On October 3, The Woodlands High School achieved a monumental milestone by being awarded the PASCH-Plaque, earning TWHS recognition as an International German Partner School. This award was presented by our distinguished guests from Germany: Deputy Consul General Houston, Consulate General of Germany, Mr. Markus Hatzelmann; Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut, Mr. Johannes Ebert; Director of the Goethe-Institut Washington and Regional Director for North America, Mr. Klaus Krischok; and Director of Language Programs North America and Deputy Executive Director of the Goethe-Institut Washington, Mr. Sebastian Voetter.
The PASCH Initiative or Schools: Partners for the Future, is a global network of outstanding schools supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Goethe-Institut. Made up of over 2,000 schools worldwide, and currently working in over 120 countries, their goal is to motivate young students to learn German and continue a growing interest in Germany, according to Goethe-Institut.
“Foreign education and policy is at the heart of what we [Goethe-Institut] do as a consulate,” Mr. Klaus Krischok said.
Through its emphasis on international collaboration, PASCH promises opportunities that allow schools to connect, grow, and discover what it means to be a global citizen.
In order to achieve this status, a school must be recognized by the German government, receive official approval from the KMK (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs), and offer a German curriculum- while also adhering to quality standards set by the KMK. Some key characteristics that are recognized when considering this title include a multi-cultural environment, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a strong cultural hub. As a result of earning the title of International German High School, the Woodlands’ German classes and cultural programs are now recognized for their high quality and are officially endorsed by the German government.
Receiving the PASCH plaque is more than just an official recognition. It is a promise of extraordinary opportunities for students to explore and grow as global citizens. As a result of this prestigious status, The Woodlands High School is now linked to a highly selective group of schools. There are only 14 schools in the United States who have received this award, The Woodlands High School being the first one in Texas. With 1,000 PASCH schools worldwide, The Woodlands High School’s inclusion in this prestigious network highlights its dedication to academic excellence, as it is the sole recipient of this honor in Texas.
In addition to the PASCH Plaque, The Woodlands High School has established connections with two other PASCH partner schools, one in Germany and the other at South China Normal University in Guangzhou, China. Through regular communication and collaborative projects, students have the opportunity to engage with peers from different backgrounds and cultures.
PASCH also opens doors for students to participate in international scholarships, cultural exchanges, and study experiences in Germany. Through PASCH, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the German language and culture is created, strengthening the ties between Germany and the United States.
“It is not just the sign on the wall. It is a promise, a promise of opportunities to connect, to explore, to grow, and to understand what it means to be a global citizen,” Mr. Johannes Ebert said.
The Woodlands High School’s induction into PASCH is emblematic of a growth in the German Program. This year alone, German classes have had a 40 percent enrollment increase, with 150 students actively learning the German language and culture. German students continue to distinguish themselves from their peers through participation in regional events such as state poetry recitation, photography, impromptu speaking, and music ensembles. They showcase their talents at Houstonfest, the regional German competition held at Kingwood High School, and at the State German Competition at Texas State University.
The growth of the German Program at TWHS this year can be attributed to the promotion done by TWHS teachers and students involved in the program.
To showcase the value of learning a different language, Frau Lee and Herr Wynne, along with German Student Ambassadors Austin Lee and Isabella Gonzalez, visited McCullough Junior High. Dressed in traditional German attire, they highlighted the interactive nature of the class, the cultural experiences available, and the unique opportunities that come from learning German.
“Promoting the German program was a great way to not only share a language but also show how learning German opens up so many opportunities to connect with a rich culture. It was exciting to see new students get curious about something that’s both fun and valuable,” Lee explained.
The program also has dedicated leadership: German teachers, Mr. Wynne and Frau Lee. Frau Lee, a native German speaker and certified interpreter and translator for the State of Bavaria, continues to bring her own cultural experience to the classroom. Herr Wynne, who earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Oldenburg in German Studies and later taught English in Lower Saxony through the Fulbright Program, contributes an understanding of both German and American educational perspectives. It is because of these experiences that they have facilitated authenticity in the classroom and region every day, where they’re inspiring people to learn German. Together, they have built a program that stands out in the district, state, and beyond.
The Woodlands High School administration and district leaders also play a crucial role; supporting and celebrating the program’s growth as a part of the school’s tradition of excellence.
“It’s all about giving you [the students] the opportunities to have the experiences at the Woodlands High School” Principal Muehsler noted during the ceremony.
Ultimately, The Woodlands High School’s recognition as an International German Partner School reflects not only the school’s dedication to its students and educators but also the gateway to exciting global opportunities. This prestigious award opens doors to international scholarships, exchanges, and cultural communities that will inspire the educational journey of all students involved. As the German program continues to grow, the school community looks forward to inspiring students and building on previous German connections.
