ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
For servicemembers and their families, getting adjusted to a new base can be exhausting enough. Between moving into a new home, getting in processed correctly and getting situated into a new work environment, their plates can be quite full.
Since it is summertime, an additional weight on the minds of many servicemembers who are parents is the education of their children. Luckily, there is an office here on base which helps alleviate the stress for those servicemembers looking for answers to the many questions they have on how to best get their children into a good school.
The School Liaison Office helps to interpret local policy regarding education for military children, functions as the primary medium between school districts and the Andrews community, acts as the intermediary between parents and schools, and helps educate local school officials on base programs, policies, and military lifestyle, according to an Airman & Family Readiness Center publication.
"Specifically, the SLO offers a "Handbook for Parents of School-Age Children" which contains invaluable information for parents on issues ranging from school locations, bus locations, immunizations, charter schools, special education and home schooling," said Ms. Patricia Botkins, the director of the A&FRC.
"One of the most helpful resources the SLO has for parents is a report card of local schools through a service titled 'Military HOMEFRONT'. It's helpful to those parents new to the area and not quite sure what schools will fit their child's needs best," said Ms. Botkins.
Through the SLO, parents will also gain access to many other services and websites designed to educate them on the strengths and capabilities of each school thereby making their children's transition to a new school as easy as possible.
"In my opinion, as a parent, it's important to get involved in your child's education. Know what they're learning. Know the teachers and the school and you'll feel much more comfortable sending your child there, said Ms. Botkins.
For more information about the School Liaison Office and all the guidance they provide, call (301) 981-7087.