Department of Defense Education Activity

Get Involved


Parent Involvement

Research demonstrates that parent involvement is essential for student success. Although you may not become involved in all committees and support organizations in the school, we encourage the following activities for your parental support:

  • Join the school parent/teacher association (PTA) and participate in meetings and activities.
  • Have lunch at school with your child regularly.
  • Volunteer in your child's classroom.
  • Establish a daily study time at home (even when there's no homework).
  • Participate in the Continuous School Improvement (CSI) efforts at your child's school.
  • Keep informed of school events and activities by reading school newsletters and your child's classroom newsletter.
  • Communicate frequently with your child's teacher.
  • Prepare for and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
  • Ensure your child has a well-balanced breakfast and comes to school with completed homework, lunch money and school supplies.

Visiting the School

Parents and other responsible adults are always welcome at school. If you know in advance that you will be visiting your child's classroom, we encourage you to notify your child's teacher ahead of time so they are prepared for your visit. We do not allow students to bring friends or other non-registered students to school due to liability and space restrictions. In addition, parents may not bring younger siblings, other children, or babies with them when they visit or volunteer in a classroom. This can be a serious distraction from the learning environment for all students.

Visitor Badges

DoDEA policy mandates use of visitor badges and positive identification of all visitors and contractors. In compliance with this policy, upon arrival, ALL visitors are required to come to the school office, sign in, show identification, and receive a visitor's badge. All visitors MUST sign out and return the visitor's badge upon leaving the building.

Be a Volunteer!

Volunteers are always needed and are a part of the total school program. They assist in the classrooms, office, special subject and resource rooms, and educational support areas. If a parent is volunteering in a classroom, we ask that you please make alternative arrangements for siblings. They are not allowed in the room during the instructional day. We encourage active participation by parents in their child's education and while, younger children are precious, they may be distracting to students in the classroom. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your support. Check with you child's teacher for specific opportunities and to complete any necessary forms in addition to the ones below.

DoDEA Policy requires that prospective and current school volunteers shall be subject to a standardized application process that includes completion of an application form and standardized background checks. Volunteer applications are available in the school office or linked below. Please allow 5 business days for processing of all volunteer request forms. Once a background check is completed, a volunteer approval is valid for 3 years.  There are many volunteer opportunities for parents eager to get involved with their students education or for other interested community members. 

Thank You for Volunteering!

Before you do, please fill out these forms and turn them in to your local volunteer office.

Background Check DD2981
To require each employee, DoD contractor, family child care provider, adult family member of a family child care provider, and specified volunteers of a DoD C&Y program to undergo a background check and to annually self-report changes to his or her criminal history.
 
DD2793 Volunteer Agreement Form - Blank
Volunteer agreement fillable form and agreement.
 
DoDEA Records Check Consent Form
Criminal history background check release/consent statement - to disclose this information precludes consideration of an applicant for employment in the Department of Defense Education Activity.
 
Volunteer Share Point Quick Guide
Screen Shots of the Share Point Quick Guide
 
Volunteers DoDEA Operational Guidance
DoDEA Operational Guidance for Volunteers - There are many volunteer opportunities for interested community members and/or parents to get involved with their students education through DoD sanctioned programs.

DoDEA Europe Advisory Councils

Parents, teachers, students, administrators, and military commanders share the responsibility to support the schools through advisory councils and boards. Participation in advisory councils and boards enhances and improves educational programs and services, as well as the overall quality of life shared by all Department of Defense (DoD) American overseas communities.

Dependents Education Council (DEC)

The DEC reports to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy. Members include general or flag officers representing the commanders of unified combatant commands, major service commands, and the military services. Council members make recommendations on policy matters relating to facilities, logistics, and administrative support provided to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) by the military services.

European Schools Council (ESC)

The ESC is composed of European Command (EUCOM) Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy representatives. ESC work with subordinate command representatives to develop programs for improving dependents' education and recommend helpful initiatives to the DoDEA Director. The ESC chairperson also represents the European Command on the ACDE.

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC advises the district superintendent on matters of interest to the district.

School Advisory Committee (SAC)

The purpose of the SAC is to advise and act as a sounding board for the principal on matters effecting the operation of the school. The SAC will be a forum to discuss school issues, and will promote communication and the necessary link between the school principal, parents, and the larger community.
The committee shall provide advice and assistance to the principal regarding and including:

  • school policies towards students and parents, student activities, and administrative procedures affecting students, including acting as a hearing committee for any individual or group that may want to propose additions to or change in school policy.
  • coordinating all community resources in a concerted effort to support the education program of the school
  • providing a forum for the discussion of school achievements, concerns and other school related matters
  • disseminating information about the school
  • people services (health, special education, testing, evaluation, counseling, and extra curricular activities)
  • student standards of conduct and discipline

The voting members of the committee include two parent members and two professional educator members. Voting members will serve a term of two years. Liaisons of the School Advisory Committee include: the school principal, transportation officer, garrison commander, and the youth services director.

For more information, please contact the school at 08821-7502611 or DSN 440-2611.

All are welcome to attend SAC meetings.

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Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Welcome to Garmisch Elementary/Middle School (GEMS)! We invite YOU to support GEMS' educational and activity programs by becoming a member of our Parent Teacher Association (PTA).  It is a great way to contribute to the school community. Meetings are open for everyone. Come out and see how you can help.