1. Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter
A May-June
Academic
Anchor
Connecting Navy Families, Commands and K-12 Schools
2 0 1 2
In this issue:
Current Events. . . . . . . . . . 1
Transition Support. . . . . . . 4
Post-Secondary
Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Deployment Support . . . . . 7
Partnerships
in Education . . . . . . . . . . 8
. .
Home School Linkeage . . . 9
Command, School, and
Community Connections. . 9
EFMP Resources . . . . . . . 10
Navy School Liaison
Contacts . . . . . Back Cover
. .
Addressing educational issues
that affect military children in
Navy Region Southwest.

2. Current Events
Fond Farewell to Lora Willett
The Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Officer
(SLO) team bids a bittersweet farewell to Lora Willett,
the Naval Base San Diego SLO. During her nearly two
years with the program, Lora created a community of
connectedness between schools, military families, and Military Career Day
her Command Leadership through her hard work and
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction
unfettered dedication to military children. We are sad to
Battalion 4 engage in a tug-o-war with varsity
see her go, but are also very thankful for all she did for
Best of luck, Lora ~ football players at Oxnard High School during
military families during her time in San Diego.
Military Career Day on Wednesday, March 28.
you will always be a
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a
part of the Navy Region Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/
while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the apr/04/navy-shows-its-stuff-at-military-career-
Southwest SLO team! same.” ~ Flavia Weedn day/?lighthouse=1#ixzz1rehHqB43 - vcstar.com
Military Kids Unite Visit SeaWorld
(from Correia Middle School)
Dewey Elementary
Family Science Night
by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO
In March, local schools associated with the
Operation Student Success Grant held Family
by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO
Science Nights, for example Dewey and Kate
On March 25, students from the Military Kids Unite (MKU) group at Correia Middle School were Sessions Elementary Schools. The Rueben H.
treated to a complimentary field trip to SeaWorld. Thanks to the Carr family for this gracious Fleet Science Center brought staff and sup-
gift and for providing delicious desserts! Everyone attended a park show together, then plies to aid in students’ learning of scientific
enjoyed an insider’s “behind the scenes” tour of the $2M water treatment facility. Students concepts.
learned and observed how the computers regulate physical and chemical properties of all
Volunteers, including school staff, SLOs,
the water in the park. All who attended were amazed by this educational opportunity.
FFSC Reps, and parents, chipped in to teach
MKU offers students a chance to bond with one another and build camaraderie; ultimately, at the various stations. At Dewey, we had a
they build resiliency by learning how to connect with each other, with their school and pproximately 75 very enthusiastic students
community. This year, Correia MKU students expressed a desire to take field trips together, who attended. Thanks to San Diego Unified
“to share fun experiences doing activities in the community,” so our collaborative team School District staff (Bridget De La Garza) for
(NBPL SLO, counselor, and parents) worked to make their dreams a reality. organizing the very successful events.
Naval Base Coronado:
Silver Strand PTA Luau
and Silent Auction:
School-Related Naval Base Coronado and the
School Liaison Program Launches
Friday, May 4, 5-8 pm Current Events “Commanding Officer for a Day”
Come out and join us at the 17th Annual On Thursday, May 24.
PTA Luau and Silent Auction! There will be South Bay Union School District’s Local Coronado schools nominate a student,
lots of food and games for everyone and “Military Parent Council” Meeting or students, to spend half of a school day
wonderful items to bid on at the auction. Tuesday, June 5 from 10-11 am. with Commanding Officer, CAPT Lindsey. The
Food includes: Village Pizza, Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ, purpose of this event is to positively engage
Moo Time, popcorn and cupcakes! The event South Bay Union School District Office; 601 our school district, provide mentoring to
takes place in Strand Hall at the Silver Strand Elm Street, Imperial Beach. our students, and allow our students to
Elementary School. For more information contact Kelly Donahue experience, first-hand, the unique lifestyle of
at kelly.donahue@navy.mil the Navy.
1 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012 Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

3. Transition Support
Summer is here and it’s the
time of year many military
families PCS. Use the checklist
below to ensure all your
school-related information
makes the move with you!
From the Parent/Guardian:
Student’s birth certificate
Student’s social security number/card
Student’s shot record
Legal documents, as needed (power of attorney,
custody papers, etc.)
Proof of residency (2 utility bills with remittance attached)
Military orders (including housing orders)
School Information:
Address, phone numbers, email, Navy Region Southwest
other contact information School Liaisons Help Coordinate
Course description book grading scale
(for 6th grade and above) MCEC’s Junior
Copy of the cover of each textbook
School profile/handbook
Student-2-Student
School web page Training
Other: _________________________________
_________________________________________ by Chanin Massaglia NBSD SLO
On February 15 & 16, 36 students and eight
School Records: school personnel from the Lemon Grove and
Copy of cumulative folder Santee school districts took part in a Military Child
(only the copied mailed between schools is considered official)
Education Coalition (MCEC)
Current schedule Junior Student-2-Student (JS2S)
Report cards training.
The goal is to ease
Withdrawal grades or progress reports
the challenge of Welcoming incoming military
Test scores (standardized or special program testing, etc.) children and their families to
Other: _________________________________ transition on our
their new school is both a CNIC
_________________________________________ military children, initiative and a goal of the School
however the program Liaison Program.
Special Programs Records
as Appropriate:
is open to all children Coordinated collaboratively
at each school site. through the SLO program and
Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Individual
new District Military Liaisons,
Accommodation Plan (504)
now assigned to all 42 districts in
Gifted and Talented Program description San Diego County, this two-day
English as a Second Language (ESL) or Bilingual training produced teams at six schools that will now
Education description develop a welcome program on their school sites.
At-Risk or other action plans for classroom
modifications
Other: _________________________________
_________________________________________
Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 2

4. Deployment Support
Tools for Educators of our
Military Children
(from “Beyond the Journal”, January 2007)
Wondering how • Plan a school-wide American Spirit Day during
which children show pride by wearing red, white,
you can support and blue.
military children • Initiate a school-wide service project collecting
in your school and materials for troops, or have students write letters
of support to deployed service members.
classroom?
• Provide up-to-date information on military,
community, and state-level support for military
Here are some families and military child education.
suggestions • Establish military parent support groups.
that might help! • Use one of your local community resources (Fleet &
Family Support Programs/F.O.C.U.S/Mental Health
Systems) to offer Deployment Support Groups for
your military students.
• Send samples of artwork, class work, and classroom
letters to deployed parents.
For more information on school-based support for military • Establish a Buddy System (Youth Sponsor Program)
families contact your School Liaison Officers at 619-532-4251. to ensure no transitioning student is left behind.
Military Spouse
Social Hour
Are you trying to meet other Military Spouse here in San We meet every Tuesday. Bring a sack lunch and join
Diego? Are you looking to find out information about the us at 11 am at various local area parks to meet other
local area and resources available to you? Are you trying to Military Spouses and find out about all of the great
find a place where you can get all of the above AND is kid- events going on in San Diego. We have fun activities
friendly? Attend a Military Spouse Social Hour! each week for the kids while enjoying the fresh air and
wonderful San Diego weather.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Locations are First Tuesday: Rohr Park Second Tuesday: Big Rock Park Third Tuesday: La Mesita Park Fourth Tuesday: Glorietta Bay Park
subject to change, 4548 Sweetwater Road 8125 Arlette Street 8855 Dallas Street 1975 Strand Way
so please call to Bonita, CA 91902 Santee, CA 92071 La Mesa, CA 91942 Coronado, CA 92118
confirm.
Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/FFSCPSanDiego for updates or call 619-556-7404.
3 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012 Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

5. Command, School & Community Connections
Naval Base San Diego Commanding
Officer, CAPT Winton Smith,
Visits School
Transition Rooms
By Lora Willett NBSD SLO
On April 30, CAPT Winton Smith, Com- CAPT Smith, along with School Liaison
CAPT Smith witnessed the manding Officer of Naval Base San Diego Officer Lora Willett, met with school ad-
collaborative efforts within visited three of the transition rooms in the ministration and parent volunteers, whose
the community and the Serra Cluster schools. The three schools, time and dedication are vital to the success
Hancock Elementary, DePortola Middle, of these transition rooms. Navy Region
many ways local schools are
and Serra High School are part of San Southwest has 11 transition rooms in San
succeeding at supporting Diego Unified School District and each Diego schools. Eight are DoDEA funded
military families. have a high percentage of military children and located in the Serra Cluster and three
given their location near military housing. are funded through CNIC and located
outside the Serra Cluster.
Bluejackets
Brass Band
By Lora Willett NBSD SLO
CNRSW Bluejackets Brass Band
entertained the students and staff
of DePortola Middle School during
lunch on March 28 followed by a
“meet and greet” with the band
students. Thank you CNRSW
Bluejackets Brass Band for supporting
Music in Our Schools month!
Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 4

6. Home School Linkage
What options are available for
homeschooling
in California?
Private School Affidavit (PSA): program’s policies and your assigned such as park days and field trips for
The Private School Affidavit may teacher. Materials are available on their members. Some PSPs offer
be filed online at the California loan. Support systems are offered to curriculum packages; guidance and
Department of Education, http:// varying degrees, depending on the requirements vary with each school.
www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/affidavit.asp, school. Parents are asked to sign a (Cal. Educ. Code § 48222.)
website from October 1 to October contract agreeing they will allow their
15 of every year. Schools created child to be tested. Public programs Correspondence and Virtual Schools:
after the filing period should file at will not offer religious materials and K-12 Online Schools can be public or
the time the school is established. any religious instruction must be after private depending on the route you
If you need to file your affidavit the recorded school hours. See your choose. The programs work much
and cannot do so electronically (or School Liaison Officer for a list of like Options 2 and 3, however the
choose not to), you can still file a home charter schools or information teacher is online and they keep all the
Statement in Lieu, http://www. on independent study in your area. school records. Amount of freedom
californiahomeschool.net/howTo/sil. (Cal. Educ. Code § 51745.) and support varies on the program
htm. You bear responsibility to adhere and if it is public or private. The
to all private school laws and maintain Private School Satellite Program California Virtual Academy (CAVA) is
records. California mandates that (PSP): one of the largest public (tuition-free)
certain subjects such as reading, social A PSP is a private school which has virtual schools in California. http://
studies, math and science be taught filed an affidavit. If you enroll in www.k12.com/cava/
when you file the Private School a PSP it acts as an administrative
Affidavit. Hiring a certified private umbrella for your family’s private NOTE: There are private, Out-of-State
home school tutor also falls under school. The private PSP files the Independent Study Correspondence
this option. Private School Affidavit annually Programs and curriculum. Unless the school
(Cal. Educ. Code §§ 33190, 48222, 48224.) and keeps required records on file maintains an office in the state of California
such as attendance records, health and files the Private School Affidavit (R4
Public School Independent Study records, and an outlined course of Form), enrolling in their program WILL NOT
Program (ISP) or Charter School: study for each student. They may satisfy the legal requirements for public
If you register with a public school also keep track of cumulative files, school exemption. It is okay to enroll in
ISP or Charter School, your child grades, transcripts, and test results (if an out-of-state ISP to get and use the
is still enrolled in public school but any). A small tuition fee is charged curriculum, but it will not cover you legally
instruction is delivered at home. You for administrative and paperwork unless the school complies with California
are considered a teacher’s aide and services. When you sign up, you law. If it has not filed an affidavit, then
are assigned a credentialed teacher to become a teacher in that school. Your you must either enroll in a Private ISP
oversee your program. You will need name and address do not appear on established in California, or establish your
to keep the records required by the the affidavit, but the PSP is required own private school and file the R4 Affidavit
program you enroll in. The amount to keep a listing of each teacher and yourself. (Cal. Educ. Code § 51745; Private:
of freedom you have in choosing his/her qualifications. Some PSPs Cal Educ. Code § 48222.)
what to study depends on the offer a newsletter and activities
5 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012 Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

7. Can I begin homeschooling mid-year? parents have the right to excuse
Under California state law, parents their children from some or all of
are permitted to begin homeschooling the STAR tests by providing written
mid-year. Parents should be cautioned notice to school officials. Private
however, that pulling your child schools do not have to administer the
out of the classroom to homeschool test, including home private schools. Will homeschooling my child affect
mid-year can be difficult and stressful. (Cal. Educ Code 60615) their admission to college?
Transitioning from public school Generally no, but it depends on
to homeschooling involves several How many hours is my child required your homeschooling program and
different aspects of planning to make to attend to their studies? rigor of curriculum. Public Charter
the process as smooth as possible. Three hours, 175 days a calendar Schools and Online Correspondence
year is the minimum requirement Programs can offer the structure,
Is my child required to follow the for California, however, many public transcripts and traditional test scores
California State Standards? home charter schools require at least needed to assist students in admission
Private schools are not required to four hours of instruction. Religious to college. Private homeschooling in
follow the state curriculum standards instruction does not count toward the high school requires a more creative
and parents who file an R4 Affidavit minimum hours. approach to college admission. In lieu
will have the most freedom in cur- (Cal. Educ Code 48224) of traditional high school transcripts,
riculum. All public schools including homeschoolers often provide, along
home charter schools are required to Can my child participate in my neigh- with their SAT scores and letters of
follow the state curriculum standards borhood school sports and activities? recommendation, narrative essays or
to the minimum. Parents have the Your child must be enrolled in an portfolios as part of their admissions
option, of course, to teach above and independent study program through package. Some homeschoolers opt to
beyond the state standards. their zoned school district to be take the California High School Pro-
eligible to participate in sports for ficiency Examination (CHSPE) or the
Can our family take a vacation when that school. Many families enrolled General Education Degree (GED), or
we want during the school year? in home charter schools join sports or demonstrate their academic ability at
This will vary depending on what participate in sports offered by other a community college before transfer-
option you choose. Public Charter community programs. The Navy of- ring to a four-year institution.
Schools and Online Schools follow fers a wide variety of social and sports
school calendars and have timelines activities though Child and Youth Are there scholarships available
for state testing requirements. Some Programs. Military families should specifically for homeschoolers?
Independent Study Programs and contact their School Liaison Officer There are many organizations and
Home Charter Schools allow flex- or Child and Youth Programs office colleges that offer scholarships and
ibility and student work to be faxed to find out more about how to get grants for home school students. Two
or emailed while on vacation or visits their child involved. great websites with resources:
and will work around your family’s http://homeschoolscholarships.org/
needs. Private home school instruc- How can I find other home school homeschool-scholarships/
tion has the most flexibility. families? http://www.collegescholarships.org/
There are many home school sup- scholarships/homeschool.htm
Does my child have to take the port groups in California, including For information on filing the Home
STAR tests? military home school groups. A great School Affidavit, visit the California
STAR testing is administered by all website to find other homeschoolers Department of Education website
California public schools, including is: http://localhs.com/ at http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/
home charter schools, however, affidavit.asp
Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 6

8. Partnerships In Education
NBSD PIE Volunteers Assist with Kate Sessions
5th Grade Exhibitions
by Robin Williamson, NBPL SLO
Each year during the month of March, Kate Sessions Elementary
School hosts its 5th Grade Exhibitions, where parents and com-
munity are invited to observe, and evaluate, the small groups of
student presentations.
Students spend about two months preparing for these important
projects: researching their topics, consulting with mentors and
community, and building the presentations. Volunteers from
Naval Base San Diego (official Partners-in-Education), along
with Navy School Liaison, Robin Williamson, were among those
who were proud to participate.
Your Command Can Be a
Partner in Education!
School partnerships can be beneficial for Navy commands
and area schools. Sailors get an opportunity to connect
with their community while earning community service
hours which can be used included in evals, and toward
earning the VolunteerService Medal.
The benefits for the schools are insurmountable. Students
build positive relationships with our service members and
feel additionally connected to their military community.
Ultimately it raises awareness of the benefits of working
with the military community and helps to support our
military children in education.
Command Support Opportunities
• Provide Navy personnel to be guest speakers at schools
• Plan field trips to the ship /command to reward students for
academics and citizenship
• Establish a pen pal project or video project with students while
ship is deployed.
• Enhance the students’ knowledge of”world g es, running clubs,
or special events when ship is in port.
• Provide tutoring and extra help at homework clubs
• Assist with school self-help projects
• Share an expertise or hobby with students
• These are only a few ways to get involved!
Interested in partnering your Command with a local school?
Contact your School Liaison Officer for more information.
7 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012 Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

9. Post-Secondary Preparation
Preparing for College:
A Checklist to use Every Year in High School
Students Parents
To Do: To Do:
• Work with one of your parents to update • Continue to talk to your child about
your information in FAFSA4caster at college plans as if he or she will definitely
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov, and continue go to college.
to save for college. • Keep an eye on your child’s study habits
• Take challenging classes in core academic and grades - stay involved.
subjects. Most colleges require 4 years • Encourage your child to take Advanced
of English, at least 3 years of social studies Placement or other challenging classes.
(history, civics, geography, economics, etc.),
• Watch videos for parents on the
3 years of mathematics, and 3 years of
“News Parents Can Use” page at
science, and many require 2 years of a
www.ed.gov/parents.
foreign language. Round out your course
load with classes in computer science and • Add to your child’s college savings
the arts. account regularly.
• Stay involved in school or community-
based activities that interest you or let you
explore career interests. Consider working
or volunteering. Remember, it’s quality (not
quantity) that counts. Explore www.studentaid.ed.gov/parent
• Talk to your school counselor and other for information on academic preparation,
mentors about education after high school. homeschooling, financial literacy, saving,
Your counselor can answer questions about
and borrowing for college.
what classes to take in high school, how to
sign up for standardized tests, and where to
get money for college.
To Explore:
• Check out KnowHow2Go: The Four Steps to College, which suggests some actions you
can take as you start thinking about education beyond high school. The online version of
the brochure is at www.knowhow2go.org.
• Learn about managing your money in the “Financial Literacy” section of
www.studentaid.ed.gov/preparing.
Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 8

10. EFMP Resources
Are you
Speaking Up for Kids?
National Children’s Mental Health
Awareness Week is May 6 - 12, 2012.
Speak Up for Kids 2012 is an aware- Some facts listed on their website
ness campaign for this week that is include:
committed to: • Half of all lifelong mental illness
• Providing parents with information manifests before age 14.1
about the signs and symptoms of • As much as 21% of the youth
psychiatric and learning disorders in population has a diagnosable
children, as well as the treatments psychiatric disorder.2
that can change lives. • 80% of children with psychiatric
• Empowering educators with the or learning disorders never receive
information they need to help students treatment.3
and communicate with families. • Parents are aware of mental health
• Building a community of knowledgeable concerns- in the Child Mind Institute
child and adolescent mental health National Children’s Mental Health For more information
professionals who can share this Report Card, 22% reported that they about mental health in
information with parents and teachers. were worried about their children’s children, visit the
• Mobilizing parents, educators, and emotions or behavior. But 43% said National Institute of
professionals to advocate for children’s they waited a year or more after these Mental Health’s webpage at
mental health. worries to see an expert. 22% waited
two years.4
www.nimh.nih.gov
1
Kessler et al, “Prevalence, severity, and • Anxiety disorders occur in up to 13%
comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in of children and adolescents.5 For local support to identify
the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.”
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005
• Depression and bipolar disorder occur community mental health
2
MECA, Shaffer et al, 1996 in 6.2% of young people.6 resources, please contact
3
Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
General, 1999 Fleet and Family Support
4
Child Mind Institute National Children’s affects up to 10% of school-age Center’s Exceptional Family
Mental Health Report Card, 2011 children; untreated, ADHD has been
5
Shaffer et al, 1996 Member Program Liaison
tied to prison, school dropout, tens of
6
Ibid
billions of dollars in lost productivity,
Lead at 619-556-6899
7
Centers for Disease Control
and anxiety and depression.7
EFMP Invites You! M AY
W ED N E S
DAY
Meetings are held from 6-8 pm
at the San Diego Regional Center,
All adults who have an Exceptional Family Member
(EFM) are invited to a monthly meeting facilitated by
2 4355 Ruffin Road, San Diego 92123.
the EFM Liaisons from the Fleet & Family Support
Center. It’s an opportunity to network with other The next meetings will be held
military families who have a family member with special JUNE Wednesday, May 2, and Wednesday,
WEDNESDAY
June 6. Call 619-571-4781 for more
6
needs and to learn what resources have helped them
improve their quality of life. information and childcare options.
9 Academic Anchor • May-June 2012 Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter

11. Navy Region Southwest School Liaison Newsletter May-June 2012 • Academic Anchor 10

12. Your Navy School Liaison Contacts
Shannon Milder Robin Williamson
Navy Region Southwest Coastal Schools/Point Loma
Regional School robin.williamson@navy.mil
Liaison Officer 858-431-6482
shannon.milder@navy.mil
619-532-4251
Paula Emmert Monica James
Navy Region Southwest Naval Base Ventura County
Deputy School monica.james@navy.mil
Liaison Officer 805-989-5211
paula.emmert@navy.mil
858-349-7678
Lora Willett Margaret Gladders
Murphy Canyon/ NAS Lemoore
Downtown Feeder Schools margaret.gladders@navy.mil
lora.willett@navy.mil 559-998-2242
619-991-2509
Kelly Donahue Melissa Burns
Coronado/South Bay/ NAS Fallon
Imperial Beach melissa.l.burns@navy.mil
kelly.donahue@navy.mil 775-426-3738
619-247-9109
Chanin Massaglia Tina Wekell
East County/Santee/ NPS/Monterey
Lemon Grove/El Centro ecwekell@nps.edu
chanin.massaglia@navy.mil 831-656-1008
619-247-9082
Academic Anchor
May-June 2012 If you haven’t found us yet, please
look for us on our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/sandiegoschoolliaison