SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Leadership from the 52nd Fighter Wing, 52nd Mission Support Group, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and representatives from Department of Defense Education Activity held a Bitburg transition town hall meeting at the base theater here, May 23, 2017.
Leadership used the meeting to answer questions, take suggestions and provide information about the Bitburg Middle-High School Barons’ move to Spangdahlem Air Base as the Spangdahlem Sentinels.
Below are some of the questions and answers from the town hall:
Q: How long are the class periods of the high school?
A: The high school class periods have not changed and will still run 90 minutes. Also, students will still have five minutes in between class periods.
Q: How are students getting to Gym Class at the Powerhaus Fitness Center from the school?
A: At this point in time, we will have the students walk to the Fitness Center. It will be included in the warm-up time and students will then change into physical eduation gear there. We decided it was important for them to change at the Fitness Center because of the weather. We did not want students walking in the rain or snow in P.E. clothing. Also, P.E. rain slippers will be provided to the students if there is rain.
Q: What actions will be in place for the sharing of the Fitness Center between Airmen and students?
A: There will be a staff member for the student’s P.E. class. Also, the center divider on the gym floor will be closed to section off and separate the class from Airmen who would like to use the other half.
Q: Will there still be a snack shack for sports games?
A: Yes, the Baron Booster Snack Shack that is very dear to all of us has already made the move to Spangdahlem.
Q: In addition to Spangdahlem High School football, will intermural sports be played on the Skelton Fitness Center field?
A: The field behind the Skelton Fitness Center will be dedicated to Spangdahlem High School football, reducing the wear and tear on the field. We will be leveling the field and handing it over to the school staff in June to begin fertilizing. Intermural sports will be played on the field at the Powerhaus Fitness Center.
Q: Will there be any consideration with doing joint productions with the drama club between the middle school and high school?
A: Yes, we are looking at putting middle and high school productions together and I fully expect for there to be collaboration with the two schools.
Q: Where will the school plays and concerts take place?
A: The school plays and concerts will take place in the middle school multi-purpose room.
Q: Will all students share bus transportation?
A: Yes, now that all schools are going to the same base, bus transportation will be shared between all schools.
Q: Can we still use the Barons sports uniforms?
A: We are working very hard to utilize as much funding as possible to get new uniforms for students next school year. We are also trying to get new football helmets. After we receive new uniforms, any school funded Bitburg uniforms will have to be collected and sent to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office.
Q: Will the modular buildings of the school have a student store?
A: They do not at this time. However, we are looking at using one of the smaller rooms near the back hallway to use for that purpose.