DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Although the weather is still scorching hot and leaves aren’t changing colors yet, it is the time of year to prepare children for going back to school.
The 2018-19 school year for the Abilene Independent School District begins Aug. 22, and there’s a lot to be done to ensure kids and their parents are adequately prepared.
“One of the most important things parents can do is educate themselves on the Military Child Interstate Compact,” said Diane Russell, 7th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. “It addresses information on enrollment, attendance, placement and many other factors for military families.”
The compact was developed in 2006 by the Council of State Governments and the U.S. Department of Defense. It uses a comprehensive approach for military families that provides consistent policies in all school districts and states that choose to join.
Although military families can face unique and unexpected challenges during the school year, some things never change. Children need to be enrolled in a timely manner, have shot records up to date, a physical, if necessary, and much more paperwork.
“Most of the information we needed was readily available online,” said Jeda Stach, mother who is sending her child to school for the first time. “We are new to the process, but we made sure we had a birth certificate, proof of residence, social security card and shot records.”
All of the paperwork can be uploaded online or turned in if you register at the school. Registration takes approximately 45 minutes. While there are many things a parent can do to set their child up for a successful school year, it’s good to get advice from seasoned parents and know where to start.
“Typically, the biggest issue we have is tackling their sleep schedule and getting them back on school hours,” said Amee May, mom of school age children. “I would also let them do school work in some old work books so that they get excited again about learning new things.”
When kids are excited about getting to school they may tend to forget certain safety measures when walking or riding their bikes. Ensuring they know all safety rules is imperative to their safety and drivers.
“There will be children everywhere, running in between cars on foot, bicycles, scooters and skateboards,” Russell said. “Some will even be chatting, while not realizing they need to stop and look before crossing the roads. Please teach your children to be aware of everything around them.”
To help ensure the safety of children, Dyess has made some changes to the flow of traffic and gate hours this year. The Delaware Gate, located by Dyess Elementary, will be open from 7-8 a.m. and 2:30-3:45 p.m. During these hours, traffic will flow one-way from Alabama to Kansas road along Louisiana.
For more information, parents can go online to their appropriate school for specifics. They can also contact Diane Russell at (325) 660-8764.