School Liaison Officers (SLOs) “level the playing field” for transitioning students, help prepare Families, schools, and installations to respond confidently to the complexities of transition and deployment while providing Families the assurance that their children’s academic well-being is an Army priority by providing:

Five basic core services:

1. Transition Assistance (PCS Cycle) – School Liaison Officers assist Families with school transfers and help “level the playing field” for military children and youth through direct Family interaction and through "paving the way” with local schools.

2. Communication Link between Command, Schools, and Families – School Liaison Officers serve as subject matter experts for installation commanders on K-12 issues helping to connect command, school, and community resources.

3. Home School Linkage and Support- School Liaison Officers assist Army Families by gathering and sharing information on home schooling issues, policies, and legislation from local school districts, and helping leverage Child & Youth Services [CYS] resources to support these Families.

4. Partnerships in Education [PIE] – Creates a volunteer network of resources to support installation and community members who have a vested interest in the success of all youth.

5. Post-Secondary Preparations – School Liaison Officers leverage installation and school resources to provide graduating military students with access to post-secondary information and opportunities.

Examples of SLO activities:

• Provide information on student registration in the local school system
• Provide information on the Student Meal Program
• Educate parents on the local school system, policies, procedures, programs, and schedules
• Support home school Families
• Supply resource materials on primary, secondary, and post-secondary education
• Coordinate with CYSS Homework Centers and Youth Technology Labs
• Participate in Education Council Meetings to elevate parental issues for resolution

These initiatives prepare schools and installations to respond confidently to the complexities of transitions, and provide Families the assurance that their children's academic well-being is a priority.

When Do I Need a SLO?

 In-Processing:

• A SLO can assist you prior to and at arrival to make your child’s school registration and transition smooth.
• A SLO can provide information and address your specific questions and concerns regarding your educational options through your in processing brief, a personal office visit, emails, and phone calls.

Out-Processing: Contact your SLO well in advance of your departure if possible!

•  A school liaison can assist you with connections to provide information about your upcoming duty station.
• A SLO can also assist you in ensuring you have properly completed the steps to prepare for your child’s departure from his/her current school.

Anytime I have questions or concerns regarding schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions, and more!

1. West Meade Early Education Center is a public elementary school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 20:1. This school serves students from Pre-kindergarten through kindergarten and ECI (Early Childhood Intervention Program).

School Distinction / Noted Programs:  Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Academic Curriculum, ECI Program

School Website: https://www.aacps.org/Page/1210

Address: 7700 Ray Street, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)222-6545

Parent Handbook

*Note: Pre-kindergarten is not a mandated grade in the state of Maryland. All parents with students who will be 4 years old on or before September 1 of academic school year will be subjected to an application/ selection process. Please click links below to learn more.

• Pre- kindergarten Application Information Guide
• Pre- kindergarten Application
• Pre- Kindergarten Selection Guidelines

2. Manor View Elementary School is a public elementary school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. This school serves students from 1st Grade through 5th grade. 

School Distinction / Noted Programs: International Baccalaureate (About IB), Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Academic Curriculum, Student Junior Ambassadors Program (Military Youth Sponsorship Buddy System Component)

School Website: https://www.aacps.org/Page/1158

Address: 2900 MacArthur Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)222-6504

Parent Handbook

3. Meade Heights Elementary is a public elementary school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 17:1 (varies depending on grade level). This school serves students from PreK-5, through 5th grade and ECI (Early Childhood Intervention Program).

School Distinction / Noted Programs: PBIS (Positive Behavior Incentive School) Student Junior Ambassadors Program (Military Youth Sponsorship Buddy System Component), After School Extended Day Program, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Academic Curriculum.

School Website: https://www.aacps.org/Page/1162

Address: 1925 Reece Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)222-6509

Parent Handbook

4. Pershing Hill Elementary School is a public elementary school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 21:1 (varies depending on grade level). This school serves students from 1st Grade through 5th grade. 

School Distinction / Noted Programs: International Baccalaureate (About IB), Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Academic Curriculum, Student Junior Ambassadors Program (Military Youth Sponsorship Buddy System Component)

School Website: https://www.aacps.org/Page/1173

Address: 7600 29th Division Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)222-6519

Parent Handbook

1. MacArthur Middle School is a public middle school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 26:1 (varies depending on grade level). This school serves students from 6^th grade through 8^th grade.

MacArthur Middle School is a uniformed school. Uniform Policy

School Distinction / Noted Programs: International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) School, National Junior Honor Society, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Student Ambassadors Program (Military Youth Sponsorship Buddy System Component), NASA Best (Beginning Engineering, Science and Technology) Program.

School Website: https://www.aacps.org/Page/1223

Address: 3500 Rockenbach Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)674-0032

Parent Handbook

A/B Day Schedules

Middle School Program of Study

2. Meade Middle School is a public middle school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 22:1 (varies depending on grade level) This school serves  students from 6th grade through 8th grade.

Meade Middle School is a uniformed school: Uniform Policy

School Distinction / Noted Programs:  Maryland Green School, Wellness School Of Distinction, ROADS School (Rigor, Opportunity & Achievement Driving Success), Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

School Website:  https://www.aacps.org/Page/1226

Address:  1103 26th Street, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +1(410)674-2355

Parent Handbook

A/B Day Schedules

Middle School Program of Study   

Meade High School is a public high school located on Fort George G. Meade. The school is owned and operated by Anne Arundel County Public School District. The student to teacher ratio is 26:1 (varies depending on grade level). This school serves students from 9th grade through 12th grade.

School Distinction / Noted Programs:  The International Baccalaureate (IB) High School Diploma Program, Homeland Security Signature Program, Project Lead the Way, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), U.S Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Student Ambassador Program (Military Youth Sponsorship Buddy System Component)

School Website: http://meadeseniorhigh.org/index.jsp

Address:  1100 Clark Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

Phone Number: +(410)674-7710

Parent Handbook

A/B Day Schedule

High School Program of Study

Maryland State Department of Education

Fort Meade School Information (PDF)

Local Educational Activities near Fort Meade, MD

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools
• Howard County Public Schools
• Prince George’s County Public Schools
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• Baltimore County Public Schools
• Baltimore City Public Schools
• DC Public Schools, Washington DC
• DoDEA Educational Partnership Branch

AACPS to offer free American College Testing (ACT) exams to all high school juniors beginning this spring

In a move designed to open collegiate doors to significantly more students than ever before and support more students in the college admissions process, Anne Arundel County Public Schools will pay for all high school juniors to take the ACT college entrance exam beginning this spring.

The ACT is designed to assess the degree to which a student is prepared for college-level work. It has four main sections - English, Reading, Math, and Science - as well as an optional writing component. Approximately 5,600 AACPS juniors will be given all but the writing component during the April administration of the ACT. The test will be administered during the school day.

"This is a quantum leap forward for us in terms of enhancing not only the ability of our students to be prepared for the rigors of college, but the ways we assess their progress toward this goal," Superintendent George Arlotto said. "The ACT is a highly respected, widely accepted measure of college readiness, and we are thrilled to be able to provide it for all of our 11th-graders."

The ACT is the most frequently administered college admissions assessment, with more than 1.9 million students in the United States taking it last school year. The test is accepted for admissions by all four-year universities in the United States and more than 225 universities around the world. It is also accepted by Anne Arundel Community College.

More than 1,000 AACPS students took the ACT last year. Administration of the ACT this year is expected to cost AACPS approximately $200,000. The funds will come from existing allocations, and not require any additional appropriation from the county.

As part of the shift, AACPS will offset some of the cost by no longer paying to administer the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), the precursor to the SAT, to students in grades 9 through 11. All county high schools will, however, be sites for PSAT administration on October 15, 2016. Students will be responsible for the $15 fee to take the PSAT.

Does your child have 101 questions about your next duty station? Let a youth sponsor answer them!
 

Youth sponsors connect with children before arrival at a new duty station, provide them with information about their new communities and answer questions from a youth perspective – while being guided by adults in the CYS youth program and the schools.

Once you arrive, a youth sponsor will meet your child and can arrange community and school tours.

If you're preparing for a PCS move, contact your SLO today to sign up for a youth sponsor.

If you have a child with special needs, we can help you find the resources available in your school district. We can also connect you with your local installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office.

The Fort Meade EFMP office is located at the Army Community Service 

830 Chisholm Ave., Bldg. 830
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
DSN: (312)622-5590 Commercial +1(301)677-5590

Maryland Statewide IEP Document

Online IEP Process Guide

Building IEPs with Maryland Families: What a Great IDEA!

Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice

Maryland Disability Law Center

Military OneSource EFMP/Special Needs

The Exceptional Advocate Newsletter

Military Exceptional Family Member Programs

• Army EFMP
• Navy EFMP
• Air Force EFMP
• USMC EFMP

Highly mobile children are entitled to an expedited process, including: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) removed delays due to school district schedules for Families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continued Extended School Year for students moving in the summer. The United State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services outlines these requirements for State Directors of Special Education. 

The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers parent education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for their children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Military OneSource has a range of resources in caring for a family member with special needs: education, health care, legal, financial, points of contact (EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.)

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides directory of age-specific resources and States at a Glance for state education special education resources and parent resources.

DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal requirements, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.

DirectSTEP course listing 

DirectSTEP registration

Home schooling has become mainstream and widely-used. We offer resources and information to help you provide quality home-based education.

Home School Legal Defense Association provides information on home school law, and general support and information about homeschooling.

Maryland Department of Education: Home School Information/ Regulations

http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/msde/nonpublicschools/nplegal/comar/comar_13a_10_01.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

Fact Sheet Home Instruction (PDF)

Helpful links to make the students transition smoother

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission

Quick Checklist for School Moves (PDF)

Military Teens On the Move

We understand that military transitions for children include much more than school plans and enrollment. We have a number of resources to help make your move as easy as possible for the kids, including:

Military Kids Connect provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) addresses key transition issues military Families experience, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. All 50 states have signed the compact and are in varying stages of implementation and/or compliance. The compact applies to children of Active Duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired within past year.

If you feel that you have an issue that the Compact can help address talk with your SLO.  The SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to assist in resolving the issue.  If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.

Our support doesn’t end with elementary education. If you have children preparing for academic life after high school, we can help you find information about testing opportunities, scholarships and military-specific resources that can help you plan.

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and Government Academic Support G.I. Bill

The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so.  Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.

In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (pdf) apply.

Maryland High School Graduation Requirements

High School Graduation Requirements (PDF)

Here are some additional web resources to assist you with your child’s education:

Academic Resources:

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families makes live tutors available online 24/7 to help with more than 40 core subjects and standardized test preparation.

Homework Support: Army Child Youth & School Services provides Homework Labs in before/after school programs for elementary students at the School Age Center, and for middle and high school students at the Youth Center.

Khan Academy:

A personalized learning resource for all ages Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, SAT and more.    

Support/Resilience Resources:

School Support Services include information about other programs you can use for support and resilience-related issues.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are available to meet in-person on or off the military installation. The free nonmedical sessions are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings. Child Behavioral Specialists are located on the installation in Child, Youth and School Services programs, and in highly impacted schools located on and off the installation.

Military OneSource has access to free nonmedical counseling that’s anonymous and available online, on the phone or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Ready and Resilient Workshops for youth and educators are offered through the SLO and Youth Center programs. These workshops provide educators and students with the same tools Soldiers receive through their Ready and Resilient training. As Master Resilience Trainers SLOs strive to develop a common language around resilience for educators, youth and their parents.

For information on how to attend a class contact your local SLO.

College and Career Readiness Resources:

College and career readiness includes the content knowledge, skills and habits that students must have to be successful in postsecondary education. It also includes training that leads to a sustaining career. A student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without needing remedial or developmental coursework. These links have tools that will help you plan for your child’s college and career readiness:

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) provides STEM opportunities for military connected youth. The website provides information about AEOP programs available to youth, scholarship opportunities, news, and ways to get involved.

Military.com Scholarship Finder Military.com provides a search engine to help you find money for your child’s higher education needs. Search over 1000 scholarships intended for military youth. They also have a Military Scholarship Handbook.

School Support Services Scholarship Database Listing of crowd sourced scholarships for military connected youth. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order and provide information on deadlines and qualifications.

 Financial Aid
 

Provides a description of federal student aid programs from the U.S. Dept. of Education  and how to apply for them.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school.

Get Ready for College - College Planning, Financial Aid

Military Teens on the Move

Army Child, Youth and School Services

U.S. Army MWR

Military OneSource

Army OneSource

DoDEA Educational Partnership Branch

Army EFMP/Special Needs Information

Military Impacted School Association

Senior Stabilization

Homework Assistance/ Local Tutoring (Brainfuse Website)

http://www.aacpl.net/homework/

Scholarships

http://www.scholarshipsforscholars.org/

Parent Connect

http://www.aacps.org/html/parents/parentconnect/parentconnect.asp

This is an easy-to-use tool for communicating student progress that will allow you to take an even more active role in your child’s education. Parents and guardians of grades 1-12 students can log onto the secure Parent Connect website to access their child’s grades and attendance.

Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)

http://www.parcconline.org/

The Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) are required assessments that were designed by a group of states working together on a common assessment linked to the Common Core State Standards. The assessment is comprised of two parts: the Performance Based Assessment (PBA) given in early spring and the End of Year (EOY) given around May. These tests will provide a more accurate measure of a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, reading, and writing skills. States involved will have comparable results, and students, parents, and teachers will have detailed information on whether students are on track for post-secondary success. In Maryland, PARCC is replacing the MSA and HSA Algebra 1 and HSA English 10 assessments.

PARCC Practice Tests

http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/

• EXPLORE Program (K-5)

In partnership with Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel County Public Schools offers after-school and weekend enrichment courses for advanced learners in grades kindergarten through five. EXPLORE courses extend regular classroom instruction, stimulate higher level thinking and creativity, and encourage discovery of hidden talents and abilities. Courses cover a wide range of topics and are located both at the Explore your world community college campus and at various sites around the county. Sample course titles include Math Mania, Weird Weather, Creative Dramatics, Kidz’ Logic, Lift Off into Space, Cartooning, and Dinosaurs Rock. Tuition and supplies/lab fees are indicated in the fall, winter/spring, and summer course offerings booklets which are distributed through the Talent Development teacher in each elementary school.

• Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts Tuition Waiver Program (K-12)

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis offers after-school and Saturday courses in the creative and performing arts.  Twenty percent of the enrollment in each class is provided tuition-free to randomly selected applicants from Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  Sculpting, painting, jewelry design, classical ballet and acting are just some of the classes offered for ages five to seventeen.  Tuition Waiver applications and course offering booklets are distributed in schools for fall, winter/spring, and summer sessions or may be obtained online at this location. A course catalog with application form is available at the guidance office at each school.  For further information, call 410-222-5430.

• United States Naval Academy (USNA) Advanced Studies Program (Grades 6-12)

The Advanced Study Program is sponsored and funded by the Board of Education's Advanced Co-Curricular Advanced Programs Office. Only public school students may attend during the fall and spring semesters of the school year.  During the summer session, the program is also open to non-public school students for a fee.  The program consists of advanced studies in mathematics, computer applications, humanities, and the sciences for grades six through twelve.

In addition to the regular classes, the Advanced Studies Program at USNA also offers several Saturday morning “hands-on” physics lab demonstrations during the school year. Parents and teachers are welcome to attend with the middle and high school students. A course catalog and application form is available through the guidance office at each school or download it below. For further information, call 410-222-5430.

• Middle School Scholars (Grades 6-8)

Co-sponsored by the Advanced Co-Curricular Programs Office of Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Anne Arundel Community College, these one-day courses meet when schools are closed for students and immerse advanced, highly-motivated sixth through eighth graders in a professional field such as archaeology, environmental science, journalism or space exploration. Courses are co-taught by an educator and a specialist and are located at an historic, cultural, natural, or professional site. Students have the opportunity to talk or work with experts and perform hands-on tasks in a particular field. Space in each class is limited to 15 students. Summer opportunities are also available.

• Maryland Summer Centers (Grades 3-12)

The Maryland Summer Centers program, in partnership with public and nonpublic agencies, Maryland Summer Centers for Gifted and Talented Students provides Maryland’s diverse gifted and talented student population with advanced, rigorous, experiential learning opportunities that nurture these students’ talents and abilities within unique learning environments.  One to three weeks in duration, these residential and non-residential summer courses cover a wide range of topics from maritime studies to law and government, Chinese studies to robot design.  Programs are designed for students entering grades three through twelve. 

Through a grant written by the Advanced Co-Curricular Programs and World and Classical Languages & ESOL Offices, Anne Arundel County is the Center for Chinese Studies for the State of Maryland for MSDE.  During the summer of 2009, this program was expanded to include Spanish, German, French and Russian.  For more information, contact the World and Classical Languages & ESOL Office at 410-222-5424.

• Girl Scouts of America

GSA is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. This groups aims to empower girls and to help teach values such as honesty, fairness, courage, compassion, character, sisterhood, confidence, entrepreneurship, and citizenship through activities including camping, community service, learning first aid, and earning badges by acquiring practical skills. Girl Scouts' achievements are recognized through rank advancement and by various special awards such as the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Membership is organized according to grade, with activities designed for each level.

• Boy Scouts of America

The BSA's goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the Scout method is part of the program to inculcate typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking.

What is a Unique Military Child Identifier? Numerous states have enacted a voluntary report-only self-identification of military children within their public school systems. This data collection would allow monitoring of critical elements such as academic progress and proficiency, special and advanced program participation, mobility and dropout rates. Requirements and method of collection vary from state to state.

Impact Aid

Many local school districts across the United States include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the Federal Government.  They must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes. 

Congress has provided financial assistance to these local school districts through the Impact Aid Program. Each year Military members and Federal employees complete a Survey Form. The amount of Impact Aid – or federal assistance –received is determined by the number of eligible parents/guardians who complete the survey form. It partially compensates school districts affected by federal activity for local tax losses resulting from tax-free federal installations.

Impact Aid Fact Sheet (we will provide a hand out to link to)

Impact Aid Website

Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)

At overseas/international locations where there is not a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, NDSP supports a variety of options for your children, ranging from public or private schools to homeschool programs.  NDSP has a team of education specialists who are available to provide transition and educational support and coordination for all students, including those with special needs. Sponsors are encouraged contact the NDSP as soon as possible for specific school information. 

Email

Phone Number +1 (571)372-5863 or +1 (571)372-1897