Netzaberg ES History
Opened: 2008
OPEN
Netzaberg Elementary School (NES) opened its doors for the very first time on August 25, 2008. The opening ceremonies on August 29, 2008, were attended by Diana Ohman, Director of DoDDS Europe; Mike Thompson, District Superintendent; and Col. Nils Sorensen, Garrison Commander, Grafenwoehr. The first principal was Barbara Mueller, and the assistant principal was Laura Lynn Elgin. The first-year school clubs and extracurricular activities included dance club, library aides, and student council. The school celebrated the courage and valor of military families with its first Heroes Day. The school had 720 students in PreK thorough fifth grade.
The school is nestled in the hills of the Oberpfalz region of eastern Bavaria. The epicenter of the 830-family-unit housing area, the Netzaberg Village Center showcases two schools: Netzaberg Elementary School and Netzaberg Middle School. It also offers a Child Development Center, School-age Services, Youth Services/Teen Center, a shoppette, and a community chapel.
The school mascot is Netzi the Dragon, and the school colors are light blue and lime green.
Ms. Vanessa Ferber was the principal for the 2014–2018 school years. During this time, the assistant principals were Becky Balcer (’14–’15), Sonya Gates (’15–’18), and Ms. Cameron-John (’17–’18). The school enrollment reached 800 during the 2015-16 school year, dropped to 620 for the 2019-20 school year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then returned to 675 when the school returned to normal after the pandemic.
Several activities have become yearly events including the Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Reading Night, and Spirit Days. Drama and chorus performances are presented throughout the year. Other annual events are Bingo Night and the Fasching Parade. During the 2022-23 school year, several clubs (acrobats/aerialists, juggling, ballroom dance, and unicycle) showcased their newly acquired skills in the first Netz Circus Spring Gala.
Mr. Arturo Rivera became the principal for the 2020-21 school year, and his assistants were Ms. Simmons (’20–’21) and Ms. Sierra Smith (’22–’23). There were about 650 students in grades Sure Start through fifth grade.
Information from DoDEA webpage page and school yearbooks