I think if a school district applies and receives Impact Aid, they should a have an understanding of who we are and how to support us, if needed. Every school is different, so a “one size fits all” approach is not the answer. I believe all school districts that receive funding should incorporate what works best for them, but should include one or more of the following:
- A page designated on the school website designated to relocating families with vital information about registration, curriculum, contacts, and resources.
- A buddy group, student sponsor, or friendship group for new students at each school in their district.
- When transferring in the school, offer special assistance in understanding new curriculum and transferring credits.
- Every teacher, principal, and administrative staff should be familiar with Military Children’s Interstate Compact Commission.
- Deployment support groups for parents and students.
- Encourage PTO and PTA’s to have a military family liaison position as part of their board to assist with new military families to become connected.
- Professional development and/or in-service training for every teacher, principal administrative staff on the unique stressors for a military child.
- Celebrate Purple Up (Month of the Military Child) in April.
These are simple requests, but potentially game changers for military families. Asking schools districts to make a few simple tweaks on a website or offering easy to maintain and low cost support for military families can make all the difference to them.
I call on schools districts across the country to invest a little extra in military-connected children – especially if you are receiving funding for them.
I know my military children are worth more to you. You’re budget proves it.
Now show me.
To find out more about Federal Impact Aid, you read this great summary from National Military Family Association. https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/student-assistance/impact-aid.pdf
If you want to dig deeper to find out if your child’s school receives Impact Aid and if so, how much, contact me at Families On Home Front www.FamiliesOnTheHomeFront.com – a parenting and advocate network working to keep continuity in education for military families and our civilian friends. We’ll help you find the right contact within your school and assist you in filing a Freedom of Information Act forms if needed.
Go find that needle in the haystack and ask your school if they could do more for military-connected children before you fill out their survey in the fall.
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