The ED (Erziehungsdirektorium) plays a strategic role in school matters. It is a guarantor of the school’s profile and mission. The ED is a unique committee within the Berlin public school system. Its duties and composition are stipulated in paragraphs 5 and 6 of the JFK School Law (in German).
Whereas the School Conference mostly deals with internal school issues, the central responsibility of the ED is to guarantee the particular binational and bicultural character of the JFKS as a German-American school which incorporates both school systems within its structures.
Members of the ED:
2 representatives of the school district (Senatsschulverwaltung)
This committee is composed of democratically elected representatives from the faculty, student and parent councils, as well as two principals. The SK is mandated by Berlin School Law to serve as a round table for these key school groups – to develop collaborative strategies for old problems or new projects on campus, including strategic planning and practical implementation. The SK meets at school every six to eight weeks.
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.
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 one principals from the elementary and the high school, respectively.
The JFKS Verein, Society of Parents and Friends of the John-F-Kennedy-School of Berlin e.V., is a state-registered charitable organization committed to supporting the program of excellence at the JFKS.
We are proud of our history as an independent but integral part of the JFKS community, working closely with the administration, teachers and students to maintain the exceptional educational and cultural environment of JFKS.
The Verein was founded in 1962 shortly after the opening of the school by parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the JFKS. Since then its goal has been to support the excellent learning environment at the JFKS.
In order to supplement the school budget provided by the Berlin Senate, the Verein raises funds through membership fees and a variety of projects. These funds support the bilingual, bicultural and unique program at JFKS, thereby preparing students for success in a global world.
To learn more about our projects visit our website: www.theverein.com
