Back to school

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon
  • 18 WG Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Department of Defense Dependant Schools officials are emphasizing safety, health and wellness and the acquisition of foreign language skills, for the 2007-2008 school year, which starts Monday. 

Children's safety is a critical focus for DoDDS and officials encourage parents to speak with their kids about general safety tips and preventative measures, particularly relating to getting to and from school each day. 

"Statistically, riding the school bus is the safest mode of transportation," said Bert Stamm, 18th Wing ground safety manager. "But if kids decide to walk or bike ride, they should be reminded of the inherent risks involved in those activities." 

Due to minimal adult supervision, students have a greater responsibility to be aware and mind all traffic laws and signals when going to and coming from school.
Health and wellness initiatives geared toward all grade-levels is also a major focus for DoDDS this school year. 

Wellness policies have been combined with education requirements to create a healthier environment for every student, for example, the physical education graduation requirements were increased by 1.5 Carnegie units. To further enhance their fitness and wellness, students will also have the option of taking various creditable courses such as Far East activities, intramurals, interscholastic sports, outdoor education, and JROTC camps that tackle issues of obesity and inactivity. School officials said the goal of the activities is to provide students with wellness skills that can follow them for a lifetime. 

DODDS foreign language educational standards will also increase with the introduction of the Mandarin Chinese language program for all four secondary, middle and high school students as an option to increase proficiency and succeed in a competing global environment. 

Bob Hope and Stearley Heights schools will be introducing a test phase for children in kindergarten and first-grade to build on their language skills through the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools program. 

Students in grades first-12th begin school Monday, Aug. 27, while kindergarten students report Wednesday, Sept. 5. Students enrolled in the Sure Start program begin Monday, Sept. 17. 

For more information visit the DoDDS website at: http://www.pac.dodea.edu.