erald Union H Wiesbaden: Your home in Germany
Vol. XXII, No. 16
Schools focus on STE(A)M
May 21, 2015
Shopping Spree
By Jacob Corbin
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs Office
Science, technology, engineering and math are the keystones of the future, and the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden elementary schools are doing what they can to help prepare their students for that future. Aukamm and Hainerberg Elementary schools recently held two STEM events to highlight what they’re doing everyday to get kids interested. “STEM is the cornerstone of new ideas, inventions and creativity,” said Corinne Voyer, a teacher at Aukamm Elementary School. “Who knows what this generation of students will create.” Aukamm held a week of in-class experiments and activities to highlight their efforts in improving students’ awareness of STEM in today’s world, while Hainerberg held a “STEAM” night to show parents their efforts. Hainerberg Principal Debbie Parks added an extra “A” in the widely-known acronym of STEM to represent the arts, a special focus that may be the key to hooking otherwise uninterested students in science and math. “We think art adds life to STEM and that there is a real element of the arts in it,” Parks said. “Studies show people with high levels of math skills also have a high degree of creative skills.” She said by adding art to STEM, Hainerberg educators hope to garner the interest of students who might otherwise not find their way into a love of STEM. “For instance, you might have a kid who loves to draw who discovers design, engineering or a number of other things they could love,” she said Barbara Mueller, principal of Aukamm Elementary, echoed those sentiments. “Our goal is for children to realize STEM is everywhere” she said. See ‘STEM’ on page 3
Photo by LaDon Hooser
Gena Carthern rushes through the commissary as part of the 6th Annual Commissary Shopping Spree May 6. Carthern was selected randomly to participate in the event from a group of community volunteers. She ended the event with two carts worth $1,060.
Army Community Service event thanks Family members Shows ‘It’s All About That Spouse’ Story and photos by Shayna Brouker
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs Office
Army Community Service teamed up with the USO and the German-American Kontakt Club to roll out all the stops for its annual Military Spouse Appreciation Day May 8 at ACS, themed “It’s All About That Spouse,” with cooking and affordable entertaining classes, a card-making workshop, door prizes and more. “We like to take that opportunity to show our community that we appreciate our spouses,” said Sara Clow, Family Advocacy Program manager, who
Inside Icon retires
Dr. Robert Schloesser retires after 41 years. See page 12.
added the event is not required by the Army for ACS accreditation, but rather one the support organization chooses to do “above and beyond.” “America’s military spouses are the backbone of the Families who support our troops during missions, deployments, reintegration and reset,” said Garrison Commander Col. Mary Martin, opening the event. “They are the silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation and they serve our country just like their loved ones.” More than 75 spouses attended the event to learn about entertaining on a See ‘Spouse’ on page 5
Apfelblüte
A local community celebrated apples and spring at a local fest. See more on page 6.
Marrianne Jessen demonstrates how to make her mother’s traditional German potato salad in the German Cooking seminar at the Military Spouse Appreciation Day hosted by ACS May 8.
Tulipmania
Indulge in some flower therapy on pages 16 and 17.