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SLO provides vital support for parents, educators
Posted 4/12/2012 Updated 4/12/2012
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by Senior Airman Katherine Windish
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
4/12/2012 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- There are many challenges that come with being a military child and being a military parent, education first among them. Luckily, most overseas installations have a school liaison officer to assist with the many road-bumps that can come up.
"Over the course of a military child's academic experience they may move six to nine times," said Ann Maglio, Aviano's SLO. "There are many changes that will take place such as adapting to new environments and making new friends... [academic] challenges might be unique based on the particular school or district you are moving to."
With the frequent moves associated with military lifestyle, parents and children have to keep several things in mind when transferring to a new school. Each school and district is different; there may be state mandated standardized tests, different graduation requirements, different school hours and dates and more.
Part of Maglio's job is to help parents be advocates for their children. She stresses parental involvement is key to making a smooth transition and ensuring a child's success in school.
"Children require ongoing support from parents to ensure that not only their academic transition goes smoothly but also to help each child regain their sense of self during a move," said Maglio. "A great way to ensure you make the transition as smooth as possible is to start planning early. Another tip is to keep portfolios for each child with academic progress, individualized plans, important student work, certificates and anything else that will help the new school get to know your child."
As the SLO, Maglio can help with relocation information for incoming and outgoing students at Aviano, help parents communicate with principals, teachers or counselors and provide a variety of resources and information on education related programs and issues. Maglio has a wealth of information about school lunch programs, student enrollment, transition assistance and advisory councils and boards. She can also provide school referrals for the next location and provide contacts at the gaining installation to make transitioning to a new school easier on children.
At Aviano, parents can be involved in their children's education by joining the parent-teacher association or booster club, or by attending Parent Information Evenings, parent-teacher conferences, school advisory council and board meetings. Parents can also monitor their child's grades, assignments and attendance online using GradeSpeed, a Department of Defense Dependants Schools - Europe program.
For more information about what the SLO can do for your family, call DSN 632-5261 or e-mail 31MSG.SLO@aviano.af.mil.
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