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Scott offers programs to help transition into school year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center has multiple programs, such as the Parent Advocates for Students and Schools, and the Involved Parent Association, to help families transition their children into the academic school year.

Cynthia Doil, Scott Air Force Base school liaison officer, said, "The PASS program is very important because it allows parents to gain valuable information from local experts and other parents as to how they can best help our children navigate the school systems despite our mobile military lifestyle. Many of the workshops offered through PASS are facilitated by local school administrators. These facilitators are able to help our parents understand the nuances of public education in Illinois and what parents can do to help their children get the maximum benefit of schooling for their children while they are stationed here. The workshops that are facilitated by parents also offer other parents valuable information.

Because they have not only talked the talk but also walked the walk, military parents are in the best position to share strategies they have used, or wished they had used, when their children were school-aged."

PASS is an organization at Scott that provides military parents with effective ways to advocate for their children as they transition between school systems.

The program offers seven workshops throughout the year to help parents with putting together a school portfolio, individualized action plan and teaming with school personnel. The program also offers venues on making the transition to high school and preparing students for college.

IPA is an organization that helps parents who have children being cared for by the Child Development Center, Family Child Care homes or the Youth Center to address questions or concerns, provide comments and suggestions and even praise.

Debra Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander's wife, said, "I have recognized that there isn't a national standard. Some schools challenge my children while the next school doesn't challenge them as much. As a parent, you have to be inspired to help them exceed and maintain their academics, and these programs help to do that."

For more information, call the A&FRC at 256-8668.