ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
When entering Dr. John Bennett's , one might think they have walked into an office supply store. However, this is no Staples; it is the base school liaison officer's workplace office.
Surrounded by high stacks of new spiral-bound notebooks, scissors, glue sticks, crayons, folders, markers, colored pencils and other school necessities, Dr. Bennett, 316th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center school liaison officer, has the unique opportunity to give Team Andrews kids the tools they need to start the school year right.
"More than $3,000 in school supplies was donated specifically for Team Andrews military families by Operation Care for Troops of D.C. Area," Dr. Bennett explained. "Operation Care is a not-for-profit organization that was started by a past executive officer after losing a loved one in Iraq."
A local group of volunteers obtained school supplies for military families.
In the first two days of Operation Care, dozens of Team Andrews families were helped.
All branches of the military are eligible to pick up supplies; however, first priority goes to those members in pay grades of E-5 and below.
"I think this program helped us out greatly because all the local stores have sold out so quickly of their supplies, and the shelves were empty. Plus, knowing that you have someone out in the community thinking of you and supporting you and your military family is tremendous. I'm really grateful for it," said Maery Beth Turner, wife Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Turner, Naval Air Facility of Washington stations weapons aviation structural mechanic and mom and teacher to Laecy, 6, and Lillian, 2.
Operation Care is not the only program that Dr. Bennett runs. As school liaison officer, he also serves more than 2,500 school-aged Team Andrews children, from pre-kindergarten through high school.
"My role as the school liaison officer is to be the commander's eyes and ears in regards to the kindergarten to 12th grade school-related matters," Dr. Bennett said. "It does not matter where the Team Andrews family lives, if the parents have a concern with their children's education, I can - and will - assist."
The school liaison officer has a wide range of services that he provides. He has served as an advocate at an Individualized Education Program, IEP, meeting for a Team Andrews child with special needs. He was also the guest speaker at a recent Fort Meade, Md., seminar where he discussed the transition of schoolchildren from one installation to another. Additionally, when a Team Andrews parent has issues at a school that cannot be resolved, Dr. Bennett steps in as the parents' advocate. He also offers advice to parents on how to prepare their children for the upcoming school year.
"After a long summer break [...] parents need to help their children get ready for school by setting some daily habits. First, establish and stick to a set bedtime and time to rise in the mornings. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day for a child. Research has shown that a rested child with a good breakfast improves academic performance," Dr. Bennett said.
Dr. Bennett also encourage parent involvement in the child's education.
"School activities should be year-round, not just between August and June. Challenge your children to do better in all subjects, without chastising. Praise the child when he or she does well on a test or homework assignment. Even though children may not say it, they really do want your approval, support and appreciation every day," he said.
He encourages parents to ask children what they learned at the end of each school day; asking this question helps continue the child's learning.
"It's so important in the reinforcement of the lessons," Dr. Bennett said. "If the student keeps saying 'nothing,' a visit with the teacher may be called for."
While the multitude of responsibilities may seem overwhelming to some, Dr. Bennett's believes that he has a worthwhile job.
"Just knowing that I am helping a child's education in some small way makes the job very special," he said. "Just seeing the children's faces as they got off the buses at the Joint Service Open House last May and hearing the kids say, 'I want to be a Thunderbirds' pilot or a Golden Knight' - the excitement in the air was very gratifying."