Pacific Transition Program

Program Overview

Military children move three times more often than their civilian peers. This equates to students going through approximately six to nine different schools during their academic K-12 years. Studies show that frequent moves cause stress and anxiety adversely impacting students’ academic, social and emotional well-being (Desrosiers, 2014). A systematic and comprehensive student transition program has been shown to positively impact students’ academic and social achievements.

The Pacific Transition Program (PTP) was developed to address these issues. The PTP is aligned with the DoDEA Blueprint Goal 1: Strategic Initiative 1.2: Developing comprehensive programs to support students for their transition into college and career. Through its fun and engaging activities, the PTP fosters social, emotional, wellness, and resiliency skills, which are all necessary to navigate through college, career and life. The PTP reduces the time it takes for students to adjust to their new school and new environment. The sooner students are integrated into the school and community, the sooner they focus on academic performance and feel adjusted socially and emotionally.

The PTP is also aligned with Goal 5: Strategic Initiative 5.1: Partnerships for Student Success. Partnerships with military and community counterparts, including School Liaison Officers, Teen Centers, Parent and Teacher Organizations, are an integral part of the PTP. The PTP fosters these partnerships through continuous collaboration while planning, implementing and participating in student transition activities including monthly events open to all stakeholders.