Empowering Military Kids: Top Strategies for a Successful School Year. From MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc.
After the dust from a PCS has settled, there’s at least one thing many parents and kids have in common: nervousness about starting a new school. As parents, we want the smoothest school transitions for our kids and realize we might need to step in to help make the path easier to navigate.
These strategies and resources offer a lot of peace of mind if you’re hoping to start your back-to-school season with confidence and smiles.
1) Leverage local resources for a seamless school start.
The best strategy for finding school transition resources is to start locally.
Your local school system, zoned school, and parent organizations have the most up-to-date information, from required immunizations to back-to-school parties on the playground.
Follow all of these outlets through their social media accounts, websites, and newsletters. If you can, subscribe before your move to slowly let all the information sink in.
If you need a broad overview of your new state’s overall education plan, you can always review the state’s board of education.
hey’re usually packed with data that could be relevant to your school search, especially if your child needs specialized education and you’re researching from afar.
More ideas to connect with your school community:
- Talk with PTA/PTO members about their support system.
- Volunteer for military support groups at school.
- Find a Purple Star School near you.
2) Utilize base resources and events.
Your number one go-to resource on base should be your Student Liaison Officer (SLO). The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) hires SLOs for all military branches worldwide.
The SLOs offer guidance on various transition topics, such as PCS moves, school records, homeschooling resources, and special education services.
In August and September, look for outside organizations that set up events on base. These events are usually fun, with a variety of entertainment and plenty of giveaways. They’re the perfect place to meet neighboring families with school-aged children.
Many of these military kid-centric groups register through the MWR offices. Some bases have permanent buildings for national organizations like the USO, so subscribe to their calendar of events so you won’t miss out.
Student Liaison Officer directory: Find the SLO assigned to your school or military base.
Youth Centers: These vary in size and resources across the DoD, but they’re worth checking out, especially if they have Youth Sponsorship Programs.
United Service Organization: The USO has local pop-up events and some permanent facilities on base.
Back-to-School Brigade: Operation Homefront has provided military kids with free backpacks and school supplies for years. It’s often a favorite event at a back-to-school kickoff.
3) Explore online tools and programs for military students.
There are more military kid-focused resources online than ever before. This is comforting for parents, but narrowing down which resource to use can be challenging.
Now is the time to revisit this powerhouse website. It offers general but in-depth knowledge of just about any topic you encounter during military life, including school transitions.
Many parents find the help they need within these three information-packed resources.
- Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support: The EFMP support offers information, resources, and skills to help military families with special needs navigate their care systems.
- U.S. Department of Education’s Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission: Here you’ll learn about laws regarding your child’s eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation.
- The Military Child Education Coalition: MCEC is the go-to resource for all military children and education subjects, including podcasts and webinars specifically created to support kids through school transitions.
- Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselors: The shortage of mental health professionals is an ongoing challenge. Start with this resource to learn your child’s options and begin to find qualified professionals in your area or online.
Military families also benefit from specialized resources outside the “official” military ranks, including the following.
Sesame Street for Military Families
Young kids seem to bounce back from transitions easier than older kids, but there’s always room to add extra comfort and care during chaotic times.
The Sesame Street gang makes military moving fun and understandable with interactive games and stories.
It’s tough to move to a new school and even more difficult if your student doesn’t feel like they’re learning at the same level as their classmates. They might have to play catch-up for a while.
The military program under Tutor.com offers help from professionals on all subjects. The free program is available 24/7.
4) Make the most of your new hometown.
The family will need some fun interjected into the routine of post-PCS chores and back-to-school stress. Get to know your new hometown so everyone feels comfortable and looks forward to future outings. Try some of these activities to make new memories.
- Create an ice cream shop tour to choose your family’s favorite.
- Visit your city’s chamber of commerce or visitor center to see what tours, tickets, and events are offered throughout the year.
- Tour your library, parks, and recreational buildings. You’ll learn about themed events like holiday lights, teen clubs, and fun swimming and ice skating classes.
- Read “Best Of” lists for your city. You’ll quickly learn where to find the best pizza and tacos, dog parks, kid-friendly hair stylists, and much more.
School transitions aren’t always difficult. Some families adjust quickly and love their new communities. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, some pre-planning before you arrive could make all the difference.
Just don’t forget to show the kids some new and exciting events and places to explore in your area!
*For more posts from MBO, check out their M:M Expert Author Page.
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