As we prepare to open the doors for another school year, we must ask you to pardon our dust! Our students are the beneficiaries of a very ambitious renovation that affected 31 rooms this summer; the completion of these projects is nearly complete, but we should all expect that the finishing touches will not come until shortly after school begins. The highlights of these renovations impact a huge percentage of our students. The gym floor was replaced and both the boys' and the girls' locker rooms were completely redesigned. The Culinary Arts room was gutted; it, too, was completely redesigned. Piano Lab and Read 180 have moved into a new room, as have the Health Science program and the Computer Aided Design lab. Science classes will be more consolidated this year; two teachers moved from the 2nd floor to the E wing and four brand new science classrooms have been added next to the AFJROTC building! The new furniture and carpeting in the library complement the new computers in its two computer labs. Finally, our foyer area has been enhanced by a newly placed Welcome Desk that we anticipate will be manned by parent and student volunteers! Each of our offices has adopted a new, streamlined look as well. We look forward to our best year yet!

We have hired many outstanding teachers for this school year; we experienced several retirements and transfers over the summer. The new teachers will work side by side with our veteran staff to provide a memorable and positive academic experience for all of our students. They will quickly become integral members of the Royal Pride attitude of Ramstein High School. The administrative team features two Assistant Principals (Mr. Barreitt Smith and Ms. Patricia Jorgenson). Both are experienced administrators coming to us from successful tours of duty at other schools. They bring to us a fresh perspective; we are considering a variety of improvements in our procedures. The PTSO, School Advisory Committee and Booster Club will be sporting new looks this year as well. The veteran leadership of the past few years served us well, but it was time for them to PCS, leaving others to pick up the reins. Our support staff aims to continue to provide excellent customer service, but I need for you to know that their numbers will be fewer this year due to manning document changes. You have heard of "lean and mean?" Put a friendly face on that and you have a mental picture of our new situation.

As I have said in years past, I am very proud to be part of a dynamic and dedicated team of educators, support staff, and community members who make Ramstein High School one of the best schools in the DoDEA system.

Greg A. Hatch, Principal