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FSPS Military Families are invited to a Cookout at Woods Elementary on April 20, 2023. Contact your school’s SML or complete the Google form to RSVP by Thursday, April 13, 2023. (Use “SML” tab to your left.)
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Transition is hard. Military children and their families face a new challenge every time they pack up and move to a new duty station. Changing schools and the disruption to the educational journey is often cited as the most difficult part of the military lifestyle. Through collaboration and relationship building, FSPS strives to make this transition less worrisome for military families as we implement the Purple Star Schools programming.
The Purple Star School program is designed to support the educational and social-emotional challenges that military-connected children (active duty and National Guard and Reserves) face during each transition. The goal is to keep each of these students on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready.
Dr. Michael Farrell, Supervisor of Student Services, is the District’s Military Liaison (DML) and is available to facilitate access to the important network of resources for military families. Each school campus has a school military liaison (SML). The district’s DML and SML have been trained to assist with needs unique to military students, from constant relocation, enrollment, eligibility, graduation requirements, to dealing with the grief that results when a parent is deployed and away from home.
Resolution
FSPS Resolution in Support of Military Families
Contacts
Soldier and Family Readiness, AR ARNG: Andelyn Wright
Fort Smith Public Schools, District Military Liaison: Dr. Michael Farrell, Executive Director of Student Services, 479-785-2501, Ext. 91254
Helpful Links
Webinar on April 11, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. ET, panelists share their expertise and guidance on how military families can ensure their children succeed in the classroom. To register: Webinar- Children's Success in Education
Airmen and Family Readiness, AR ANG
Arkansas Council for Military Children
Arkansas Council for Military Children, Council Membership
Arkansas Council for Military Children, e-Newsletter Sign-up
Arkansas National Guard (ARNG): Child and Youth Programs
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education: Military Families and Veterans
Federal Student Aid for Family Members of Military Personnel
Military Child Education Coalition - MCEC
Military Family Advisory Network
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
Military One Source MRW Digital Library
Military One Source: Parenting and Children
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Military and Veteran Families
National Military Family Association
