WHAT IS THE VEREIN?
At John F. Kennedy School Berlin, extraordinary things happen every day — bilingual classrooms, international exchange programs, musicals, ski trips, and so much more. Behind many of these experiences is the Verein: a parent-run organization that has been quietly making school life better since 1962.
‘The Society of Parents and Friends of the John F. Kennedy School Berlin’ is more commonly referred to simply as The Verein. This state-registered organization is run entirely by parent volunteers and was established in 1962 to support and encourage academic and infrastructural development in the JFKS community.
The Verein works closely with parents, staff and students to maintain and improve the school’s educational facilities and materials. Its activities are funded entirely by annual membership fees and fund-raising events which are held throughout the school year. Examples of these events include the bi-annual Fun Run, Fun Day, Flea Market, and many more.
Parent support is vital. Each membership contribution helps to provide a learning environment in which the JFKS students can thrive and excel.
The Verein
Our Mission & Impact
The Verein was founded in 1962 shortly after the opening of the school by parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the JFKS as a private charitable organization. Since then its goal has been to support the excellent learning environment at the JFKS.
In order to supplement the school budget provided by the Berlin Senate, The Verein raises funds through membership fees and a variety of projects. These funds support the bilingual, bicultural and unique environment at JFKS, thereby preparing students for success in a global world.
Funding & Achievements
Learning & Academic Resources
Resources that help every student and educator succeed
From Chromebooks and science kits to library grants and exam support, the Verein ensures every student — in both ES and HS — has the tools, materials, and programs they need to learn, explore, and achieve their best.
Campus & Spaces
Improving the spaces where our students learn & gather
A great school needs great spaces. The Verein invests in the physical fabric of JFKS — from renovations and new seating areas to water dispensers and gardening boxes — so students and staff have environments they’re proud to learn and work in.
Student Life & Events
Memorable moments that build community spirit
From the 8th Grade Ski Trip to Graduation, Culture Fest, and Courage Week, the Verein helps create the moments students and families carry with them long after leaving JFKS — including making sure no student is ever left behind due to financial circumstance.
Community & People
No Student Left Behind
The Verein supports the people who make JFKS what it is. That means funding professional development for teachers, Texas Exchange, backing parent-led initiatives like Coffee Mornings and ParentShip, and keeping the wider school community informed, connected, and celebrated.
Board & Committees
Meet our board for 2026/2027 !
| Chair | Haley Scribner |
| Vice Chair | Robert Lenk |
| Treasurer | Carsten Casper |
| Vice Treasurer | Jack Busta |
| Secretary | vacant |
| Members-at-large | Carissa Tazo’o Carlotta de Vivanco Jamie Turner Nella Klopotek von Glowczewski Rodrigo Valades |
| Auditors | Olaf Graf Will Wollbold |
The board meets once a month on Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm in school on the following dates, members are happy to join the public meetings.
- August 26, 2026
- September 23, 2026
- October 14, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- December 16, 2026
- January 20, 2027
- February 24, 2027
- March 17, 2027 (IN THE LARGE AULA)
- April 21, 2027
- May 26, 2027
- June 23, 2027
In addition, the board meets once a month virtually on Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm on the following dates (Board Only Meetings):
- September 9, 2026
- October 7, 2026
- November 4, 2026
- December 2, 2026
- January 6, 2027
- February 10, 2027
- March 3, 2027 (AGM Run Through)
- April 7, 2027
- May 12, 2027
- June 9, 2027
Contact
You can contact the Verein via info@theverein.com or meet us as a member of the Verein in the regular board meetings.