LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- As the school year begins, families across our services prepare for new teachers, new routines, and, for many military-connected students, an entire new schools. Whether your child is entering Kindergarten, transitioning to middle or high school, or enrolling after a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), thoughtful preparation can make the difference between a stressful start and a successful one for not only your child, but your family.
School transitions are a common part of military life. While children are remarkably resilient, they benefit greatly from support, consistency, and open communication from both parents and school staff. As your Department of the Air Force School Liaison, our goal is to help every military-connected student experience a smooth transition and thrive both academically and socially.
Before the First Day
Preparation begins well before the school bus arrives. Review your child's school calendar, transportation plan, and daily schedule. Practice morning and evening routines a week before school starts to help everyone adjust to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times. Younger children often feel more confident when they know what to expect.
If your child is attending a new school, consider:
- Touring the campus before the first day.
- Meeting the teacher or school staff if possible.
- Locating classrooms, cafeterias, and drop-off areas.
- Discussing any questions or worries your child may have.
- Be sure to follow social media pages for both the school district and campus pages.
- Check out any back-to-school events in your local area so you can meet up with friends prior to school starting.
- 1 Aug – Backpack Brigade with 189th Airlift Wing: Begins at 9 a.m.
- 4 Aug – Back to School Bash at Camp Robinson: 4-6:30 p.m.
- 7 Aug – Back to School Open House at Youth Program/Big Base Lake: 4-6:30 p.m.
For military families who recently moved, encourage your child to share positive memories from their previous school while looking forward to making new connections. It's normal for children to miss old friends while building new friendships.
Build a Partnership with the School
Strong communication between families and schools supports student success. Introduce yourself to teachers, counselors, and school administrators early in the school year. Let them know your family is military-connected and share any information that may help them understand your child's experiences, particularly if you anticipate an upcoming deployment, training exercise, or another military transition.
Many schools have Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), school counselors, or military student clubs that help students connect with peers who understand military life. Ask what resources are available. Remember that School Liaisons are available to help families navigate school enrollment, graduation requirements, Interstate Compact questions, and connections with school personnel.
Ease First-Day Jitters
Feeling nervous about a new school year is perfectly normal. Help your child by:
- Listening without immediately trying to solve every concern.
- Talking positively about new opportunities.
- Helping them identify one goal for the first week, such as learning a classmate's name or joining a club.
- Celebrating small successes during the first few weeks.
- If you are new to the area, please stop by the School Liaison office for a few New Kid on The Block resources to ease your transition!!
Stay Involved the First Week
Parental involvement remains one of the strongest predictors of student success. Ask open-ended questions after school. Use travel time in the car to have meaningful conversations:
- What made you smile today?
- What was something new you learned?
- Who did you spend time with today?
- Is there anything that surprised you?
- Who did you help today?
Supporting Military Children During Transitions
Military children often experience multiple school moves throughout their educational journey. Each transition can affect academics, friendships, and emotional well-being. Watch for signs that your child may need additional support, including:
- Changes in sleep or eating habits.
- Increased anxiety or irritability.
- Withdrawal from family or friends.
- Reluctance to attend school.
- Declining academic performance.
These behaviors do not always indicate a serious problem, but they may signal that your child needs additional reassurance or support from school staff. Please remember that we are here to assist and have many programs built into your child’s school day or can work with the family together.
Encourage participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, music, or volunteer opportunities. These activities help students build friendships and feel connected more quickly. Building a connection to the new school environment can sometimes take up to 6 months and is completely normal.
Special Education: Planning for a Smooth Transition
For families of students receiving special education services, early planning is especially important during the back-to-school season and after PCS.
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan, contact the new school as soon as possible – even before classes begin. Providing copies of educational records early allows staff to prepare for your child's arrival and helps minimize delays in services.
Helpful steps include:
- Bring copies of your child's most recent IEP or 504 Plan, evaluations, progress reports, and any medical documentation.
- Schedule a meeting with the school's special education team shortly after enrollment.
- Share information about accommodations, communication preferences, behavioral supports, assistive technology, or successful strategies used at previous schools.
- Discuss transportation, nursing services, therapy schedules, or adaptive equipment if applicable.
Military families relocating between states benefit from protections under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. While special education services may not be identical from one state to another, schools work to provide comparable services while conducting any required evaluations or developing a new plan under state guidelines.
Parents remain valuable members of the educational team. If you have questions or concerns about services, maintain open communication with teachers, case managers, and school administrators. School Liaisons can also assist families in understanding available resources and connecting with appropriate personnel.
Encourage Independence
As children grow, encourage them to take increasing responsibility for their school success. Age-appropriate responsibilities may include:
- Packing backpacks each evening.
- Laying out clothing.
- Keeping track of assignments.
- Communicating respectfully with teachers.
- Managing extracurricular schedules on calendar.
- Practicing organizational skills.
These habits build confidence and prepare students for future academic success.
Prioritize Wellness
Healthy students are better prepared to learn. Aim for:
- Consistent sleep schedules.
- Nutritious breakfasts.
- Daily physical activity.
- Limited screen time before bed.
- Time for relaxation and family connection.
Remember that the first few weeks of school can be tiring. Allow time for adjustment as everyone settles into new routines.
You're Not Alone
Military families face unique challenges, but they also possess incredible strengths. Adaptability, resilience, and strong community connections help military children succeed wherever they go.
School Liaisons, educators, installation support agencies, your school’s District Military Education Coordinator, and community partners are committed to ensuring every military-connected student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
As the new school year begins, remember that successful transitions happen one step at a time. With preparation, communication, and teamwork, children can build confidence, create meaningful relationships, and enjoy a positive start to the school year.
Here's to a safe, successful, and exciting school year for all our military-connected students and their families!