Transition Planning for Military Families:

At Callaway Elementary School, we recognize the significance of facilitating a seamless transition for military families. Our enrollment team collaborates closely to streamline the transition procedure. We prioritize personalized attention, diligently addressing every student's unique needs and concerns.

Our dedicated Military Point of Contact, Heather Kirkpatrick, is always available to assist military families. You can reach her at (850) 767-1241.

Academic Planning for Military Families:

For military families, we prioritize academic planning with tailored support systems. Individualized learning paths on iReady cater to each student's needs, while data-driven assessments help identify scholars requiring additional Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic interventions. We offer enrichment programs for advanced scholars and employ a "Walk to Learn" strategy to level classes during targeted ELA instruction, accommodating learners at every stage. Parent-teacher conferences provide opportunities to discuss academic progress, and family events offer guidance on supporting learning at home and navigating testing procedures.

Moreover, our designated data den is a dedicated space for scholars to review their progress and take ownership of their learning journey. Through collaborative efforts between educators, families, and students, we strive to create a supportive environment where military-connected scholars can excel academically and achieve their full potential.

Resources for Military Families:

At our school, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of resources and educational opportunities to meet the needs of military families. Our school provides a comprehensive curriculum aligned with state standards, supplemented by enriching programs such as music classes and STEAM workshops to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. Our well-stocked media center allows students to access various books and media to improve literacy and explore new interests. We offer a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, such as, ITV Crew for multimedia enthusiasts, Safety Patrol for leadership development, and other leadership clubs to cultivate responsible citizenship.

Additionally, our dedicated military family support services ensure that students receive academic counseling and assistance during transitions, while community partnerships enhance learning experiences through field trips and collaborative programs. At Callaway Elementary, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment that empowers every student to thrive academically and personally.

Student-Led Transition Team (S2S Club):

Our Guys with Ties and Girls with Pearls leadership teams are pivotal as the student-led transition team for military families. These teams provide essential support and guidance to newcomers, ensuring a smooth transition into our school community. They give tours of the school to incoming military families and answer questions about the school culture, routines, and resources. Through mentorship, peer connections, and organized activities, Guys with Ties and Girls with Pearls foster incoming military students' sense of belonging and camaraderie, helping them acclimate quickly and feel at home in their new environment.

Support for Military ESE Children:

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive ESE support for military families, ensuring every student's unique needs are met. Our ESE resource teachers collaborate closely with families, conducting regular meetings to review IEPs and tailor support accordingly. We offer a range of specialized services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, all aimed at promoting students' academic and personal growth. With three dedicated ESE Pre-K classes, we prioritize early intervention and developmental support.

Inclusion is a core value, and our push-in support to inclusion classes ensures that students receive individualized assistance within the general education setting whenever possible. For those who require specialized settings, we provide special classroom environments and additional services to foster a supportive and enriching learning experience for every student.

Military Recognition Events:

At Callaway Elementary, we are committed to honoring and supporting military families through various recognition events and initiatives. Our annual donut breakfast and pizza lunch events for military families provide opportunities for military parents to enjoy special meals with their scholars, fostering community connection and appreciation for their service. Purple Up Day is a highlight where the entire school dresses in purple to honor the month of the military child, celebrating their resilience and sacrifice. During this month, we are honored to host the mayor on campus to present each of our military scholars with a recognition award, acknowledging their service and dedication.

Through community partnerships, we also raise funds to select two military scholars to receive a Facebook Portal Go, enabling communication with deployed parents. As part of our commitment to service, we organize a school-wide fundraiser for Christmas gifts for veterans at Sims Veterans' Home, with our Girls with Pearls and Guys with Ties teams personally delivering these gifts, spreading joy and gratitude to those who have served our country. Also, we strengthen our ties with the local Air Force base by inviting them to present to our K-2nd graders about AFNORTH Santa tracking, engaging young students in the excitement of tracking Santa's journey during the holiday season and fostering a connection with military personnel.

Mental Health Resources For Military Families:

Callaway Elementary offers a range of mental health resources to meet the needs of military families. Our military and Family Life Counselor (MFLAC) is crucial in supporting military scholars. The MFLAC counselor regularly checks in on scholars to provide guidance and emotional support, helping them navigate the ups and downs of military life. Additionally, students can meet with our school counselor for one-on-one sessions.

We also provide Community of Care referrals for outside counseling as needed. If a scholar is facing challenges with behavior, our Triad team is available to provide check-in, check-out mentorship and social skills groups, and our Promise Room provides a calming space with behavior intervention support. At Callaway Elementary, we also implement a house system that offers mentorship and peer support across grade levels, fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and emotionally.

Any Other Military/Related Details/Programs:

Individual classes write heartfelt letters of appreciation to veterans and active-duty military members deployed overseas, fostering connections and expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice. We also partner with Tyndall Air Force Base to have military volunteers work with our scholars through the Elevate Bay Volunteer program.

Callaway Elementary Military Point of Contact:

Christine Kersten
850-896-8992

OCSD Resources

BDS Resources for Military Families

The Bay District Schools website has a detailed list of Military Family Resources and Educational Opportunities to best assist your family. It contains a PCS document, services, programs, educational resources, and so much more to aid in the success of your educational goals.

© Callaway Elementary School. Site by Aaron Rich Marketing | Login to CMS