30-8305-0.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurtis located at Giessener Strasse 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main. The telephone number is +49-69-7535-0 (routine calls, 2-4 p.m. Monday–Friday); e-mail: .  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of normal business hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt is +49-69-7535-0.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Munich is located at  Koeniginstrasse 5 and is open Monday through Friday from  8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  The telephone number is +49-89-2888-580 during office hours; e-mail:  .   If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance after-hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General in Munich is +49-89-2888-0.

Five JFKS students, current and recent graduates: Florian „Flo“ F., Lukas „LT“ T., Vivo v. S. (12th grade), Lafayette V.-J. and Jeremiah V.-J. (11th grade) were just selected for the German Men’s Lacrosse Team (U19) and will be representing Germany in the World Champs in Coquitlam, Canada, in July 2016.

Congratulations!

U.S. Embassy Berlin

Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  Continued Security Awareness

November 15, 2015

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, the U.S. Embassy in Berlin reminds U.S. citizens in Germany to review the Worldwide Caution, which provides information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world, including Europe.

Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

For further information:

See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and France Country Specific Information.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

The American Citizen Services Unit for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is located at Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin, and is open  Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., tel. +49-30-8305-0, email: .  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the after-hours emergency number for the U.S. Embassy Berlin is +49-30-8305-0.

20 students from grades 5 and 6 as well as 14 High School students working on the Round 2 of the Math Olympics!

JFKS High School Physics teacher Peter Wiechert has been awarded the Berlin Physics Society’s Teacher Award for excellent teaching and providing his students with special physics activities.

The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 11, at 18h, at the Technische Universität Berlin (Hauptgebäude, Hörsaal 104,
Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin). Members of the JFKS community are cordially invited.

Congratulations, Herr Wiechert, and thank you for your dedication to our students!

Online ticket reservation

Musical Hairspray

JFKS students had a very successful day at the Cross Country Race on October 5:

22 of our 50 ES kids made it to the finals because they were under the 15 fastest kids.

Two first places: Congratulations to Pia and Frederik who are the fastest runners of the whole district.

Well done!!

Re-Takes for School Pictures are taking place on:

Thursday, October 15, 11.30-13.30h

in B107