European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 24, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse Page 8 a the stars and stripes monday september 24,1990 education geography lesson jumps off the map czech teachers visit school by Jimi Jones education writer Werthem West Germany a when the women eased into Carol Millers fourth Grade classroom the geography lesson came to a halt. The students stood up then sat Down their backs erect and to Cir hands folded on the tables in front of them. On a Cue from 9-Ycar-old Dale Evans the class gave voice to that old Freedom fighting spiritual Quot we shall it was an appropriate Welcome for the visitors a group of 16 czechoslovakian teachers on their first trip to an american elementary school. All tilings considered Czechoslovakia has overcome quite a bit in the past year. Millers visitors were actually making a reciprocal trip since 24 Wortheim teachers travelled last March to the czechoslovakian town of Karloy vary or Karlsbad. That visit to the Rosehill school was Art of a staff development Day at the a a cart him school. It education 25 scholarships offered by Uso Washington a amps a Twenty five $1,000 College scholarships Are being offered by the Uso to family members of Active duty personnel. Applications must reach the Uso world Headquarters by March 1 and selections will be announced in May. Applicants must have graduated from High school within the last four years. The scholarship committee will focus on Scholastic records test scores and extracurricular activities. This is the second year that the scholarships have been offered. They Are sponsored by Anheuser Busch inc. For an application and Complete details about the scholarships write Uso world Headquarters scholarship program 601 Indiana avc., n.w., Washington . 20004. Eca pts plans conference Hahn a West Germany a the european Congress of parents teachers and students will hold its 1990 leadership conference on oct. 13 in Mannheim West Germany. The Daylong conference will be held at the officers and civilians club from 9 . To 5 . The registration deadline is oct. 5. This years conference will feature workshops information updates and training in a wide variety of National Pat and Eca pts programs. Frank of Gara and other department of defense dependents schools representatives will also Brief participants on what a for the 1990-91 school year. There is no Cost to participants and lunch will be provided. More information is available from the Eca pts office at German civilian 06543-51-7660. By Good planning Millers class on Friday was focusing on Czechoslovakia and its surrounding countries. A we started this geography thing this year where each week we highlight a different country. We find a country and put it in context with Germany a she said. The czechoslovakian teachers joined in each pairing up with one of Millers students and helping read maps As the class answered questions. Quot dealing with Czechoslovakia and having czechoslovakian people in the classroom is unique a said Brigitta Cisa Rovskiy a High school teacher who served As interpreter for the group. A it was a special lesson. In geography you can to arrange it that in each lesson when you Deal with another country you have some people from there. This is the Ideal in addition to Millers geography class the visitors also gave High Marks to the american education system in general or at least that slice they saw in Wertheim. What struck them most was the a warm relaxed atmosphere and that learning Means playing. Its not As strict As in our country a said Cisa Rovskiy adding that czechoslovakian children have fewer educational aids and Are Given More to memorize. School equipment there is poor and the decor is Bland she said. A we Are so enthusiastic about this school that we would like to change places a Cisa Rovskiy said. Iva kor Trovik a physical education teacher with the visiting group noted that american children also done to learn to Cook work in gardens or handle a saw and Hammer. A your children have to learn these skills whether they like it or not a she said. Wertheim third Grade teacher Anita Fulton described the visit As Quot something the kids will never forget. Ill never forget it a she said. A a in be had my kids using their German skills hand skills. Its been _. A amps a cml Jones czechoslovakian teacher a Gitta Cisa Rovskiy shows fourth graders at the american elementary school in Wertheim a picture of her daughter. Fulton said the visitors were impressed with the student teacher ratio a 30 in a czechoslovakian classroom compared with Fulton a 20 a and the displays prepared each week by teachers and students by Chance last weeks display was about the . Constitution. But Miller and Fulton a classrooms were just the Start of the Day. Principal Carol Ackerman said the czechoslovakian teachers visited each of the schools 15 classrooms focusing on the talented and gifted special education and kindergarten classes. A the contrast has been so remarkable for the visitors Ackerman said. A the whole concept of smaller class sizes children being pulled out to get support for talented and gifted and special education. A education is the Basic thing that drives a nation a said Ackerman noting that playwright tuned president Voclav Havel of Czechoslovakia stopped by american schools during his first official visit to the United states. As a result things have already begun to improve in czechoslovakian schools Cisa Rovskiy said. A the situation is changing. New school Laws Are being introduced and old school Laws Are being czechoslovakian teacher Iva kor Trovik left passes out goodies to members of twi a a. A amps Jim Jones elementary school. To Rhrou and is other educators came loaded with gifts for fourth Grade class at Wertheim an american school. Teachers mingle with students at lunch right. Students at the school on their Flat visit to
