Military Families

What specific transition planning do you offer for military families?

Our school administrator meets with incoming families to review educational records and determine class placements. The school counselor assigns a Student Ambassador to provide guided tours of the campus and answer questions based on student needs. The School Information Specialist (IS) will notify MFLC of incoming military students. The MFLC and School Administrator will meet with military students on their first day.

Military Point of Contact - Catina Carlson, (239) 303-3003

What specific academic planning do you offer for military families?

Our school administrative team works with military families to provide information and resources about the academic programs at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts.

What resources and educational opportunities do you offer for military children?

Our school provides chromebooks for each student to use during the school day. We provide intervention and enrichment opportunities daily in all academic areas. Gifted students participate in project-based learning. 21st Century Program provides additional learning and enriching opportunities through an after school tutoring program. Extra curricular activities including sports and clubs are offered after school regardless of date of enrollment for student participation. 

Tell us about your student-led transition team

A student ambassador is assigned to the new military student upon enrollment. The student ambassador meets with the student, provides a guided tour of the campus, walks the new military student to each class, and introduces the new student to their teacher or teachers at the beginning of class. Students receive information about the school, teacher, and additional resources available for the military student and family. A question and answer session with a team of student peers will provide support for the new military student.

What supports do you offer for military ESE children?

Students with an independent educational plan are assigned a Case Manager to assist with supports and transitions. Case Managers monitor student grades, attendance, and goal progress daily or weekly, depending on the need of the student and Military ESE student. VPAA has multiple classroom structures available for students to include General Education Inclusion, Resource and Self-Contained classroom based on the student's IEP. 

Exceptional Student Education Department (School District of Lee County)

https://www.leeschools.net/our_district/departments/academic_services/exceptional_student_education 

What military recognition events do you have planned?

Annually, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts hosts a school-wide ceremony recognizing Veterans who are teachers, family members, and community members. Our Arts Department creates a program to honor our Veterans through music, dance, and drama. In December, our school participates in making Christmas Cards for the soldiers serving overseas and are not able to be home for the holidays. 

How do military children access mental health services on your campus?

Students are able to meet with our school counselors throughout the day. Students are able to request an appointment by emailing, filling out a google form, parent phone call, and/or by teacher request.Veterans Park Academy for the Arts has a mental health team who meet weekly. This team includes our School Counselors, Social Worker, Mental Health Professional, and School Nurse.