1. SLO News
August 2013
This School Liaison Office (SLO) Newsletter is provided for your use and information! You will find a brief descriptor of
each item of interest and in most cases (where possible) there will be an imbedded hyperlink which will take you to
additional detailed information on the issue. As always, do not hesitate to contact the Columbus School Liaison Officer
on any K-12 Education issue. PLEASE share this document with other families!
School Liaison Office Office Phone: 662.434.2792 facebook: Search on “Columbus AFB
14 MSG/CCL Office FAX: 662.434.3461 School Liaison Office”
Building 730, Suite 215 Cell: 662.352.6456 Twitter: Search on CAFBSLO
Columbus, MS 39710 eMail: slo2@us.af.mil Slideshare: www.slideshare.net/slocafb
Website: www.griffisweb.net
School Liaison Officer: The Columbus Air Force Base School Liaison Officer [SLO] works with local school districts,
schools, parents and students on issues related to elementary and secondary education for the children of ALL
personnel [Civilian, Military, and Contractor] assigned to the installation. As parents of military connected children are
aware, there are many unique issues our children face as they transition to new schools. The role of the School Liaison
Officer is to assist families and schools in K-12 related issues, as they may arise. For assistance, please contact the School
Liaison Officer at 434-2792 or via eMail at slo2@us.af.mil.
School Choice: A newly signed Mississippi state law allows parents of K-12 students residing on military installations
throughout the state of Mississippi, the option of sending their students to other area schools, within certain
parameters. Here at Columbus Air Force Base this means folks who reside on base may elect to send their students to
the Lowndes County School District (Caledonia) school OR schools within the Columbus Municipal School District. This
law replaces the local agreement that has been in effect since 2008 allowing for school choice for CAFB students. Please
note this option is ONLY available to personnel who reside on the installation; personnel who reside off the installation,
must still attend schools in which district they reside. Questions, please contact the School Liaison Officer at 434-2792
or via email at slo2@us.af.mil. For details on the Mississippi state law go to: Choice
Federal Financial Aid – College: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward
getting federal aid for college, career school, or graduate school. Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in
grants, loans, and work-study funds each year, but in order to receive that money, college-bound students must start by
filling out the FAFSA. For more info, go to: FAFSA
State Financial Aid – College: This program is designed to provide financial aid assistance to Mississippi residents
attending state approved public and nonprofit two-year and four-year eligible colleges and universities. The primary
objective of the MTAG is to provide educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue post secondary
education in the state. Rise

2. ACT/SAT Test Dates: Plan ahead… The next scheduled ACT test is slated for 21 September 2013, with registration
required NLT 23 August 2013. Check out all the dates and register for the ACT and/or SAT at: ACT SAT
Home School Registration: The School Liaison Office would like to remind parents of the State of Mississippi law
governing school attendance, as it pertains to families who Home School. Parents who are teaching their children at
home (home school) are required to complete a certificate of enrollment card each school year. Please contact the
School Liaison Officer at 434-2792 or via email at: slo2@us.af.mil for any questions or to make an appointment to
complete your registration. For info on the Mississippi law regarding home school registration, go to: Compulsory
School Calendar: The Academic Calendar for the Lowndes County School District (LCSD) and the Columbus Municipal
School District (CMSD) are available here: LCSD CMSD
Transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Education Benefits to Dependents: Check out this valuable benefit at the vMPF
or access the Veterans Administration at: Transfer.
Driver’s Test App Now Available for Smart Devices: Through a partnership with Mississippi Interactive, LLC, the
Mississippi Department of Public Safety has made available a Driver’s Practice Test Application. The interactive
application consists of 25 randomly generated test questions that provide an alternative way for folks to study for the
Mississippi Driver’s License Exam. Check it out at: Drivers
Student Handbooks: Student handbooks for the Lowndes County School District (LCSD) and the Columbus Municipal
School District (CMSD) are available here: LCSD CMSD
School Bus Schedule: Please inform the School Liaison Office immediately of any recurring issues reading school buses.
The on-base school bus schedule for LCSD buses may be found at: LCSDBUS
School /District Report Cards: As required under the No Child Left Behind legislation, each school/district is required to
release an annual report card on their status. Check out the latest report card on your student’s school at: MS.
Children of Military Service Members Resource Guide: Check out this guide developed by the Defense Centers for
Excellence – lots of valuable information for those children impacted by deployment, etc. Go to: Guide
DoDEA Online Preregistration: Defense Department officials have launched an online preregistration application that’s
intended to help parents get an early start on enrolling their children in DoD schools. Through the site, parents can
preregister their children in a DoD school from anywhere in the world, and even while on the move from one installation
to another. The site can be accessed at: DoDEA.
High School Senior Assignment Deferment (HSSAD) Program: The HSSAD is intended to decrease turbulence and
increase stability for military families with dependent children entering their senior year of high school. Only enlisted
(SMSgt and below) and officers (Lt Col and below) personnel stationed in the Continental United States (CONUS) may
submit their request for a HSSAD using the online application available on the virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF).
For additional info, contact the SLO.
Strengthening our Military Families: Check out the various reports/background and initiatives at: SLO
International Baccalaureate: The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers high quality programs of international
education to a worldwide community of schools. Columbus High School is one of four high schools in the state to offer
this rigorous program. In addition, Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet school is now an IB school, and
initiatives are underway at the Columbus Middle School to sanction them as an IB school, as well. Check out the IB
program at: IB

3. Military Connected Students & Public School Attendance Policies: An in-depth report of attendance policies
throughout the nation at: MCEC
Free on-line tutoring for military families is available at: Tutor. Contact the Base Library for your password!
2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey: Surveys are one way to provide insight into the challenges and the strengths of
our nation’s military families. Now in its fourth iteration, the Blue Star Families’ Military Family Lifestyle Survey
highlights the experiences of our military community after more than a decade of war. Check it out at: Blue
You Made the Grade: The Base Exchange offers a valuable learning experience for students making the grade. The
current “You Made the Grade” booklet includes coupons for a free regular 6-inch combo meal from Subway and $2 off
any new release DVD. To receive the AAFES “You Made the Grade” booklet, students must present a valid military ID
card and proof of an overall “B” or better average to their local BX/PX. Military Families can contact the local AAFES
Store Manager for more information.
Military Community & Family Policy Weekly eNewsletter: Check out the latest Quality of Life news and information
from the Department of Defense and dates at : MC&FP
Common Core State Standards: Check out info on the soon to be adopted Common Core Curriculum at: CCS MDECCS
Primary Local District Websites: Check out the applicable District website for a myriad of information for your student;
from school calendars, student handbooks, etc. Lowndes County School District or Columbus Municipal School District.
Employment Opportunities: Interested in Education related career opportunities? Check out: CMSD LCSD MDE

4. For twenty three million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus; and here
at Columbus Air Force Base, we have fewer than 200 students on any given day riding our school buses. As the
beginning of the school year approaches, please take the time to familiarize your student with the Rules of Conduct
for bus riders
The Student Handbook from each of our school districts contains specific guidance and a code of conduct students
are to follow. Bus transportation is a privilege extended only to students who display good conduct while preparing
to ride, riding or leaving the bus. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the
driver shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation. Improper conduct of family members which
occurs off the school bus will be addressed by installation officials.
Additionally, parents should exercise proper judgment when they observe or it is reported to them by their students,
whenever improper behavior has occurred on the bus or at the bus stops. Parents should: contact the parents of
the child (ren) involved, school authorities and/or the Columbus School Liaison Officer. Parents should not address
grievances directly to the other children involved, unless there is an immediate, life-threatening situation.
An overview of the proper Rules of Conduct is provided below. Take a moment to review it and convey the
contents to your children.
Any questions, please contact the School Liaison Officer, at 434-2792 or via email at: slo@columbus.af.mil
RULES OF CONDUCT
 Be orderly, quiet and considerate of people and their property in the vicinity of bus stops.
 Be ready when the bus arrives.
 Bus drivers have the authority to assign seats, give directions, and implement rules for the safe and orderly
conduct of students and will report any violations.
 Acceptable public behavior will be expected of all bus riders.
 Pass in front rather than behind the bus when crossing the street to or from a bus.
 Do not enter or leave the bus when it is in motion.
 Heads or arms must not be extended from bus windows.
 Avoid eating/drinking on the bus and help keep the bus neat.
 Shouting, fighting, offensive language, or smoking will result in loss of bus privileges.
 Remain seated until the bus stops at your destination.
 Students are required to have parental permission in writing of any changes in
regular transportation arrangements.
 Video technology is installed on all buses to assist with the security and safety of all.
 Students who violate the regulations can have their bus privileges revoked.
 Unauthorized persons are not permitted on the buses -- this includes parents.
 Parents should develop a plan in the event your student misses the bus or the bus fails to show, especially
in the case where parent(s) depart the home before the bus arrives.
 Parents who choose to wait with their children (in their vehicles) MUST park opposite of the school bus stop,
in order to allow for a direct, unimpeded route to the stop.

5. LINKS contained within this SLO Newsletter are provided here:
FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
State Financial Assistance for College: http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/search-results.php?article_id=230
ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html
SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home
Choice: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2013/pdf/history/HB/HB0879.xml
Compulsory: http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/37/013/0091.htm
LCSD Calendar: http://www.lowndes.k12.ms.us/images/uploads/docs/BusinessOffice/FINAL_Academic_Calendar_2013-
2013_7-19-2013.pdf
CMSD Calendar: http://www.columbuscityschools.org/documents/13_14_Academic_Calendar.pdf
Transfer: http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/transfer_of_benefits.html
Drivers: http://www.dps.state.ms.us/drivers-test-app-now-available-for-smart-devices/
LCSD Handbook: http://www.lowndes.k12.ms.us/images/test/final%20-%20student%20handbook%2013-14%207-23-
2013.pdf
CMSD Handbook: http://www.columbuscityschools.org/2013_Documents/Student_Handbook_13-14.pdf
LCSD Bus Schedule: http://www.slideshare.net/slocafb/lcsd-bus-stops-2013-14
School Report Cards: http://orsap.mde.k12.ms.us/MAARS/index.jsp
Guide:http://www.dcoe.health.mil/Content/Navigation/Documents/DCoE%20Children%20of%20Military%20Service%2
0Members%20Resource%20Guide.pdf
DoDEA Registration: https://registration.dodea.edu/privacy-act.cfm
Military Family Support: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0212_familysupport/
2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey: http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2013
International Baccalaureate: http://www.ibo.org/
MCEC: http://www.militarychild.org/public/upload/files/SchoolAttendancePoliciesFINAL.pdf
Tutor: http://www.tutor.com/military
Military Community and Family Policy: http://apps.militaryonesource.mil/mcfp-
web/mosredirect.jsp?dir=apps&file=/mcfp/weekly&qs=
Lowndes County School District: http://www.lowndes.k12.ms.us/
Columbus Municipal School District: http://www.columbuscityschools.org/