Military Family Resources
AACPS is among the 25 largest school systems with the most military-connected students in the United States and is home to approximately 8,000 military-connected children, most of whom are being educated in the AACPS school system.
One of the key issues facing military families is frequent transitioning from one installation to the next. For these children to have an equal opportunity for academic success, it is important that our educators understand the unique situations experienced by the children of our service members.
AACPS implements the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, to which the State of Maryland is a signatory, to ensure that school personnel (particularly school counselors, high school registrars, and those responsible for registration at elementary and middle schools) are aware of, and able to respond appropriately to common concerns that affect military-connected children as a result of frequent moves and deployments.*
*Adapted from the AACPS Strategic Plan
Moving to the area?
Are you getting ready to PCS? Contact the school liaison to help ease your child's transition to their new school, whether it is stateside or international.
Contact Information:
Meredith A. McCandless (CYS, School Liaison Officer)
Directorate of Family & MWR
4550 Pershing Hall-Room 330a
Parade Field Lane
Fort George G. Meade, MD, 20755
Phone Number: (301)-677-1227
Email: Meredith.a.mccandless.naf@army.mil
Links that may be helpful:
Military Interstate Compact (MIC3)
Social Emotions Learning Resources for Military Families
How do we support military families at Ridgeway?
At Ridgeway, we are committed to:
· Identifying military-connected students who are newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled at the school.
· Act as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students/families.
· Connecting and informing military-connected students/families with available school services (resources).
· Assisting in coordinating school programs for military-connected students.
· Helping military-connected students/families navigate the transition into and out of school.
To support student transition, we will;
Partner new students with a 'buddy' student to ensure a smooth transition to Ridgeway Elementary. This buddy will ensure the new student has someone to ask questions of and lean on as a model while they learn the Ridgeway way!!
Celebrations:
Month of the Military Child-April
Military Appreciation Month- May
Military Family Appreciation Month-November