Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Military Student Supports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Student-to-Student club, Anchored for Life program seek to support military-connected students
Summary
Board heard a presentation on Student-to-Student at King George High School and an Anchored for Life program for elementary schools; presenters described peer-mentoring activities and Navy-contracted supports for military-connected and transitioning students.
School staff and a student leader described two peer-support programs the division uses to help military-connected and transitioning students acclimate to new schools.
A presenter described Student-to-Student (S2S), a club at King George High School that has operated in the division for more than 15 years under the Military Child Education Coalition. The club pairs returning students with newcomers, provides school tours and runs meetings with food to help students form social connections. The presenter said S2S runs student-led activities and has organized events such as care-package drives for deployed service members.
The presenter also described Anchored for Life, a Navy-contracted peer-to-peer resiliency program for elementary students that provides training and a suite of materials ("welcome kit," deployment and going-away kits) and ongoing contractor support. Potomac Elementary School is implementing Anchored for Life; other schools attended information sessions and may adopt the program pending administrative decisions. The presenter explained King George County is classified as a tier 2 site for the contract (fewer than 10% active-duty-connected students), which affects how the Navy contract allocates adult training and support.
Student leader Zoe Bowman, identified as S2S president at King George High School, said the club gives new students tours, monthly meetings and meals to help incoming military children make friends and find peer support.
Board members asked whether homeschooled military children could participate; the presenter said homeschooled students registered with King George County Public Schools could potentially participate but logistical and scheduling challenges remain because club meetings generally occur during the school day. The presenter said she would consult the contractor and district office to explore options for homeschool participation.
Why it matters: King George County has a military-connected student population and multiple programs to support transitions. Both programs are partly supported through contractor funding and aim to reduce social-emotional disruption for students who move midyear.
The presenter invited administrators to contact the contractor for next steps; no formal board action was recorded on this item.
