Schools

The holiday break looms ahead. On one hand, we’re thankful for the break from work and school, and on the other we quickly tire of the hustle and bustle and the commercialism of the season. Growing up in the ’80s, a deck of cards or a board game could compete with the lure of video games, which were limited to geometric shapes moving jerkily across the screen and oversized joysticks.

From the first time people open their eyes they are always learning. Growing up, parents, teachers, coaches and many other people have stressed the importance of education, but in some circumstances, such as being an Airman, people need to be educated on how to get an education.

Most Soldiers learn the ways of leadership from a very early stage in their military career. They are taught to use their experience, education and abilities to mentor younger Soldiers and accomplish the mission. Some Soldiers in the Kaiserslautern area will use the same qualities to mentor high school students.

Tough Mudder events are hardcore obstacle courses designed to test strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. There are more than 1 million inspiring participants worldwide, and children participating in the Ramstein Youth Program’s Tough Mudder Club recently increased those numbers.

Wetzel Elementary School has taken its first step into a new teaching and learning concept by creating a learning lab consisting of 60 students from grades four, five and six. The students have come together into a large learning environment known as a neighborhood.