Guide For Military Families & School Administrators

Transcription

1 Additional Montgomery County Resources Montgomery County Public Schools Guide For Military Families & School Administrators Dial 211 for assistance in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia. Services include information on child care, jobs, health care, insurance and emergency services to help in times of disaster or emergency. Dial 311 for Montgomery County non-emergency government information & services. Mental Health Association of Montgomery County Military Information & Resource Helpline This Resource Guide is updated quarterly. To request an updated copy or to suggest additional resources please

2 Mental Health Association of Montgomery County Mission: Mental Health Association (MHA) promotes mental wellness and supports those with mental illness by sponsoring and implementing advocacy, education and community service programs. A private, nonprofit, United Way (#8151) Agency, the MHA has served Montgomery County residents since The MHA currently manages 11 major direct service programs for children, teens, families, senior adults and individuals with long term mental illness. Approximately 750 volunteers implement programs under the direction of the MHA professional staff. Programs: Adult Homeless Mental Health Services Bridges to Pals Families Foremost Center Friendly Visitor Program HOPES (Hotline, Outreach & Programming for Emotional Support) Kensington Wheaton Youth Services Kids on the Block N*COMMON (New Capacity & Outreach for Multicultural Mental health Opportunities Now) Pets on Wheels Representative Payee Program Voices VS Violence Serving Together: Troops, Veterans & Family Care Project EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Designed to help with life's issues. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year you can access information. STOMP is the only National Parent Training and Information Center for military families providing support and advice to military families with individuals with disabilities without regard of the type of medical condition their child has. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. LD Online is the leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD.Parents and teachers of learning disabled children will find helpful articles, multimedia, expert articles, a comprehensive resource guide, and a referral directory for professionals and schools. NECTAC is the national early childhood technical assistance center supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs and their families Twinbrook Parkway Rockville, MD

3 COLLEGE RESOURCES, SCHOLARSHIPS, & FINANCIAL AID College and financial aid advice, interactive financial aid calculator, scholarship search. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a private non-profit charitable organization providing financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States. Click on education programs. Information on the Post 911 GI Bill is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation honors Marines by educating their children through scholarships. Information including eligibility, registration dates/deadlines, and applications can be found on this site. HOTLINES National Suicide Prevention Lifeline TALK (8255) Montgomery County Hotline Military/ Veteran Resource Line Montgomery County Youth Talk Line Montgomery County Public Schools Guide For Military Families & School Administrators This guide is intended to assist service members, their families and service providers, in navigating resources available in and around the Montgomery County area. Table of Contents MCPS Facts Enrollment Info MCPS Phone Listing MCPS Support and Services School Liaison Officer MDNG Family Readiness Programs Military Family Life Consultant Useful Military Resources College Resources Exceptional Children If further assistance is needed please call the Montgomery County Military Information and Resource Helpline or military@mhamc.org

4 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL MCPS Facts: 144,064 STUDENTS LARGEST SCHOOL SYSTEM IN MARYLAND 16TH LARGEST SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES STUDENTS FROM 164 COUNTRIES SPEAKING 184 LANGUAGES 201 SCHOOLS 131 elementary schools 38 middle schools 26 high schools 1 career and technology center 5 special schools OUR STUDENTS DEMOGRAPHICS 37.2% White 23.4% African American 23.4% Hispanic 15.7% Asian American 0.3% American Indian ENROLLMENT Pre-K (including Head Start): 3,512 Elementary (K 5): 64,355 Middle (6 8): 30,862 High (9 12): 45,335 Special schools/alternative programs: 865 OUR EMPLOYEES 22,229 employees 11,673 teachers 85.4 percent of teachers have a master s degree or equivalent ATTENDANCE Grades 1 5 : 95.8% Grades 6 8: 95.5% Grades 9 12: 95.5% Dropout rate: 2.72% SERVICES 13.0% participate in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 11.9% receive special education services 30.7% participate in Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS) 40.9% have ever received FARMS PERFORMANCE 90% graduation rate 65.9% AP participation rate 1653 average combined SAT score 34 National Blue Ribbon Schools $234 million in scholarships * Facts from school year COLLEGE RESOURCES, SCHOLARSHIPS, & FINANCIAL AID U.S. Department of Education free application for federal Student aid web site. U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid web site. This web site is for students, parents and counselors who are interested in finding student aid for perspective college bound students. T Understand all of your options when it comes to paying for college. We can help you get the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans, and college financing. Useful information on the PSAT, SAT, and Advanced Placement is available. Here you will find detailed and up-to-date information about (1) who can apply, (2) how to apply, (3) full contact info, and much more... for over 130 government grants and loans (scholarships, fellowships, traineeships) related to education! The nation s leading provider of student loans, helping millions of Americans achieve the dream of a higher education. Students.gov is an official U.S. government web site designed for college students and their families. Our mission is to provide you with easy access to information and resources from the U.S. Government all the info you need, in one place, from all parts of the government. (click on Education ) Find millions of dollars in scholarships and grants exclusively for the military community by clicking on the Education tab and choosing find scholarships.

5 FOR FAMILIES The National Military Family Association NMFA, The Voice for Military Families, is dedicated to providing information to and representing the interests of Family members of the uniformed services. In addition to information on deployment, education, Family life and health care, NMFA provides valuable links to other useful sites designed to give you the latest information available. They have a Back to School section which includes many links to valuable information on education for students and parents. Free Tutoring Military Family Program Free online help is available 24/7 for military members and their families from live, professional, and screened tutors in more than 16 subjects. Tutors available to help with K-12 coursework, introductory college courses, adult education, and career transitions. Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission Interstate Compact on Educational/Opportunity for Military Children information can be found on this site. Click your state on the interactive map for information. A QUICK GUIDE TO ENROLLMENT School assignment is based on home address. If you do not know what school your child should attend, please call: Long-range Planning Office: If the student is not a U.S. citizen and has not attended a U.S. school any time during the prior two years, please call: Residency and International Admissions All students (new or reentering MCPS) must provide verification of age, identity, residency, and immunizations, unless homeless. Age 5 21 Children age 5 by September 1, and not age 21 on the first day of school are eligible for enrollment Enrollment Identification Legal identification and proof of relationship to student. Anyone other than parent or legal guardian must consult with school staff to determine the appropriate form and documentation required for enrollment. Residency In Montgomery County If homeowner, provide copy of current property tax bill. To obtain a copy, please contact: Montgomery County Division of Treasury: If renter, provide copy of current (less than 1 year old) lease. If lease is more than 1 year old, copy of lease and a current utility bill. If living in shared housing, provide notarized MCPS Form : Shared Housing Disclosure and either a copy of the current property tax bill of homeowner or copy of lease of renter with whom student and parent are living and three other appropriate supporting documents. Anyone who is not a resident of Montgomery County must complete MCPS Form : Determination of Residency and Tuition Status, and contact: School Counseling, Residency, and International Admissions If homeless, please refer to MCPS brochure Homeless Children in Montgomery County Public Schools.

6 ENROLLMENT Immunizations Full Compliance Maryland Immunization Certificate 896, OR Computer-generated printout from doctor s office Parent/guardian will need to complete MCPS Form : New Student Information and MCPS Form 550-2: Authorization to Request/Release Student Records. Residency Documentation Supporting documents must be in the name of parent/guardian at address shown on MCPS Form : Shared Housing Disclosure Form W-2 Current pay stub Income tax form Two consecutive bank statements Medical bills Car registration Car insurance policy/bill Current utility bill Current phone bill Voter registration card INS application Government or official correspondence at residential address FOR FAMILIES Military Impacted Schools Association Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) is a national organization representing school districts that serve high concentrations of military children. The organization works to provide a continuum of quality education for all military children. MISA works on funding (Impact Aid) legislation, partnerships, and programs for military families. Military Teens on the Move Military Teens on the Move / Military Teens on the Move for Kids is a site designed with military youth in mind and covers topics sorted by age level to include deployment and moving to a new location. Student Online Achievement Resources SOAR is an innovative program that makes it easy for parents to play an active role in their children s education. SOAR is designed for military families, and is easily accessible worldwide. Students take an assessment aligned to state standards, and SOAR directs them to individualized tutorials to improve skills where needed. Examples of Acceptable Verification Documentation Birth certificate Passport/Visa Hospital certificate Physician s certificate Church certificate Parent s notarized affidavit (sworn notarized statement attesting to the accuracy of the date of birth) Other legal or notarized identification Identity of Person Enrolling Student and Relationship to Student Photo ID Driver s license Passport Permanent resident alien card Military Kids Connect Military Kids Connect was created by DOD in conjunction with Technology & Telehealth as a site for military children age 6-17 to connect with other military kids. Site is broken down into 3 age groups with videos, games, and activities that are age appropriate. Included is an interactive world map to learn about countries with frequent US deployments and allows kids to see the weather and time at these locations. An educator s resource section is also available. Groups4Kids List of support groups and therapeutic treatment for children and adolescents in Montgomery County, Fairfax County and Washington, D.C.

7 FOR FAMILIES MCPS PHONE NUMBERS Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program The Yellow Ribbon Program is a veteran's reintegration program to provide National Guard and Reserve members and their families with sufficient information, services, referral, and proactive outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle. Members and their families should contact the person within their unit responsible for the program. Operation Military Kids Collaborates with groups across the state to provide sustainable local support services to military youth before, during and after their families are deployed. Coaching Into Care Coaching into Care provides assistance to family members and friends trying to encourage their Veteran to seek health care for possible readjustment and mental health issues. Give An Hour info@giveanhour.org Provides free mental health services for individuals who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. Pro Bono Counseling Offers counseling services to service members and their families. Clinicians are trained on the unique needs of the military culture. Silver Spring Vet Center Provides substance abuse assessment, treatment and referral, assistance to homeless, bereavement counseling for survivors of deceased active duty members, employment assistance, referrals for individual and group counseling, PTSD assessment, treatment, and referral, referral for benefits & medical services, sexual trauma counseling. General Information - MCPS Call Center Alternative Programs Board of Education Office Boundaries for School Attendance (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays) Central Records (records of former students) Chief Operating Officer Child Find (program for children suspected of having a disability) Connection Resource Bank (mentors and volunteers) Community Superintendents Curriculum and Instructional Programs Deputy Superintendent of Schools Early Childhood Education (programs and services) Emergency Announcements (closings, delays, openings, etc.) ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Family and Community Partnerships Food and Nutrition Services (school meals) Gifted and Talented/Magnet Programs Head Start Hispanic Hotline Homework Hotline Live (Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Human Resources (personnel services) Information Technology (Chief Technology Officer) International Student Admissions Interpreting Services, Office of Policies and Records (Reporting and Regulatory Accountability) Public Information Office Research and Testing Data (Shared Accountability) Safe Schools Hotline Special Education Student Service Learning Summer School Superintendent of Schools Transportation Television, Instructional (ITV) Volunteer Office (Family and Community Partnerships) Adult ESOL & Literacy- GED Program MCCPTA (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. school days) Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations

8 MCPS SUPPORT AND SERVICES FOR FAMILIES Montgomery County Public School Parent Academy Offers free workshops that provide parents with practical information they need to be able to advocate for their children and support learning at home. These two-hour sessions are held in various schools and community locations throughout the county. ESOL/Bilingual Programs Offers parent outreach staff who provide support services to the families of students receiving ESOL instruction in all schools. Staff is available to help parents complete school system forms, support parents at school meetings and events, connects families to community resources and provides leadership training for parents. Department of Student Services Pupil personnel workers in the Department of Student Services work with parents on a variety of issues, including chronic attendance problems, residency and guardianship issues, and home and hospital teaching services. PPWs also provide crisis support; referral to community programs designed to prevent and treat alcohol and other drug use; and referral to outside agencies and community service providers for other issues affecting students and their families. Linkages to Learning Linkages to Learning is a collaborative initiative among the school system, Montgomery County government, and private organizations that provides counseling services, health and parent education activities, and social services at MCPS elementary and middle schools that have high percentages of families impacted by poverty. Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations The Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations serves 189 local PT(S)As and their over 50,000 - parents, teachers and people in our community who, through advocacy, support the mission of PTA. FOR FAMILIES Military OneSource /7 resource line for military members, spouses, families, guard and reserves. Families in Transition Offers counseling services for women, adolescents, men, and families. AfterDeployment.org Resources@DCoEOutreach.org Behavioral Health resource supporting service members, their families and veterans with common post-deployment challenges. Provide selfcare solutions targeting post-traumatic stress, depression, and other behavioral health challenges. Chat online with consultants. Family Services Inc Behavioral health, education, family and community programs. Department of Defense Education Activity The Department of Defense Educational Partnership Directorate has launched a new website focused on providing information that directly relates to the work of educators and administrators in militaryconnected school systems. DoDEA Partnership: Students At The Center Interactive educational resource for military families, military leaders and school leaders. The resource, "Students at the Center," provides information on important policies, procedures, and best practices that are critical to supporting the needs of military families' education. DoDEA Partnership: Be Here Toolkit (Attendance Initiative) Information on the importance of school attendance with resources for schools and teachers, parents and students, as well as military leaders.

9 MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT (301) A Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) provides short-term situational, problem-solving counseling services to Service members and their Families, especially those returning from deployment. The service provided is anonymous and confidential. NSA BETHESDA: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Fleet and Family Support Center Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) offer helpful programs and professional services to assist you in meeting the unique challenges of military life Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD Main: or Family Advocacy/Sexual Assault Response after hours: Navy Childcare Before & After Care All Active Duty Military, Wounded Warriors, Dependents, Retirees, Reservist, and DoD Civilians are eligible to participate in programs. PROGRAMS: Sexual Assault Prevention And Response Program Crisis Response Exceptional Family Member Support (EFMP) Professional Counseling School Liaison Officer Relocation Assistance Family Advocacy Program Life Skills Education Outreach Services Deployment Support Transition Assistance Management Program New Parent Support Information and Referral (I&R) Personal Financial Planning (PFM) Family Employment Readiness Program Ombudsman Training and Support Command Training Support SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER The School Liaison Officer is the primary point of contact between the military installation, the local school administration, including the Department of Defense Education Agency Schools, parents and the community at large. The program helps installation and regional commanders work with state departments of education and local school districts to ensure school personnel are aware of the stressors on military families brought about by frequent transitions and extended deployments. The educations professionals are located on all major Navy installations and serve as links between Navy families and school. WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED? Supporting families with inbound/outbound school transfers Providing information on local schools and boundaries Assisting with school choice Helping families understand the special education process Providing information about graduation requirements Making military and community agency referrals Supporting families with the home schooling process Assisting with post-secondary preparation WHY ARE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS NEEDED? Children of military personnel attend up to 9 different schools by graduation. Military families are reluctant to disrupt high school youth in their senior year Deployments can impact educational outcomes of children Many families decide to separate geographically to keep kids in their current school NSA-BETHESDA Daniel Dunham, M.Ed. School Liaison Officer Naval Support Activity, Bethesda (W) (C) Daniel.Dunham2@med.navy.mil FORT DETRICK Patricia Harris Child Liaison Education Outreach Director (W) (C) patricia.harris3@army.mil

10 CORE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER SERVICES: School Transition Services School Liaison Officers assist families with school transfers and help level the playing field for military children and youth. Deployment Support School Liaison Officers connect educators with Navy deployment support system to inform them about the cycles of deployment and the tools that are available to assist educators in working with Navy children. Command, School, Community, & Communications School Liaison Officers serve as subject-matter experts for installation commanders on K-12 issues, helping to connect command, school, and community resources. Home School Linkage & Support School Liaison Officers assist families by gathering and sharing information on home schooling issues, policies and legislation from local school districts, and help leverage resource to support these families. Partnerships in Education (PIE) PIE creates a volunteer network of resources to support installation and community members to support installation and community members who have a vested interest in the success of all youth. Post-Secondary Preparation School Liaison Officers leverage installation and school resources to provide graduating military students with access to post-secondary information and opportunities. Exceptional Family Member Support (EFMP) Families with special needs deserve special care. The Liaison ensures military families with chronic illness or disabilities can receive needed services. The FFSC offers assistance to Service Members and family members with finding resources to medical, counseling, and educational services, respite care and support groups. The ECFMP Liaison can also assist with locating duty stations where special needs may be met. MARYLAND NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY READINESS PROGRAMS MDNG Family Readiness Programs serve to establish and facilitate ongoing communication, involvement, support and recognition between National Guard Families and the National Guard in a partnership that promotes the best in both and contributes to an enhanced quality of life for Maryland National Guard members, their Families and the communities in which they live. Maryland National Guard Family Readiness Program Points of Contact: STATE FAMILY PROGRAM DIRECTOR Main: (410) /2992 FAMILY PROGRAM SPECIALIST Main: (410) /2993 FAMILY PROGRAM ASSISTANT Main: (410) FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER: The Family Assistance Centers provide the following essential services: Crisis Intervention Legal and Financial Resource Information ID Card and Deers Information Tricare Information Community Resource Information PARTNERS IN CARE (CHAPLAIN SUPPORT): The purpose of this initiative is to coordinate support for Maryland National Guard Members and Families through partnerships with local faith communities FAC Hagerstown (for all of Western Maryland) BG (MD) Randolph Millhollond Armory Roxbury Rd., Hagerstown, MD Main: (301) /1043 Toll-free: