DoDEA HQ Office of Communications
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350-1400
The DoDEA Communications Office initiates and manages DoDEA's communications and outreach efforts worldwide. The office coordinates press relations, internal information programs and communication with students, parents, teachers, school administrators and the public.
The HQ Communications Office:
Issues news releases and media advisories about DoDEA initiatives, employees and programs Produces video and television promotional and informational products marketed worldwide Maintains the DoDEA web site Designs printed promotional and informational material and graphic artwork to accompany publications, promotions and initiatives
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — November 18, 2009 — Some two million U.S. military children have had one or both parents deployed since 2001. Understanding the challenges facing military families—and the resources available to assist military children—is essential to meeting their unique educational needs. The American Association of School Administrators has released a toolkit on Supporting the Military Child to help school leaders meet the needs of children whose parents are deployed or in transition. This free, online resource is available on the AASA website at www.aasa.org/MilitaryChild.aspx.
"Children of military families often face multiple stressors, including frequent moves and extended periods of separation from loved ones," said AASA President Mark Bielang, superintendent in Paw Paw, Mich. "School leaders play an important part in helping these students maintain a sense of stability and stay on track to achieve their educational goals."
"The AASA Toolkit on Supporting the Military Child will assist the many schools with children in their communities who have family members who have been deployed," said AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech. "AASA is thankful to the Veteran's Support Foundation for making this project possible."
AASA developed the toolkit with a grant from the Veterans Support Foundation. In addition, Randy Collins, AASA past president and superintendent in Waterford, Conn.; Linda Spoonster Schwartz, commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs; and the Department of Defense Education Activity lent their support to the development of the toolkit.
The American Association of School Administrators, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA's mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. For more information, visit www.aasa.org. Follow AASA on twitter at www.twitter.com/AASAHQ. Become a fan of the AASA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AASApage.