Military Family Information

Melwood Military Family Support

Listening and support in a respectful environment.
Support programs for military-connected students.
Collaborates with local military installations or organizations to support military families.
Training and information sessions for parents and/or community members regarding the challenges facing military-connected students and families, or other topics related to military-connected students.

Melwood provides a dedicated point of contact to assist families during the transition into or out of the school.

Registration Support: Guidance on PGCPS enrollment specific to military orders.
Records Transfer: Expedited handling of academic and immunization records to ensure students are placed in the correct programs (Gifted and Talented, Special Education, etc.) without delay.
Interstate Compact Compliance: We adhere to the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses key transition issues like course placement, graduation requirements, and extracurricular eligibility.

Our counseling department and Community Schools Coordinator (CSC) provide targeted support for the emotional wellbeing of military children.

Deployment Support: Small group or individual check-ins for students experiencing the absence of a parent due to deployment or extended training.
Student Ambassadors: A "New Student Peer" program where current students help military-connected newcomers navigate the building and find social circles quickly.
Transition Counseling: Focus on building resilience and coping skills for students who move frequently.

We celebrate our military families to ensure they feel a sense of belonging within the Melwood community.

Month of the Military Child (April): A dedicated month of activities, including "Purple Up! Day," where the entire school wears purple to show support for military youth.
Veterans Day Program: An annual assembly where military-connected students are encouraged to invite their service member parents/guardians to be recognized.
Military Appreciation Displays: Space in our "Global Gallery" or hallways dedicated to honoring the service of our school's families.

As an IB World School, we provide a globally recognized framework that is particularly beneficial for military families who may move internationally.

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP): The inquiry-based model allows students to transfer skills more easily between international and high-performing domestic schools.
Standardized Testing Support: Specialized assistance in navigating state-specific testing (like MCAP) for students arriving from different jurisdictions.

Through the Community Schools office, we connect families to external military-specific resources.

Joint Base Andrews Liaison: We maintain a relationship with the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at nearby Joint Base Andrews to coordinate resources.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Support: Assistance in aligning school-based Special Education (IEP/504) services with military family support programs.
MFLC (Military and Family Life Counseling): Access to information regarding non-medical counseling services available to military members and their dependents.

If you are a military family new to Melwood or preparing for an upcoming deployment, please contact:

Shakeva Austin-Bullock, Registrar: To update your "Military Connected" status in our student information system.
LaShonda McFarland, School Counselor & Military Liaison : To request social-emotional support for your child. Parent Counseling Referral Form Parent Needs Assessment
Rochel Jeffrey (CSC): For connection to community resources and military-specific partnership programs.
Rochelle Savoy (IB Coordinator):To learn more about our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)