Armed Forces Crossroads | Education

NEWS FLASH: Officials provide advice on post-deployment intimacy issues

Education

K-12 Information | Educational Checklists for Relocating

Notify the school when you will be leaving
Ask for copy of transcript
Sign a request to have official copy of transcripts sent to new school
Ask for copy of IEPs for students with special needs
Find out the latest date your child can check out of school & receive full credit
Ask if child can work on independent studies to complete a credit
Ask if child can complete credits after he/she has left school district
Ask if school district can provide classwork to allow students to finish a class at his/her new school & earn credit at the previous school
Request work that your child can do to keep current during a transfer

Provide a copy of student's records for families to hand carry
Provide parents with tips on how to assist children transitioning from one school to another
Fax records & accepted fax requests for records that include student's or parent/guardian's signature
Provide classwork to allow students to finish a class at their new school & earn credit from their previous school
Provide students the opportunity to complete credits after they have left the school
Allow independent study to complete a credit requirement
Upon completion of graduation requirements, allow students to return & graduate with at previous school

District Level

Web site that includes:
- Information on schools
- On-line registration for students
- Welcome video
- Job openings & on-line applications
Welcome packet
Participate in base "Right Start" program for all new families

Building Level

Welcome packet that includes:
- Letter from principal
- School handbook
- School newsletter
- School newspaper
- Activity opportunities
- Description of athletic & extracurricular programs
- One-day complimentary lunch pass
- Complimentary family pass to an activity
Enroll & allow student to start school immediately
Accept military identification cards as birth certificates
Provide 60-day extension on immunization records for military families
Provide tour of building
Match new student with someone they knew from previous school or assign a student mentor
Set up a group of students with e-mail addresses to serve as pen pals
Counselors hold orientation groups with new students
Survey new student after first month of school to see:
- how he/she is doing
- what was helpful in transition
- what additional things need to be done
Provide parents with tips on how to assist children transitioning from one school to another

Before arriving at your new assignment:

Contact new school district
Check the Internet to see if the school district has a web site
Ask for general information about the school district
Ask for information about what school your child will be attending
Ask for a copy of the school calendar
Check to see if you can register your child prior to arriving at your new assignment
- Register on-line through the school district web site
- Register with forms the school district sends you
Ask the school district what they do if you arrive at your new assignment & do not have a permanent address
- Will the school district register your child & place him/her in a school immediately
- Once you have a permanent address, will you have to move your child or can your child stay at the same school for the entire assignment
What can you take care of prior to arriving at your new school
- Physical examinations
- Immunizations

Specific questions about the school program:

What is the relationship between the school district & military installation
Is your School Board & leadership team dedicated to quality education
What is your parent participation in the educational process
Do you have clearly defined & measured learning standards
What are elements of a quality instructional program
What is your accreditation level - state or regional - and is this for all your schools
Do you have a comprehensive set of educational options for students with disabilities & special needs
What are your district test scores
What is your average class size
Do you have differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners - regardless of their learning style
How do you develop productive, good citizens
How do you use technology
- Do you use it to drill students or to enhance instruction
Do you offer a ability learner program
Do you offer a special educational program
Do you have remedial programs for students who do not qualify for special education
Do you have counselors available for all grade levels
Do you offer a summer school program
How safe are your schools
What do you facilities look like
- Are they handicap accessible
- Are they clean & up-to-date
Is transportation available

Elementary:

What is the entrance age for children in kindergarten
Do you have full-day kindergarten
Do you offer a developmentally-appropriate early childhood program (i.e. hands-on approach to learning)

Secondary:

Is the school on block or traditional scheduling
What is the grading scale (4 point or 5 point)
What are the graduation requirements
- Is there a state-mandated test for students
- Is there a state-mandated class, such as state history
Do you offer:
- JROTC
- Advanced placement classes
- Vocational education, college prep programs
What is the policy on new student becoming valedictorian/salutatorian
How does a child participate in programs that have early tryouts
- Cheerleading, choral groups, sports teams, etc.
- Does the school hold several positions so that students can try out late
- Does the school accept videotaped auditions
Ask about specific programs of interest for your child
Do you provide any test preparation program for ACT/SAT

Hand carry the following information for each child:

Courtesy of the Military Impacted Schools Association

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