Fairbanks schools highlight supports for military-connected students during Month of the Military Child

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Superintendent Dr. Luke Minard and military leaders on a district podcast said April is an opportunity to spotlight services for military-connected students, who make up ‘‘over 25%’’ of the district’s enrollment.

"While our kids aren't in the uniform per se, they serve right alongside of us," said Colonel John Campbell, US Army Garrison Alaska commander, speaking about the role military families play in the community. The guests told listeners that the district and military partners aim to reduce stressors that accompany frequent Permanent Change of Station moves and help students settle into new schools.

Janet Ferris, the Fort Wainwright school liaison officer, described concrete supports used in the district: transition centers for arriving students, youth sponsorships in classrooms and early school-liaison contact to connect incoming families with counselors and services. "These families will go on the school district website…and when they see that Purple Star on that site, they are comforted," Ferris said of the Purple Star designation, which recognizes schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students.

The podcast outlined why the support matters to readiness and family stability. "If that's not taken care of and we have some disruptions…am I focused on readiness or am I focused on my family?" said Colonel Tim Foster, 354th Mission Support Group commander, explaining the shared interest of schools and military leaders in students' successful transitions.

Ferris announced the state Purple Star designation award ceremony will be in Fairbanks on April 17 at Lyrop High School from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., where the district will help recognize more than 27 schools that are newly designated or renewing their status; visiting schools will tour local campuses afterward.

Speakers credited district teachers, counselors and school-liaison officers with smoothing transitions and noted services available through Army and Air Force family support programs. They also urged new arrivals to prepare for interior Alaska weather and to engage in outdoor community life as part of adapting to the region.

The episode closed with thanks to military partners and a reminder that PCS season — the period when many families move — was approaching and that the district and its military partners would continue coordinating to support incoming students.