Anchor - May/June 2012

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

A May-June

2 0 1 2 In this issue: Current Events. . . . . . . . . . 1 Transition Support. . . . . . . 4 Post-Secondary Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Deployment Support . . . . . 7 Partnerships in Education. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Home School Linkeage . . . 9 Command, School, and Community Connections. . 9 EFMP Resources . . . . . . . 10 Navy School Liaison Contacts. . . . . . . Back Cover Addressing educational issues that affect military children in Navy Region Southwest.

Academic Anchor Connecting Navy Families, Commands and K-12 Schools

Current Events Fond Farewell to Lora Willett

Best of luck, Lora ~ you will always be a part of the Navy Region Southwest SLO team!

The Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Officer (SLO) team bids a bittersweet farewell to Lora Willett, the Naval Base San Diego SLO. During her nearly two years with the program, Lora created a community of connectedness between schools, military families, and her Command Leadership through her hard work and unfettered dedication to military children. We are sad to see her go, but are also very thankful for all she did for military families during her time in San Diego.

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” ~ Flavia Weedn

Military Career Day Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 engage in a tug-o-war with varsity football players at Oxnard High School during Military Career Day on Wednesday, March 28.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/ apr/04/navy-shows-its-stuff-at-military-careerday/?lighthouse=1#ixzz1rehHqB43 - vcstar.com

Military Kids Unite Visit SeaWorld (from Correia Middle School)

Dewey Elementary Family Science Night

by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO

by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO On March 25, students from the Military Kids Unite (MKU) group at Correia Middle School were treated to a complimentary field trip to SeaWorld. Thanks to the Carr family for this gracious gift and for providing delicious desserts! Everyone attended a park show together, then enjoyed an insider’s “behind the scenes” tour of the $2M water treatment facility. Students learned and observed how the computers regulate physical and chemical properties of all the water in the park. All who attended were amazed by this educational opportunity.

MKU offers students a chance to bond with one another and build camaraderie; ultimately, they build resiliency by learning how to connect with each other, with their school and community. This year, Correia MKU students expressed a desire to take field trips together, “to share fun experiences doing activities in the community,” so our collaborative team (NBPL SLO, counselor, and parents) worked to make their dreams a reality.

In March, local schools associated with the Operation Student Success Grant held Family Science Nights, for example Dewey and Kate Sessions Elementary Schools. The Rueben H. Fleet Science Center brought staff and supplies to aid in students’ learning of scientific concepts.

Volunteers, including school staff, SLOs, FFSC Reps, and parents, chipped in to teach at the various stations. At Dewey, we had a pproximately 75 very enthusiastic students who attended. Thanks to San Diego Unified School District staff (Bridget De La Garza) for organizing the very successful events.

Naval Base Coronado:

Silver Strand PTA Luau and Silent Auction: Friday, May 4, 5-8 pm Come out and join us at the 17th Annual PTA Luau and Silent Auction! There will be lots of food and games for everyone and wonderful items to bid on at the auction.

Food includes: Village Pizza, Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ, Moo Time, popcorn and cupcakes! The event takes place in Strand Hall at the Silver Strand Elementary School.

1 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012

School-Related Current Events

Naval Base Coronado and the School Liaison Program Launches “Commanding Officer for a Day”

South Bay Union School District’s “Military Parent Council” Meeting

Local Coronado schools nominate a student, or students, to spend half of a school day with Commanding Officer, CAPT Lindsey. The purpose of this event is to positively engage our school district, provide mentoring to our students, and allow our students to experience, first-hand, the unique lifestyle of the Navy.

Tuesday, June 5 from 10-11 am.

South Bay Union School District Office; 601 Elm Street, Imperial Beach.

For more information contact Kelly Donahue at kelly.donahue@navy.mil

On Thursday, May 24.

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Transition Support Summer is here and it’s the time of year many military families PCS. Use the checklist below to ensure all your school-related information makes the move with you!

From the Parent/Guardian: Student’s birth certificate Student’s social security number/card Student’s shot record Legal documents, as needed (power of attorney,

custody papers, etc.)

Proof of residency (2 utility bills with remittance attached) Military orders (including housing orders) School Information: Address, phone numbers, email, other contact information Course description book grading scale

(for 6th grade and above)

Copy of the cover of each textbook School profile/handbook School web page Other: _________________________________ _________________________________________ School Records: Copy of cumulative folder

(only the copied mailed between schools is considered official)

Current schedule Report cards Withdrawal grades or progress reports Test scores (standardized or special program testing, etc.)

Other: _________________________________ _________________________________________ Special Programs Records as Appropriate: Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Individual Accommodation Plan (504) Gifted and Talented Program description English as a Second Language (ESL) or Bilingual Education description At-Risk or other action plans for classroom modifications Other: _________________________________ _________________________________________

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Navy Region Southwest School Liaisons Help Coordinate

MCEC’s Junior Student-2-Student Training

by Chanin Massaglia NBSD SLO On February 15 & 16, 36 students and eight school personnel from the Lemon Grove and Santee school districts took part in a Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Junior Student-2-Student (JS2S) training.

The goal is to ease the challenge of transition on our military children, however the program is open to all children at each school site.

Welcoming incoming military children and their families to their new school is both a CNIC initiative and a goal of the School Liaison Program.

Coordinated collaboratively through the SLO program and new District Military Liaisons, now assigned to all 42 districts in San Diego County, this two-day training produced teams at six schools that will now develop a welcome program on their school sites.

May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 2

Deployment Support Tools for Educators of our

Military Children (from “Beyond the Journal”, January 2007)

Wondering how you can support military children in your school and classroom?

• Plan a school-wide American Spirit Day during which children show pride by wearing red, white, and blue.

• Initiate a school-wide service project collecting materials for troops, or have students write letters of support to deployed service members.

• Provide up-to-date information on military, community, and state-level support for military families and military child education.

Here are some suggestions that might help!

• Establish military parent support groups.

• Use one of your local community resources (Fleet & Family Support Programs/F.O.C.U.S/Mental Health Systems) to offer Deployment Support Groups for your military students.

• Send samples of artwork, class work, and classroom letters to deployed parents.

• Establish a Buddy System (Youth Sponsor Program) to ensure no transitioning student is left behind.

For more information on school-based support for military families contact your School Liaison Officers at 619-532-4251.

Military Spouse

Social Hour

Are you trying to meet other Military Spouse here in San Diego? Are you looking to find out information about the local area and resources available to you? Are you trying to find a place where you can get all of the above AND is kidfriendly? Attend a Military Spouse Social Hour!

We meet every Tuesday. Bring a sack lunch and join us at 11 am at various local area parks to meet other Military Spouses and find out about all of the great events going on in San Diego. We have fun activities each week for the kids while enjoying the fresh air and wonderful San Diego weather.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Locations are subject to change, so please call to confirm.

First Tuesday: Rohr Park 4548 Sweetwater Road Bonita, CA 91902

Second Tuesday: Big Rock Park 8125 Arlette Street Santee, CA 92071

Third Tuesday: La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas Street La Mesa, CA 91942

Fourth Tuesday: Glorietta Bay Park 1975 Strand Way Coronado, CA 92118

Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/FFSCPSanDiego for updates or call 619-556-7404.

3 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Command, School & Community Connections

Naval Base San Diego Commanding Officer, CAPT Winton Smith,

Visits School Transition Rooms

By Lora Willett

CAPT Smith witnessed the collaborative efforts within the community and the many ways local schools are succeeding at supporting military families.

On April 30, CAPT Winton Smith, Commanding Officer of Naval Base San Diego visited three of the transition rooms in the Serra Cluster schools. The three schools, Hancock Elementary, DePortola Middle, and Serra High School are part of San Diego Unified School District and each have a high percentage of military children given their location near military housing.

NBSD SLO

CAPT Smith, along with School Liaison Officer Lora Willett, met with school administration and parent volunteers, whose time and dedication are vital to the success of these transition rooms. Navy Region Southwest has 11 transition rooms in San Diego schools. Eight are DoDEA funded and located in the Serra Cluster and three are funded through CNIC and located outside the Serra Cluster.

Bluejackets Brass Band

By Lora Willett

NBSD SLO

CNRSW Bluejackets Brass Band entertained the students and staff of DePortola Middle School during lunch on March 28 followed by a “meet and greet” with the band students. Thank you CNRSW Bluejackets Brass Band for supporting Music in Our Schools month!

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 4

Home School Linkage

What options are available for

homeschooling in California?

Private School Affidavit (PSA): The Private School Affidavit may be filed online at the California Department of Education, http:// www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/affidavit.asp, website from October 1 to October 15 of every year. Schools created after the filing period should file at the time the school is established.

If you need to file your affidavit and cannot do so electronically (or choose not to), you can still file a Statement in Lieu, http://www. californiahomeschool.net/howTo/sil. htm. You bear responsibility to adhere to all private school laws and maintain records. California mandates that certain subjects such as reading, social studies, math and science be taught when you file the Private School Affidavit. Hiring a certified private home school tutor also falls under this option.

(Cal. Educ. Code §§ 33190, 48222, 48224.)

Public School Independent Study Program (ISP) or Charter School: If you register with a public school ISP or Charter School, your child is still enrolled in public school but instruction is delivered at home. You are considered a teacher’s aide and are assigned a credentialed teacher to oversee your program. You will need to keep the records required by the program you enroll in. The amount of freedom you have in choosing what to study depends on the 5 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012

program’s policies and your assigned teacher. Materials are available on loan. Support systems are offered to varying degrees, depending on the school. Parents are asked to sign a contract agreeing they will allow their child to be tested. Public programs will not offer religious materials and any religious instruction must be after the recorded school hours. See your School Liaison Officer for a list of home charter schools or information on independent study in your area.

(Cal. Educ. Code § 51745.)

Private School Satellite Program (PSP): A PSP is a private school which has filed an affidavit. If you enroll in a PSP it acts as an administrative umbrella for your family’s private school. The private PSP files the Private School Affidavit annually and keeps required records on file such as attendance records, health records, and an outlined course of study for each student. They may also keep track of cumulative files, grades, transcripts, and test results (if any). A small tuition fee is charged for administrative and paperwork services. When you sign up, you become a teacher in that school. Your name and address do not appear on the affidavit, but the PSP is required to keep a listing of each teacher and his/her qualifications. Some PSPs offer a newsletter and activities

such as park days and field trips for their members. Some PSPs offer curriculum packages; guidance and requirements vary with each school.

(Cal. Educ. Code § 48222.)

Correspondence and Virtual Schools: K-12 Online Schools can be public or private depending on the route you choose. The programs work much like Options 2 and 3, however the teacher is online and they keep all the school records. Amount of freedom and support varies on the program and if it is public or private. The California Virtual Academy (CAVA) is one of the largest public (tuition-free) virtual schools in California. http:// www.k12.com/cava/ NOTE: There are private, Out-of-State Independent Study Correspondence Programs and curriculum. Unless the school maintains an office in the state of California and files the Private School Affidavit (R4 Form), enrolling in their program WILL NOT satisfy the legal requirements for public school exemption. It is okay to enroll in an out-of-state ISP to get and use the curriculum, but it will not cover you legally unless the school complies with California law. If it has not filed an affidavit, then you must either enroll in a Private ISP established in California, or establish your own private school and file the R4 Affidavit yourself. (Cal. Educ. Code § 51745; Private: Cal Educ. Code § 48222.)

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Can I begin homeschooling mid-year?

Under California state law, parents are permitted to begin homeschooling mid-year. Parents should be cautioned however, that pulling your child out of the classroom to homeschool mid-year can be difficult and stressful.

Transitioning from public school to homeschooling involves several different aspects of planning to make the process as smooth as possible.

Is my child required to follow the California State Standards?

Private schools are not required to follow the state curriculum standards and parents who file an R4 Affidavit will have the most freedom in curriculum. All public schools including home charter schools are required to follow the state curriculum standards to the minimum. Parents have the option, of course, to teach above and beyond the state standards.

Can our family take a vacation when we want during the school year?

This will vary depending on what option you choose. Public Charter Schools and Online Schools follow school calendars and have timelines for state testing requirements. Some Independent Study Programs and Home Charter Schools allow flexibility and student work to be faxed or emailed while on vacation or visits and will work around your family’s needs. Private home school instruction has the most flexibility.

Does my child have to take the STAR tests?

STAR testing is administered by all California public schools, including home charter schools, however, Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

parents have the right to excuse their children from some or all of the STAR tests by providing written notice to school officials. Private schools do not have to administer the test, including home private schools.

(Cal. Educ Code 60615)

How many hours is my child required to attend to their studies?

Three hours, 175 days a calendar year is the minimum requirement for California, however, many public home charter schools require at least four hours of instruction. Religious instruction does not count toward the minimum hours.

(Cal. Educ Code 48224)

Can my child participate in my neighborhood school sports and activities?

Your child must be enrolled in an independent study program through their zoned school district to be eligible to participate in sports for that school. Many families enrolled in home charter schools join sports or participate in sports offered by other community programs. The Navy offers a wide variety of social and sports activities though Child and Youth Programs. Military families should contact their School Liaison Officer or Child and Youth Programs office to find out more about how to get their child involved.

How can I find other home school families?

There are many home school support groups in California, including military home school groups. A great website to find other homeschoolers is: http://localhs.com/

Will homeschooling my child affect their admission to college?

Generally no, but it depends on your homeschooling program and rigor of curriculum. Public Charter Schools and Online Correspondence Programs can offer the structure, transcripts and traditional test scores needed to assist students in admission to college. Private homeschooling in high school requires a more creative approach to college admission. In lieu of traditional high school transcripts, homeschoolers often provide, along with their SAT scores and letters of recommendation, narrative essays or portfolios as part of their admissions package. Some homeschoolers opt to take the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) or the General Education Degree (GED), or demonstrate their academic ability at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.

Are there scholarships available specifically for homeschoolers?

There are many organizations and colleges that offer scholarships and grants for home school students. Two great websites with resources: http://homeschoolscholarships.org/ homeschool-scholarships/ http://www.collegescholarships.org/ scholarships/homeschool.htm For information on filing the Home School Affidavit, visit the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/ affidavit.asp May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 6

Partnerships In Education NBSD PIE Volunteers Assist with Kate Sessions 5th Grade Exhibitions

by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO Each year during the month of March, Kate Sessions Elementary School hosts its 5th Grade Exhibitions, where parents and community are invited to observe, and evaluate, the small groups of student presentations.

Students spend about two months preparing for these important projects: researching their topics, consulting with mentors and community, and building the presentations. Volunteers from Naval Base San Diego (official Partners-in-Education), along with Navy School Liaison, Robin Williamson, were among those who were proud to participate.

Your Command Can Be a

Partner in Education!

School partnerships can be beneficial for Navy commands and area schools. Sailors get an opportunity to connect with their community while earning community service hours which can be used included in evals, and toward earning the VolunteerService Medal.

The benefits for the schools are insurmountable. Students build positive relationships with our service members and feel additionally connected to their military community.

Ultimately it raises awareness of the benefits of working with the military community and helps to support our military children in education.

Command Support Opportunities • Provide Navy personnel to be guest speakers at schools • 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 ship is deployed.

• Enhance the students’ knowledge of”world g es, running clubs, or special events when ship is in port.

• Provide tutoring and extra help at homework clubs • Assist with school self-help projects • Share an expertise or hobby with students • These are only a few ways to get involved!

Interested in partnering your Command with a local school?

Contact your School Liaison Officer for more information.

7 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Post-Secondary Preparation Preparing for College: A Checklist to use Every Year in High School Students

Parents

To Do: • Work with one of your parents to update your information in FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov, and continue to save for college.

To Do: • Continue to talk to your child about college plans as if he or she will definitely go to college.

• Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require 4 years of English, at least 3 years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), 3 years of mathematics, and 3 years of science, and many require 2 years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.

• Stay involved in school or community based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working or volunteering. Remember, it’s quality (not quantity) that counts.

• Talk to your school counselor and other mentors about education after high school.

Your counselor can answer questions about what classes to take in high school, how to sign up for standardized tests, and where to get money for college.

• Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades - stay involved.

• Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.

• Watch videos for parents on the “News Parents Can Use” page at www.ed.gov/parents.

• Add to your child’s college savings account regularly.

Explore www.studentaid.ed.gov/parent for information on academic preparation, homeschooling, financial literacy, saving, and borrowing for college.

To Explore: • Check out KnowHow2Go: The Four Steps to College, which suggests some actions you can take as you start thinking about education beyond high school. The online version of the brochure is at www.knowhow2go.org.

• Learn about managing your money in the “Financial Literacy” section of www.studentaid.ed.gov/preparing.

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 8

EFMP Resources Are you

Speaking Up for Kids?

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is May 6 - 12, 2012.

Speak Up for Kids 2012 is an awareness campaign for this week that is committed to: • Providing parents with information about the signs and symptoms of psychiatric and learning disorders in children, as well as the treatments that can change lives.

• Empowering educators with the information they need to help students and communicate with families.

• Building a community of knowledgeable child and adolescent mental health professionals who can share this information with parents and teachers.

• Mobilizing parents, educators, and professionals to advocate for children’s mental health.

Kessler et al, “Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.”

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 2 MECA, Shaffer et al, 1996 3 Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999 4 Child Mind Institute National Children’s Mental Health Report Card, 2011 5 Shaffer et al, 1996 6 Ibid 7 Centers for Disease Control 1

Some facts listed on their website include: • Half of all lifelong mental illness manifests before age 14.1 • As much as 21% of the youth population has a diagnosable psychiatric disorder.2 • 80% of children with psychiatric or learning disorders never receive treatment.3 • Parents are aware of mental health concerns- in the Child Mind Institute National Children’s Mental Health Report Card, 22% reported that they were worried about their children’s emotions or behavior. But 43% said they waited a year or more after these worries to see an expert. 22% waited two years.4 • Anxiety disorders occur in up to 13% of children and adolescents.5 • Depression and bipolar disorder occur in 6.2% of young people.6 • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder affects up to 10% of school-age children; untreated, ADHD has been tied to prison, school dropout, tens of billions of dollars in lost productivity, and anxiety and depression.7

EFMP Invites You! All adults who have an Exceptional Family Member (EFM) are invited to a monthly meeting facilitated by the EFM Liaisons from the Fleet & Family Support Center. It’s an opportunity to network with other military families who have a family member with special needs and to learn what resources have helped them improve their quality of life.

9 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012

M AY

DAY W ED N E S

2

JUNE

WEDNESDAY

6

For more information about mental health in children, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s webpage at

www.nimh.nih.gov For local support to identify community mental health resources, please contact Fleet and Family Support Center’s Exceptional Family Member Program Liaison Lead at 619-556-6899

Meetings are held from 6-8 pm at the San Diego Regional Center, 4355 Ruffin Road, San Diego 92123.

The next meetings will be held Wednesday, May 2, and Wednesday, June 6. Call 619-571-4781 for more information and childcare options.

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 10

Your Navy School Liaison Contacts Shannon Milder

Navy Region Southwest Regional School Liaison Officer shannon.milder@navy.mil 619-532-4251

Paula Emmert

Navy Region Southwest Deputy School Liaison Officer paula.emmert@navy.mil 858-349-7678

Lora Willett

Murphy Canyon/ Downtown Feeder Schools lora.willett@navy.mil 619-991-2509

Kelly Donahue

Coronado/South Bay/ Imperial Beach kelly.donahue@navy.mil 619-247-9109

Chanin Massaglia

East County/Santee/ Lemon Grove/El Centro chanin.massaglia@navy.mil 619-247-9082

Robin Williamson

Coastal Schools/Point Loma robin.williamson@navy.mil 858-431-6482

Monica James

Naval Base Ventura County monica.james@navy.mil 805-989-5211

Margaret Gladders NAS Lemoore

margaret.gladders@navy.mil 559-998-2242

Melissa Burns NAS Fallon

melissa.l.burns@navy.mil 775-426-3738

Tina Wekell

NPS/Monterey ecwekell@nps.edu 831-656-1008

Academic Anchor May-June 2012

If you haven’t found us yet, please look for us on our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/sandiegoschoolliaison