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School Liasion Newletter
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By MC3 Lawrence Davis, NPASE Det. NW
Visit us on the web!www.navylifepnw.com/site/385/EducationServices.aspx
Navy Region Northwest School Liaison Officer Newsletter
Addressing educational issues that affect military children inNavy Region Northwest
Issue 5, May 2010
CADEMIC NCHOR
In this issue:Sailors, Students ‘green up’Trident LakesPacific Northwest Sailors teamed up with local elementary school students to “green up” Naval BaseKitsap, Bangor’s Trident Lakes park, April 20.
Volunteers contributed approximately 75 man-hours to clear nearly an acre of old, dying trees andinvasive shrubbery and in their place planted 200 Grand Fir and 100 Western Red Cedar Trees.
Navy Region Northwest Forester Walter Briggs explained to the Sailors and students how clearing sickand intrusive vegetation promotes the health and growth of natural forest species and enhances wildlifehabitat.
Students also toured the park, learned about storm water impact to the environment, how to identifywetlands and watched contractors re-stock the lakes with 1,000 rainbow trout.
Cmdr. Jim Travers, Naval Base Kitsap executive officer, said the Navytakes environmental conservation seriously.
“Naval Base Kitsap is committed to environmental stewardship, and asresponsible stewards it is important that we understand the environmentand the impact we have on it. Events like this demonstrate ourcontinued commitment to our environment and our community,” saidTravers.
Senior Chief Builder (SCW) Eric Davis, Naval Facilities EngineeringCommand Northwest senior enlisted leader and event coordinator, saidthe event provided a fun way to raise Sailor, student and communityawareness on human impact to the environment.
Elizabeth Joncas, a student at Clear Creek Elementary, said she enjoyedplanting the trees.
“Trees present oxygen for us to breathe in, and if there weren’t enoughtrees we wouldn’t be able to breathe,” said Joncas.
“I’d like to do this again sometime. It was actually really fun,” Joncasadded.
Photo: Logistics Specialist 1stClass (SW/AW) Brian Leavitthelps a local elementarystudent plant a tree at NavalBase Kitsap Bangor’s TridentLakes Park, April 20.
P2 Summer Tips for Funand Learning
P3 Students at theCenter
Web Resource of theMonth
P2
P4 Deployment StressSigns and Symptomsin Children
Special CareOrganizationalRecord
P5
Spring “To Do” forCollege-Boundstudents
P7
Partnerships inEducation
P6
Freedom AllianceScholarship
P7
Contact Us!P9
Operation MilitaryKids
P8
WEB RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
This guide is designed to help military families understand online social networking sites,the basic features that are typically available, and the benefits of using such sites.Contents include: Definitions of social networking features Operational Security considerations Online safety for children and teens DoD and DoD affiliated social networking sites
Check out this great resource today at the MilitaryHOMEFRONT link below!
http://cs.mhf.dod.mil/content/dav/mhf/QOL-Library/Project%20Documents/MilitaryHOMEFRONT/HOMEFRONTConnections/Social_Networking_Guide%5B1%5D.pdf
GUIDE TO ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
PARENT INVOLVEMENT MATTERSTIPS FOR AVOIDING THE SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN
Is it possible to incorporate both fun and learninginto the summer break experience? Here are someeasy tips to help ensure your child’s mind staysactively engaged during the hot summer months, allwhile having some fun!
1. Talk with your child’s outgoing teacher about thesummer. What does she recommend? If yourchild needs additional assistance in writing,reading, or math, seek advice on how toincorporate that without making summer feel likeacademic boot camp.
2. Talk to parents whose children are a year aheadof your child in school. What do they wish theyhad done last summer to prepare?
3. Check the school website for information aboutnext year’s curriculum. See whether there areways you can incorporate some of it into summerplans.
4. Find out whether your school has arecommended summer reading list. Reserve thebooks at the library or buy them so your child canget started ASAP. Stay on pace so your childdoesn’t have to cram four books into the weeksleading up to the start of school.
5. If your child’s school does not have a reading list,reserve books that match your child’s interest andreading level.
6. Allow your child to read some easier, lightweightbooks and listen to books on tape. This willencourage a love of reading for pleasure andimprove fluency. Set aside time at night or on theweekend for everyone in the family to read.
7. Talk to your kids well in advance. Let them knowthat they will be able to have a fun summer andthat learning is a year-round activity. Solicit theirideas on how to incorporate learning into thesummer.
8. Using a wall calendar, map out trips, campsessions, and other commitments. Check thewebsites of local museums and attractions andmark any special exhibits you want to see.
9. Make sure your calendar isn’t so jammed thatyour child has no down time. Learning to copewith free time and make good choices areimportant life skills. Give your child a balance ofoutdoor and indoor activities as well as thechance to play without the pressure of academicsor competition.
Make sure your children return from their summervacation rested, reinvigorated, and ready to dive intothe next school year. A proper balance of fun andstructure will make for a productive and enjoyablesummer for all.
Source:http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/
An Education Resource forFamilies, the Military and Schools
You are part of a very important group of people—those who care about education and, specifically,those who care about education for the children ofmilitary service members. Children of militaryfamilies face unique challenges that are unparalleledin the general student population.
If you are a family member or service memberyourself, you know first-hand the sacrifices that aremade in order to serve our Nation’s Armed Forces—frequent moves, time away from family because oftraining and deployments and the uncertainty thatcomes from serving in harm’s way.
If you are an educator with military families in yourcommunity, you may be aware of the challengesmilitary families face as they deal with these issues:transfer of records, eligibility for extra-curricularactivities, differences in achievement standards andacademic requirements and the stress and anxietyfrom having a parent away.
If you are a military leader, you have undoubtedlyfaced situations where you need to provideinformation for both parents and local educationagencies and sometimes help find solutions tochallenges that are unique to service members’children.
On this web site, you will find resources designed toaid everyone involved in providing quality educationfor military children.
You will find information and resources to:
Empower parents to be better advocates for theirchildren and to more fully understand the rulesand policies local education agencies mustadhere to while meeting the needs of all of theirstudents.
Inform Military leaders on how to best work withlocal education agencies to meet the needs of ourfamilies and to take advantage of resourcesavailable through DoD.
Assist Local Education Agencies around thecountry who have within their populations, thechildren of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines,Coast Guardsmen, National Guardsmen andReservists.
To learn more about these resources brought to youby DoDEA’s K-12 Educational Partnership Branch,visit Students at the Center.
http://www.militaryk12partners.dodea.edu/studentsAtTheCenter/index.html
For Military Families For Military Leaders For School Leaders
Supporting the Unique Needs of aMilitary-Connected Child
Military Supports for Students
Navigating the U.S. EducationSystem
Choosing a School
Ways to Support a Child’sEducation
Effective Advocacy 101
Staying Connected to a Community
Information and Support for MilitaryFamilies
Installation-School Partnerships
Stakeholder Groups and LocalAction Teams
Involving Military Leadership andOrganizations
Other Key Partners to Consider
Ways to Enhance CommunicationOnline
Military Service Branches, Ranksand Protocols
Military Families 101
DoD Initiatives to Support Schools
U.S. Department of Education’sImpact Aid
Supporting Military Students-BestPractices
Basic Military Terms and Acronyms
K-12 Deployment Support
In March’s issue of the Academic Anchor weintroduced the seven stage emotional cycle ofdeployment. This month we will highlight whatbehaviors to look out for in children duringdeployment as possible signs of stress, and where toturn for help or guidance.
Throughout the stages of deployment children will havevarious responses, negative and positive alike. Theseresponses vary depending on the developmental age ofthe child. Listed below are possible physical and behav-ioral responses for preschool, elementary and adoles-cent/high school aged children.
Pre-School Age:Bedwetting, thumb sucking, clinging to parent, loss ofappetite, somatic complaints, sleep disturbance, regres-sion in behavior, and fear of parents leaving.
Elementary School Age:Irritability, school avoidance, poor concentration, aca-demic regression, aggressiveness, nightmares, andwithdrawal from friend andactivities.
Adolescent/High School Age:Agitation, increase in conflict, physical complaints or ail-ments, delinquent behavior and/or drug use, higher riskfor promiscuity, poor concentration, eating and sleepingdisturbances, and withdrawal from friends and activities.
How can parents and help children successfully copewith the deployment of a loved one?
Model calm behaviorAvoid appearing anxious or frightened in front of the
childMaintain a normal daily routineProvide structureListen and empathizeBe optimisticExpress own emotions in a matter of fact wayContinue with child’s activitiesEncourage child to talk to you
Educator intervention strategies might include thefollowing:
Focus on students and the classroom learningenvironment
Provide structureMaintain objectivityReinforce safety and securityBe patient and reduce student workload as neededListenBe sensitive to language and cultural needsAcknowledge and validate feelings
If you notice they are unable to reestablish a normal rou-tine or exhibit unresolved problems over a few weeks, itwould be wise to contact one of the following resourcesavailable to you:
Family Doctor or Mental Health Provider
Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers:
Naval Base Kitsap: (800) 562-3301Naval Station Everett: (425) 304-3367NAS Whidbey: (360) 257-6289
Navy Chaplain
Military Family Life Consultants (MFLCs)
MilitaryHOMEFRONT:www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
Military One Source :www.militaryonesource.com
Local School Counselor
Local School Liaison Officer
Naval Base Kitsap: (360) 813-3039Naval Station Everett: (425) 304-3688NAS Whidbey: (360) 257-6863
It is important to note that the vast majority of familiesand children are able to successfully navigate and copewith the emotional cycles of deployment.
Sources:
http://www.hooah-4health.com/deployment/familymatters/emotionalcycle.htm
http://www.hooah-4health.com/deployment/familymatters/Emotional_Cycle_Support.pdf
http://www.k12.wa.us/OperationMilitaryKids/pubdocs/ToughTopics1Deployment.pdf
Signs and Symptoms of Stress to Look for in Children During DeploymentBy Jason Gooding, M.A.Ed, School Liaison Officer
SUPPORT FOR K12 SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM NAVIGATION
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIESEXCEPTIONAL FAMILIESEXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES
The Department of Defense (DoD) has two very useful organizing tools formilitary families with special needs: the Special Care Organizational Record(SCOR) for Children with Special Health Care Needs and the SCOR forAdults with Special Health Needs. The SCORS are tools for caregivers,providing central repositories for recording and tracking information abouttheir family member’s ongoing support and health needs. Although the focusfor each SCOR differs, they share the same fundamental goal of making iteasier to organize, track, and update information for special needs familymembers.
For example, families can use their SCOR to: Track changes in medicine or treatments List telephone numbers for health care providers and community
organizations Prepare for appointments File information about health history Share information with primary care doctors, school nurses, daycare staff, and other caregivers
Each SCOR is tailored to the unique needs of a special needs family member. For example, the SCOR forChildren includes sections for copies of a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan or IndividualizedEducation Program paperwork. The SCOR for Adults has sections for documenting daily routines, vacationpreferences, employment and vocational experiences, and more! Each tool was vetted by the ExceptionalFamily Member Program managers, medical and education professionals, and recognized disability expert,Dr. Ann Turnball.
Military families can order a hard copy of the SCOR for Children with Special Health Care Needs fromMilitary OneSource or by calling 1-800-342-9647. The hard copy of the SCOR for Children also comeswith a CD that has the SCOR and the DoD Special Needs Parent Toolkit files included. The SCOR forChildren comes in a professionally designed binder that has pockets for business cards, receipts, and otherimportant items
Both the SCOR for Children and Adults can also be downloaded from MilitaryHOMEFRONT. DoD has alsodeveloped records organizers for Eldercare and for Families, which are also available for downloading fromMilitaryHOMEFRONT.
The Department of Defense continues to revise and improve upon products for military families with specialneeds. Contact MilitaryHOMEFRONT to provide your feedback on the SCORs.
Source: MilitaryHOMEFRONT website
Partnerships In EducationHighlighting Partnerships for Military Children in Education
"MM2 James Elmstead of the USS Kentucky Gold Crew hasbeen a great supporter of our basketball program, running theclock at games and supporting the team. James also hashelped provide chaperones for the all-district dance. Thankyou James!"
A note from Michael Fox, Fairview Junior HighCounselor (Central Kitsap School District):
YOUR COMMAND CAN BE A PARTNER IN EDUCATION!
School partnerships can be beneficial for Navy commands and area schools. Sailors getan opportunity to connect with their community while earning community service hours.The benefits for schools are insurmountable. Students build positive relationships with ourservice members and feel additionally connected to their military community. Ultimately itraises awareness of the benefits ofworking with the military community andhelps to support our military children ineducation.
Opportunities for Commands to supporteducation for military children outside ofthe classroom are also available at yourlocal Child and Youth Programs. Ideas forinvolvement include:Providing tutoring support at afterschool
homework club.Serving as mentors for youth in school
age and teen programs.Offering subject matter expertise for
displays, demonstrations, etc. at campsand special events.
Find contact information for your localChild and Youth Programs at http://navylifepnw.com/site/135/CYP-Contacts.aspx and discover how you canget involved!
Command Support Opportunities in Schools
Provide Navy personnel to be guest speakers.Plan field trips to the ship/command to reward
students for academics and citizenship.Establish a pen pal project or video project
with students while command is deployed.Provide a military presence at assemblies,
running clubs or special events.Provide tutoring and extra help at homework
clubs.Assist with school self-help projects.Share an expertise or hobby with students.Be a lunch buddy.Participate as a judge for science fairs.Assist with school based STEM (Science, Tech,
Engineering, and Math) Initiatives.
Contact your local School Liaison Officer formore ideas on how to get involved with
schools!
Post Secondary CornerResources for high school students
Freedom Alliance Fallen Heroes Scholarship
Those who defend our freedom know all too well the costs and sacrifices associated with serving in theUnited States Armed Forces. Many service members leave behind families who must continue their liveswith a heavy heart. Other service members sustain wounds and injuries that prevent them from leading anormal life. To show gratitude on behalf of the American people, Freedom Alliance is proud to offer aid tothe children of these heroes in the form of college scholarships.
An eligible applicant must be the dependent son or daughter of a U.S. soldier, sailor, airman, Marine orGuardsman who has been killed or permanently disabled (100% VA disability rating) in an operationalmission or training accident, or who is currently classified as a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action(MIA). They must also be a high school senior or registered as a full time undergraduate student andunder the age of 26.
To learn more about the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund and/or to apply please visithttp://www.fascholarship.com/ or call 800-475-6620. The application deadline is July 31, 2010.
Spring Into Action:Pre-Summer Planning Tips For College-Bound Students
High SchoolFreshmen
High SchoolSophomores
High SchoolJuniors
High SchoolSeniors
For more information, visit http://www.collegeboard.com
Stay FocusedSign up for collegepreparatory courses.
Explore SummerOpportunitiesLook for a great
summer opportunity—job, internship, orvolunteer position.Check with your
counselor and searchonline for summerschool programs forhigh school students atcolleges.
Stay FocusedSign up for collegepreparatory courses.
Explore SummerOpportunitiesLook for a great
summer opportunity—job, internship, orvolunteer position.Check with your
counselor and searchonline for summerschool programs forhigh school students atcolleges.
Get Ready For the SAT
Explore CollegesStart visiting local
colleges: large, small,public, and private.Develop a list of 15-20colleges that interestyou.
Prepare for AP ExamsDo well on AP Exams
and receive credit orplacement at mostcolleges.
Plan Ahead for theSummer and SeniorYearReview your class
schedule.
When the Letters StartRolling InCompare your Aid
awards.Visit your final college
before accepting.
Making Your FinalChoiceSend a deposit to the
college you choose.Continue your pursuits
and developcontingency plans ifwait-listed.
Naval Base Kitsap/Naval Magazine Indian
Island
Heather Carrell, Ph.D.
90 Haven Rd.Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 813-3039
Naval Air StationWhidbey Island
Cheryl Rau, MA
260 W. Pioneer WayBldg.13
Oak Harbor, WA(360) 257-6863
Naval StationEverett
Jason Gooding, M.A.Ed.
13912 45th Ave. NESuite 111
Marysville, WA(425) 304-3688
Navy RegionNorthwest
Jennifer McKee, MSW
610 Dowell StBldg. 35
Keyport, WA 98345(360) 396-4780
Naval Air StationWhidbey Island
Cheryl Rau, MA
260 W. Pioneer WayBldg.13
Oak Harbor, WA(360) 257-6863
Contact Your School Liaison Officer
Operation: military kids
July 11-July 15, 2010When:
A camp for children ofwounded warriors fromall branches of themilitary
What:
Flying HorseshoeRanch
Where:
For more information and/orregistration, contact Darleen
Munson, [email protected],253-445-4557 or Carey Roos,[email protected], 253-445-4551,
WA-OMK Camps
Youth 10 years and upWho:
July 24-July 31, 2010When:
Teens ages 13-18Who:
Start at Puyallup goingeast to Leavenworth, onto Inchelium, Spokane,and Vancouver, WA.
Where:
Have fun with teens fromaround WA state whilelearning public speakingskills and digitalstorytelling. Activitiesinclude high/low ropes,rafting, and more.
What:
Visit: WA-OMK Campsfor more information