School Liasion Newletter

1. Navy Region Northwest School Liaison Officer Newsletter
CADEMIC NCHOR
Addressing educational issues that affect military children in
Navy Region Northwest
Issue 5, May 2010
Sailors, Students ‘green up’
In this issue:
Trident Lakes By MC3 Lawrence Davis, NPASE Det. NW
P2 Summer Tips for Fun Pacific Northwest Sailors teamed up with local elementary school students to “green up” Naval Base
and Learning Kitsap, Bangor’s Trident Lakes park, April 20.
P2 Web Resource of the Volunteers contributed approximately 75 man-hours to clear nearly an acre of old, dying trees and
Month invasive shrubbery and in their place planted 200 Grand Fir and 100 Western Red Cedar Trees.
P3 Students at the Navy Region Northwest Forester Walter Briggs explained to the Sailors and students how clearing sick
Center and intrusive vegetation promotes the health and growth of natural forest species and enhances wildlife
habitat.
P4 Deployment Stress
Students also toured the park, learned about storm water impact to the environment, how to identify
Signs and Symptoms
wetlands and watched contractors re-stock the lakes with 1,000 rainbow trout.
in Children
Cmdr. Jim Travers, Naval Base Kitsap executive officer, said the Navy
P5 Special Care takes environmental conservation seriously.
Organizational
Record “Naval Base Kitsap is committed to environmental stewardship, and as
responsible stewards it is important that we understand the environment
P6 Partnerships in and the impact we have on it. Events like this demonstrate our
Education continued commitment to our environment and our community,” said
Travers.
P7 Spring “To Do” for
Senior Chief Builder (SCW) Eric Davis, Naval Facilities Engineering
College-Bound
Command Northwest senior enlisted leader and event coordinator, said
students the event provided a fun way to raise Sailor, student and community
awareness on human impact to the environment.
P7 Freedom Alliance
Scholarship Elizabeth Joncas, a student at Clear Creek Elementary, said she enjoyed
planting the trees. Photo: Logistics Specialist 1st
P8 Operation Military Class (SW/AW) Brian Leavitt
“Trees present oxygen for us to breathe in, and if there weren’t enough
Kids helps a local elementary
trees we wouldn’t be able to breathe,” said Joncas.
student plant a tree at Naval
P9 Contact Us! Base Kitsap Bangor’s Trident
“I’d like to do this again sometime. It was actually really fun,” Joncas
Lakes Park, April 20.
added.
Visit us on the web!
www.navylifepnw.com/site/385/EducationServices.aspx

2. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MATTERS
TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN
Is it possible to incorporate both fun and learning 6. Allow your child to read some easier, lightweight
books and listen to books on tape. This will
into the summer break experience? Here are some encourage a love of reading for pleasure and
easy tips to help ensure your child’s mind stays improve fluency. Set aside time at night or on the
actively engaged during the hot summer months, all weekend for everyone in the family to read.
while having some fun!
7. Talk to your kids well in advance. Let them know
1. Talk with your child’s outgoing teacher about the that they will be able to have a fun summer and
summer. What does she recommend? If your that learning is a year-round activity. Solicit their
child needs additional assistance in writing, ideas on how to incorporate learning into the
reading, or math, seek advice on how to summer.
incorporate that without making summer feel like
academic boot camp. 8. Using a wall calendar, map out trips, camp
sessions, and other commitments. Check the
2. Talk to parents whose children are a year ahead websites of local museums and attractions and
of your child in school. What do they wish they mark any special exhibits you want to see.
had done last summer to prepare?
9. Make sure your calendar isn’t so jammed that
3. Check the school website for information about
your child has no down time. Learning to cope
next year’s curriculum. See whether there are
with free time and make good choices are
ways you can incorporate some of it into summer
important life skills. Give your child a balance of
plans.
outdoor and indoor activities as well as the
chance to play without the pressure of academics
4. Find out whether your school has a
or competition.
recommended summer reading list. Reserve the
books at the library or buy them so your child can
Make sure your children return from their summer
get started ASAP. Stay on pace so your child
vacation rested, reinvigorated, and ready to dive into
doesn’t have to cram four books into the weeks
the next school year. A proper balance of fun and
leading up to the start of school.
structure will make for a productive and enjoyable
5. If your child’s school does not have a reading list, summer for all.
reserve books that match your child’s interest and Source:
reading level. http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/
WEB RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
GUIDE TO ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
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

3. An Education Resource for
Families, the Military and Schools
http://www.militaryk12partners.dodea.edu/studentsAtTheCenter/index.html
You are part of a very important group of people— On this web site, you will find resources designed to
those who care about education and, specifically, aid everyone involved in providing quality education
those who care about education for the children of for military children.
military service members. Children of military
families face unique challenges that are unparalleled You will find information and resources to:
in the general student population.
Empower parents to be better advocates for their
If you are a family member or service member children and to more fully understand the rules
yourself, you know first-hand the sacrifices that are and policies local education agencies must
made in order to serve our Nation’s Armed Forces— adhere to while meeting the needs of all of their
frequent moves, time away from family because of students.
training and deployments and the uncertainty that
comes from serving in harm’s way. Inform Military leaders on how to best work with
local education agencies to meet the needs of our
If you are an educator with military families in your families and to take advantage of resources
community, you may be aware of the challenges available through DoD.
military families face as they deal with these issues:
transfer of records, eligibility for extra-curricular Assist Local Education Agencies around the
activities, differences in achievement standards and country who have within their populations, the
academic requirements and the stress and anxiety children of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines,
from having a parent away. Coast Guardsmen, National Guardsmen and
Reservists.
If you are a military leader, you have undoubtedly
faced situations where you need to provide To learn more about these resources brought to you
information for both parents and local education by DoDEA’s K-12 Educational Partnership Branch,
agencies and sometimes help find solutions to visit Students at the Center.
challenges that are unique to service members’
children.
For Military Families For Military Leaders For School Leaders

Supporting the Unique Needs of a 
Information and Support for Military 
Military Service Branches, Ranks
Military-Connected Child Families and Protocols

Military Supports for Students 
Installation-School Partnerships 
Military Families 101

Navigating the U.S. Education 
Stakeholder Groups and Local  Initiatives to Support Schools
DoD
System Action Teams
 Department of Education’s
U.S.

Choosing a School 
Involving Military Leadership and Impact Aid
Organizations

Ways to Support a Child’s 
Supporting Military Students-Best
Education 
Other Key Partners to Consider Practices

Effective Advocacy 101 
Ways to Enhance Communication 
Basic Military Terms and Acronyms
Online

Staying Connected to a Community

4. K-12 Deployment Support
Signs and Symptoms of Stress to Look for in Children During Deployment
By Jason Gooding, M.A.Ed, School Liaison Officer
In March’s issue of the Academic Anchor we Provide structure
introduced the seven stage emotional cycle of Maintain objectivity
deployment. This month we will highlight what Reinforce safety and security
behaviors to look out for in children during  patient and reduce student workload as needed
Be
deployment as possible signs of stress, and where to Listen
turn for help or guidance.  sensitive to language and cultural needs
Be
Throughout the stages of deployment children will have Acknowledge and validate feelings
various responses, negative and positive alike. These If you notice they are unable to reestablish a normal rou-
responses vary depending on the developmental age of tine or exhibit unresolved problems over a few weeks, it
the child. Listed below are possible physical and behav- would be wise to contact one of the following resources
ioral responses for preschool, elementary and adoles- available to you:
cent/high school aged children.
Family Doctor or Mental Health Provider
Pre-School Age:
Bedwetting, thumb sucking, clinging to parent, loss of Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers:
appetite, somatic complaints, sleep disturbance, regres-
sion in behavior, and fear of parents leaving. Naval Base Kitsap: (800) 562-3301
Naval Station Everett: (425) 304-3367
Elementary School Age: NAS Whidbey: (360) 257-6289
Irritability, school avoidance, poor concentration, aca-
demic regression, aggressiveness, nightmares, and Navy Chaplain
withdrawal from friend and
Military Family Life Consultants (MFLCs)
activities.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT:
Adolescent/High School Age:
www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
Agitation, increase in conflict, physical complaints or ail-
ments, delinquent behavior and/or drug use, higher risk Military One Source :
for promiscuity, poor concentration, eating and sleeping www.militaryonesource.com
disturbances, and withdrawal from friends and activities.
Local School Counselor
How can parents and help children successfully cope
Local School Liaison Officer
with the deployment of a loved one?
Naval Base Kitsap: (360) 813-3039
Model calm behavior
Naval Station Everett: (425) 304-3688
Avoid appearing anxious or frightened in front of the
NAS Whidbey: (360) 257-6863
child
Maintain a normal daily routine It is important to note that the vast majority of families
Provide structure and children are able to successfully navigate and cope
Listen and empathize with the emotional cycles of deployment.
 optimistic
Be
Express own emotions in a matter of fact way
Continue with child’s activities Sources:
Encourage child to talk to you http://www.hooah-4health.com/deployment/familymatters/
emotionalcycle.htm
Educator intervention strategies might include the
following: http://www.hooah-4health.com/deployment/familymatters/
Emotional_Cycle_Support.pdf
Focus on students and the classroom learning http://www.k12.wa.us/OperationMilitaryKids/pubdocs/
environment ToughTopics1Deployment.pdf

5. EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES
SUPPORT FOR K12 SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM NAVIGATION
The Department of Defense (DoD) has two very useful organizing tools for
military families with special needs: the Special Care Organizational Record
(SCOR) for Children with Special Health Care Needs and the SCOR for
Adults with Special Health Needs. The SCORS are tools for caregivers,
providing central repositories for recording and tracking information about
their family member’s ongoing support and health needs. Although the focus
for each SCOR differs, they share the same fundamental goal of making it
easier to organize, track, and update information for special needs family
members.
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 for
Children includes sections for copies of a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan or Individualized
Education Program paperwork. The SCOR for Adults has sections for documenting daily routines, vacation
preferences, employment and vocational experiences, and more! Each tool was vetted by the Exceptional
Family 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 from
Military OneSource or by calling 1-800-342-9647. The hard copy of the SCOR for Children also comes
with a CD that has the SCOR and the DoD Special Needs Parent Toolkit files included. The SCOR for
Children comes in a professionally designed binder that has pockets for business cards, receipts, and other
important items
Both the SCOR for Children and Adults can also be downloaded from MilitaryHOMEFRONT. DoD has also
developed records organizers for Eldercare and for Families, which are also available for downloading from
MilitaryHOMEFRONT.
The Department of Defense continues to revise and improve upon products for military families with special
needs. Contact MilitaryHOMEFRONT to provide your feedback on the SCORs.
Source: MilitaryHOMEFRONT website

6. Partnerships In Education
Highlighting Partnerships for Military Children in Education
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.
The benefits for 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
Command Support Opportunities in Schools
helps to support our military children in
education.
Provide Navy personnel to be guest speakers.
Opportunities for Commands to support Plan field trips to the ship/command to reward
education for military children outside of students for academics and citizenship.
the classroom are also available at your Establish a pen pal project or video project
local Child and Youth Programs. Ideas for with students while command is deployed.
Provide a military presence at assemblies,
involvement include:
running clubs or special events.
 Providing tutoring support at afterschool
Provide tutoring and extra help at homework
homework club. clubs.
 Serving as mentors for youth in school Assist with school self-help projects.
age and teen programs. Share an expertise or hobby with students.
 Offering subject matter expertise for Be a lunch buddy.
displays, demonstrations, etc. at camps Participate as a judge for science fairs.
and special events. Assist with school based STEM (Science, Tech,
Find contact information for your local Engineering, and Math) Initiatives.
Child and Youth Programs at http://
Contact your local School Liaison Officer for
navylifepnw.com/site/135/CYP- more ideas on how to get involved with
Contacts.aspx and discover how you can schools!
get involved!
A note from Michael Fox, Fairview Junior High
Counselor (Central Kitsap School District):
"MM2 James Elmstead of the USS Kentucky Gold Crew has
been a great supporter of our basketball program, running the
clock at games and supporting the team. James also has
helped provide chaperones for the all-district dance. Thank
you James!"

7. Post Secondary Corner
Resources for high school students
Spring Into Action:
Pre-Summer Planning Tips For College-Bound Students
High School High School High School High School
Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors
Stay Focused Stay Focused Get Ready For the SAT When the Letters Start
 up for college
Sign  up for college
Sign
Explore Colleges Rolling In
preparatory courses. preparatory courses.
 visiting local
Start 
Compare your Aid
colleges: large, small, awards.
Explore Summer Explore Summer
public, and private.  your final college
Visit
Opportunities Opportunities before accepting.
Develop a list of 15-20
 for a great
Look  for a great
Look
colleges that interest
summer opportunity— summer opportunity— Making Your Final
you.
job, internship, or job, internship, or Choice
volunteer position. volunteer position. Prepare for AP Exams 
Send a deposit to the

Check with your 
Check with your  well on AP Exams
Do college you choose.
counselor and search counselor and search and receive credit or 
Continue your pursuits
online for summer online for summer placement at most and develop
school programs for school programs for colleges. contingency plans if
high school students at high school students at Plan Ahead for the wait-listed.
colleges. colleges. Summer and Senior
Year

Review your class
schedule.
For more information, visit http://www.collegeboard.com
Freedom Alliance Fallen Heroes Scholarship
Those who defend our freedom know all too well the costs and sacrifices associated with serving in the
United States Armed Forces. Many service members leave behind families who must continue their lives
with a heavy heart. Other service members sustain wounds and injuries that prevent them from leading a
normal life. To show gratitude on behalf of the American people, Freedom Alliance is proud to offer aid to
the 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 or
Guardsman who has been killed or permanently disabled (100% VA disability rating) in an operational
mission 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 and
under the age of 26.
To learn more about the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund and/or to apply please visit
http://www.fascholarship.com/ or call 800-475-6620. The application deadline is July 31, 2010.

8. Operation: military kids
What: Have fun with teens from What: A camp for children of
around WA state while wounded warriors from
learning public speaking
all branches of the
skills and digital
storytelling. Activities military
include high/low ropes, When: July 11-July 15, 2010
rafting, and more.
Where: Flying Horseshoe
When: July 24-July 31, 2010
Ranch
Where: Start at Puyallup going Who: Youth 10 years and up
east to Leavenworth, on
to Inchelium, Spokane, For more information and/or
and Vancouver, WA. registration, contact Darleen
Who: Teens ages 13-18 Munson, edmunson@wsu.edu,
253-445-4557 or Carey Roos,
Visit: WA-OMK Camps roos@wsu.edu, 253-445-4551,
for more information WA-OMK Camps
Contact Your School Liaison Officer
Naval Base Kitsap/ Naval Air Station Naval Station Navy Region
Naval Magazine Indian Whidbey Island Everett Northwest
Island
Heather Carrell, Ph.D. Cheryl Rau, MA Jason Gooding, M.A.Ed. Jennifer McKee, MSW
260 W. Pioneer Way 13912 45th Ave. NE 610 Dowell St
90 Haven Rd. Bldg.13 Suite 111 Bldg. 35
Bremerton, WA 98312 Oak Harbor, WA Marysville, WA Keyport, WA 98345
(360) 813-3039 (360) 257-6863 (425) 304-3688 (360) 396-4780
heather.carrell@navy.mil cheryl.rau@navy.mil jason.gooding@navy.mil jennifer.mckee1@navy.mil