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NEWS | Oct. 31, 2017

Commanders’ spouses learn about JBA military children educational options

By 11th Wing Public Affairs 11th Wing Public Affairs

As part of Maj. Gen. James A. Jacobson’s tour of Joint Base Andrews and its partners, his wife, Nancy Jacobson, along with Melonie Teichert, spouse of 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews Commander Col. E. John Teichert, visited JBA feeder school Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro and Imagine Andrews Public Charter School here earlier this month.

The visits were a chance to show them the educational opportunities the schools provide for military children stationed at JBA.

"I came away thoroughly impressed," Teichert said. "Both Imagine Andrews and Wise High School offer a variety of opportunities for the families in our community. There are a wide range of academic, athletic, and arts programs available as well as a very active AFJROTC program."

At Wise, more than 70 JBA military children enjoy four academic academies that help students prepare for employment and advancement in business and finance, health and biosciences, information technology, and arts integration.

Adrienne Barnett, 11th Force Support Squadron exceptional family member program family support specialist and interim school liaison, accompanied Jacobson and Teichert on their visit.

“I was really impressed with the schools focus on student’s future plans,” she said. “The tour showed what Wise has to offer for student’s success.”

Wise Principal Byonka Gregory said the four academies allow students to receive college credits, or national and state recognized certifications. For students who don’t go to college right after high school, internship and certificate programs are available to help them obtain a job.

“The principal really knows her students,” Jacobson said. “Everyone takes their own path and I like that the principal wants all her students to have a plan after high school, whether it’s the military, college or the workforce.”

At Imagine Andrews, the kindergarten through eighth grade school curtails its focus to military kids. The school has a Military Child Initiative that raises awareness about problems military children face such as depression, acting out, and poor academic performance due to deployed parents or frequent moves.

The school teaches its administrators and support staff about strategies to help students meet life’s challenges with resilience.

Both Jacobson and Teichert said they came away from the tour knowing that the military children of JBA are being placed in the best possible learning environments to succeed and grow.

"The military children of JBA are in great hands," Teichert added. "The school liaison officer is an excellent resource to educate our families about the variety of quality education options available."

For more information on Imagine Andrews and Wise high school, contact Adrienne Barnett at 301-981-7088.
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