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August

August 28, 2009 -Kids of deployed soldiers show psychological effects By Amy Norton NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Recent studies have shown that U.S. veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming back with high rates of post -traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems. Now research suggests that deployment may be taking a toll on their kids, too: Children of U.S. service members deployed overseas may have an elevated risk of anxiety and other emotional difficulties. In a study of 116 spouses of deployed Army personnel, researchers found that one -third of the participants' school -aged children were at high risk of so -called psychosocial problems. The most common ones were "internalizing" symptoms, such as being anxious, worried or crying more often. The results, published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, are based on a screening questionnaire - which means that the children deemed at "high risk" of psychosocial problems do not necessarily have them. Full Article +

August 27, 2009 - At camp, military kids share laughs, fears By KIMBERLY HEFLING (AP) FOMBELL, Pa. - Thirteen -year -old David Rojas didn't tell his mother how terribly he missed her while she was on Navy deployments to the Middle East, because he worried it would upset her. Knowing her mother is under stress, Shania Jones, 10, does extra chores to help with her younger brother and sister while her dad's away with the West Virginia Army National Guard on his second Iraq deployment. "Deployment" is a word unfamiliar to many children. For David, Shania and other military kids who stayed recently at Camp Kon -O -Kwee in western Pennsylvania, it's a way of life that's become increasingly hard.

August 27, 2009 - Discriminating Shoppers An article in the August 21st 2009 Gazette tells of $5.8 million in federal grants being awarded to Colorado Springs school districts where the military population is growing. The article says this: "Four Pikes Peak region school districts have been awarded Defense Department grants aimed at assisting schools where the military population is growing. The area districts - Academy School District 20, Falcon School District 49, Harrison School District 2 and Fountain -Fort Carson School District 8 - received $5.8 million to use on programs over three years. The districts will use the money to improve student achievement, and Falcon and Harrison have targeted math programs in particular. The Department of Defense Education Activity awarded $56 million nationwide, and was able to make awards to all qualified districts, said spokeswoman Connie Gillette. The grants are for schools with at least a 15 percent military dependent population, but the programs can serve all students in the school." Over 10,000 new soldiers and airmen will be flowing into the Colorado Springs area over the next couple of years, so these grants were not unexpected. Take another look at the districts that are receiving these grants and take note of the district that is not receiving the money. D11, the largest district in the region, does not qualify for the federal funding. When military families move to a new location, the parents tend to be discriminating shoppers when it comes to the education of their children. It is apparent that very few military families would place their children in a school district that spends little effort on educating kids. Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Ft. Lewis, McChord schools awarded grants The Suburban Times, Ben Sinclair � August 24, 2009 ARLINGTON, VA -The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership awarded grants to two Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base area schools through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 09 Competitive Grant Program. The Bethel School District in Spanaway, Washington received a grant in the amount of approximately $500,000. The Clover Park School District in Lakewood, Washington received a grant in the amount of $2 million. The amount of the grants is based on the number of military -connected students within the school district. The grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement, and educator professional development at military -connected schools with projected military student growth between 2007 and 2009 due to force structure changes. This data is based on a Report to Congress on Assistance to Local Educational Agencies for Defense Dependents Education published in March 2008. School districts serving 22 military installations identified through that report were invited to submit a grant proposal. Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Clover Park, Bethel score DoDEA grants MICHAEL SWAN Clover Park School District and Bethel School District were awarded $2 million and $500,000, respectively, by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership's Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 09 Competitive Grant Program. That's great news, but a mouthful. The amount of the grants is based on the number of military -connected students within the school districts. The Fort Lewis PAO relayed a release from the Dept. of Defense Education Activity regarding the grant distribution: The grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement, and educator professional development at military -connected schools with projected military student growth between 2007 and 2009 due to force structure changes. This data is based on a Report to Congress on Assistance to Local Educational Agencies for Defense Dependents Education published in March 2008. School districts serving 22 military installations identified through that report were invited to submit a grant proposal. Full Article +

24 Aug Pentagon Channel: View

August 24, 2009 - Local school districts receive $3.8 million grants for military kids Story By: Bea Karnes, KOAA, Channel 5, Colorado Springs Three school districts with high enrollments of children connected to the military, have received $3.8 million in federal grants to help kids master math skills. Project AIM: Achievement in Math for Low -Achieving Military and Civilian Students, awarded Falcon D -49 $2 million, Fountain -Fort Carson School District $1.5 million and Harrison School District $300,000. According to Brandy Gill, Fort Carson spokeswoman, the award will benefit all families with school -age children in the Colorado Springs area, "Since Colorado Springs has such a large military population, this will definitely have a positive impact on children of military Families to include children of Fort Carson Soldiers. In the bigger picture though, it will benefit the whole community. In that respect, it's a huge win for the district." Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Area schools get $5.8M to help military kids THE GAZETTE, SUE McMILLIN Four Pikes Peak region school districts have been awarded Defense Department grants aimed at assisting schools where the military population is growing. The area districts - Academy School District 20, Falcon School District 49, Harrison School District 2 and Fountain -Fort Carson School District 8 - received $5.8 million to use on programs over three years. The districts will use the money to improve student achievement, and Falcon and Harrison have targeted math programs in particular. The Department of Defense Education Activity awarded $56 million nationwide, and was able to make awards to all qualified districts, said spokeswoman Connie Gillette. The grants are for schools with at least a 15 percent military dependent population, but the programs can serve all students in the school. Fort Carson is in the midst of adding about 6,500 soldiers this year; Peterson and Shriever Air Force bases will grow by a few hundred airmen over several years. Here's a look at what the area school districts received because of that growth and what the money will be used for: Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Support, advice for parents, kids gearing up for school Andrews AFB Capital Flyer, By Pacifica Chehy When entering Dr. John Bennett's, one might think they have walked into an office supply store. However, this is no Staples; it is the base school liaison officer's workplace office. Surrounded by high stacks of new spiral -bound notebooks, scissors, glue sticks, crayons, folders, markers, colored pencils and other school necessities, Dr. Bennett, 316th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center school liaison officer, has the unique opportunity to give Team Andrews kids the tools they need to start the school year right. Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Jones addresses local officials ENC Today, (NC) JANNETTE PIPPIN SWANSBORO - As he spoke before an audience of town and county leaders Wednesday night in Swansboro, Congressman Walter Jones opened his comments with words of thanks. He said they are the ones on the front lines, dealing with constituents and issues in their respective communities on a daily basis. "I go back to Washington. You may see constituents every day at the gas station, at the store, in church," said U.S. Rep. Jones, R -NC. "I have great appreciation for the things you do." Jones was the guest speaker at a meeting of the Crystal Coast Mayor's Association, which was sponsored by the Town of Swansboro. The meeting brought together local government officials from both Onslow and Carteret counties and gave them an opportunity to ask questions about issues impacting the area. Military growth was one issue that came up, and while the influx of military personnel and families is seen as a good thing for the region, there are challenges that come with the increase, officials said. Onslow County Manager Jeff Hudson asked about impact aid to help the county with its responsibility to provide an education for the children of military families. Full Article +

August 24, 2009 - Online courses help families Clover Park: New option for computer -based academy aimed at children with a parent in military JOYCE CHEN; The News Tribune Clover Park School District is contracting with Federal Way's Internet Academy to offer an online program this fall, catering mostly to children in military families. The program is targeted at kindergartners to eighth -graders living on Fort Lewis, who will have the option of taking courses online, with eight hours a week of required face -to -face instruction and support from a part -time teacher on post. The district will pay $150,000 for an online curriculum. The program will give flexibility to children of military personnel with unpredictable schedules, said Norma Melo, Fort Lewis school liaison officer. Full Article +

August 21, 2009 - Online classes to greet Wildcats this semester By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail TWENTYNINE PALMS - Thanks to the wonders of the Internet and a Department of Defense grant, students at Twentynine Palms High School, 72750 Wildcat Way, will have three more advanced placement classes at their disposal this year. School will begin for about 850 Twentynine Palms High School students on Monday, Aug. 24. Like Yucca Valley High School on the west end, Twentynine Palms High School students will take classes offered online by Aventa Learning. About 39 Wildcat students are expected to take advance placement classes in European history, psychology and chemistry. According to information on the Aventa Learning Web site, the European history course, a two -semester course, covers the fall of Constantinople to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is taught at the level normally reserved for a college freshman or sophomore modern history course. Full Article +

August 20, 2009 - When a parent goes to war, military kids grow up fast Children of parents deployed to wars overseas assume adult responsibilities By Stephanie Chen CNN - In Pennsylvania, Tyler Dix, a 16 -year -old movie buff, is wide awake by 7 a.m. to cook breakfast for his younger siblings. In Georgia, Tucker Simmons, a 14 -year old novice guitarist, prepares ice packs for his mother whenever her chronic lower back pain kicks in. In California, Kaylei Deakin, an avid 17 -year old rock climber, disciplines her little sisters when they act out. Tyler, Tucker and Kaylei are three teenagers from across the country who have very different interests, but one experience that bonds them: They grew up fast - sometimes too quickly - to fill the shoes of mom or dad when their parent was shipped off to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the death toll from the two wars has risen over the last eight years, the fight has also affected a growing number of children left at home to cope without a parent. Full Article +

August 20, 2009 - SUBASE has new resource for families with school age children By: Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. - Southeastern Connecticut Navy families with school age children will have a new resource for the 2009 -2010 academic year, as Naval Submarine New London (SUBASE) welcomed a new School Liaison this summer. Miranda Chapman became SUBASE's first School Liaison in July. "The Navy believes that School Liaison Officers will be a step in the right direction toward helping schools and installations respond to the complexities of transition and deployment," said Chapman. Full Article +

August 19, 2009 - Online classes to greet Wildcats this semester By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail TWENTYNINE PALMS - Thanks to the wonders of the Internet and a Department of Defense grant, students at Twentynine Palms High School, 72750 Wildcat Way, will have three more advanced placement classes at their disposal this year. School will begin for about 850 Twentynine Palms High School students on Monday, Aug. 24. Like Yucca Valley High School on the west end, Twentynine Palms High School students will take classes offered online by Aventa Learning. About 39 Wildcat students are expected to take advance placement classes in European history, psychology and chemistry. Full Article +

August 18, 2009 - Area schools to benefit from government grant HCS will receive almost $2 million for educational programs By KELLY R. CANTRALL HARDIN COUNTY - Hardin County Schools is getting a hand in teaching the children of servicemen and women. Hardin County Schools will receive almost $2 million worth of grant money from the Department of Defense Education Activity to use for educational programs at schools with a population of military children. The grant, worth $1,990,024, will fund programs that help prevent students from falling behind or intervene when students face academic problems. The programs will be used at 12 schools. The schools should start getting the money in September. Full Article +

August 18, 2009 - Defense grant to fund school reading program Havelock News, By Sue Book Craven County Schools can expand a pilot project on innovative reading instruction to 14 schools with a $1.5 million Department of Defense grant. "We are thrilled that Craven County Schools was awarded the Department of Defense Education Activity grant," Col. Frank P. Bottorff, exiting base commander at Cherry Point, said in a statement. "This grant will have a direct impact on improving the reading skills of numerous students to include the children of our Marines, sailors and government employees. "Our military families don't just live here, we are an integral part of the community, and we're happy to be a part of a program that benefits so many schools." Full Article +

August 17, 2009 - OCEANSIDE: OUSD gets $2M grant for reading help Programs will go into schools with many military families North County Times, STACY BRANDT Four Oceanside schools will be able to start new intervention programs this year for students struggling to read, thanks to a $2 million federal grant. The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity announced earlier this month that it would give Oceanside Unified School District $2 million over the next three years to fund reading programs at three elementary schools and a middle school with a high percentage of students from military families. Students at those schools who are at least two years behind in reading skills will qualify for the programs. It's important to have special help for students from military families because they often face instability in their home and school lives, said Jeanne Iman, director of curriculum and instruction for the district. Full Article +

August 17, 2009 - DoDEA Educational Partnership awards grant to CMCS, Clarkesville Online ARLINGTON, VA - The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership awarded a $2 million grant to Clarksville -Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) in Clarksville, Tennessee through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 09 Competitive Grant Program. The Clarksville -Montgomery School District supports students whose families are stationed at Fort Campbell. The DoDEA grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement, and educator professional development at military -connected schools with projected military student growth between 2007 and 2009 due to force structure changes. This data is based on a Report to Congress on Assistance to Local Educational Agencies for Defense Dependents Education published in March 2008. School districts serving 22 military installations identified through that report were invited to submit a grant proposal. Full Article +

August 17, 2009 - Grant brings $2M to Clarksville -Montgomery County schools Money will help to support system's military dependents By ANN WALLACE - The Leaf -Chronicle (August 15, 2009)

The Clarksville -Montgomery County School System has $2 million more in its coffers after an announcement today by the Department of Defense Education Activity Educational Partnership. "This grant could not have been awarded at a better time as we implement the new more rigorous academic standards adopted by the state of Tennessee," said Michael Harris, director of Clarksville -Montgomery County Schools. "This will go a long way in helping us support our military dependents and their academic needs," Harris added. The grant is funneled through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 09 Competitive Grant Program. Full Article +

August 13, 2009 - School Board receives $2 Million Grant Leesville Daily Leader The Vernon Parish School Board has been awarded a generous grant in the amount of $2 million. The grant was awarded by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership through the promoting student achievement at schools impacted by military force structure changes. The Vernon Parish School District was chosen because it supports students with families stationed at Fort Polk. General James C. Yarbrough said the grant will be beneficial to both the post and the community. "Just last month, the Vernon Parish School System was one of the signers to the reaffirmation of the Army Community Covenant. This educational partnership grant will further the goals of that covenant and allow us and the school system to strengthen our working relationship," Yarbrough said. "It is difficult to overstate the value education has in our society, and we are pleased with the commitment the Department of Defense Education Activity has shown to the administrators, teachers, parents and students of the Vernon Parish School System." Full Article +

August 13, 2009 - Defense department grant will help Craven students with reading Sue Book Sun Journal Staff Craven County Schools can expand a pilot project on innovative reading instruction to a total of 14 schools with a $1.5 million Department of Defense grant the system learned it received this week. "We are thrilled that Craven County Schools was awarded the Department of Defense Education Activity grant," said Col. Frank P. Bottorff, exiting MCAS Cherry Point commander. "This grant will have a direct impact on improving the reading skills of numerous students to include the children of our Marines, Sailors and government employees. Our military families don't just live here, we are an integral part of the community and we're happy to be a part of a program that benefits so many schools." Larry Moser, Craven County Schools' superintendent, said, "This program, called Fast Forward, is a research -based program that will help all of our students at those schools with at least 25 percent enrollment of military -connected students." Full Article +

August 11, 2009 - Schools to Do More for Military Students By Ana Tintocalis, NPR, San Diego SAN DIEGO - San Diego Unified public schools near the Miramar Corps Air Station will share a $2.5 million federal grant intended for programs that could make life easier for military students between deployments. The U.S. Department of Defense collectively awarded eight schools the money. District officials say those campuses take in about 3,200 students with ties to the military. That's about 26 percent of the district's student population. Full Article +

August 7, 2009 - Randolph Field ISD selected for $1.3 million DoD grant by Senior Airman Katie Hickerson Editor RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - The Department of Defense Education Activity board announced July 29 that Randolph Field Independent School District was selected to receive a $1.3 million grant to be awarded over the next three years. Randolph Field's goal is to reduce the achievement gap between at -risk students and their peers and this grant money will help reach that goal through enhancing educator professional development student learning opportunities and achievement in the areas of mathematics, science, reading, English language arts and writing. "The district appreciates the opportunity afforded through this grant to accelerate our progress toward becoming a professional learning community that will enhance the academic achievement of each Randolph Field ISD student," Billy Walker, RFISD superintendent said. Full Article +

August 7, 2009 - Students affected by military get boost The Tribune, Colorado The Department of Defense Education Activity, known as the DoDEA, awarded a $2 million grant to Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 09 Competitive Grant Program. The grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement and educator professional development at military -connected schools with projected military student growth between 2007 and 2009 due to force structure changes. This data is based on a Report to Congress on Assistance to Local Educational Agencies for Defense Dependents Education published in March 2008. School districts serving 22 military installations identified through that report were invited to submit a grant proposal. "Since Colorado Springs has such a large military population, this will definitely have a positive impact on children of military families to include children of Fort Carson soldiers," said Brandy Gill, Fort Carson spokesperson. "In the bigger picture though, it will benefit the whole community. In that respect, it's a huge win for the district." Full Article +

August 6, 2009 - USD 475 & 383 Receive Department Of Defense Grants Two Fort Riley area schools are getting big grants from the Defense Department. The Daily Union reports the Department of Defense education activity awarded Geary County Unified School District 475 about $2 million and USD 383 Manhattan -Ogden more than $452,000. The grants are given to schools impacted by military force structure changes. To enhance educational opportunities for soldiers and their families which will have a direct impact on military readiness, retention and recruitment. Full Article +

August 6, 2009 - Educational partnership awards grant to NC schools The Associated Press (WBTV, Rocky Mountain Telegram, WMBF, Fayetteville News and Observer) FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Department of Defense has awarded a $2 million grant to a North Carolina school district that educates students from two military bases. The Cumberland County School District was awarded the money Wednesday and will focus on increasing math and science skills. The district serves over 16,600 students from families at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The grant program was created to help schools affected by base realignment plans and it is meant to enhance the education of military students. The money will target five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Full Article +

August 6, 2009 - Schools get $2 million grant for math, science programs By Sarah A. Reid Staff writer, Fayetteville Observer The Department of Defense Education Activity announced Wednesday that Cumberland County schools received a $2 million competitive grant. The money will help bolster math and science programs, said Paula Shambach, the grants development coordinator for Cumberland County schools. Eight schools in the Westover district will receive a portion of the proceeds. Those schools are: Westover High School, Westover Middle School, Anne Chestnutt Middle School, Ponderosa Elementary, Morganton Road Elementary, Cliffdale Elementary, Bill Hefner Elementary and Ben Martin Elementary. School districts serving 22 military installations were eligible to apply for funding, according to a news release. The money was available to school systems that will have military student growth between 2007 and 2009 because of base realignments and closures. To apply, at least 15 percent of each school's population had to be military -connected students, Shambach said. School systems could ask for up to $1,200 per military student over the three -year grant period. Full Article +

August 6, 2009 - Two Fort Riley area schools are getting big grants from the Defense Department. The Daily Union reports the Department of Defense education activity awarded Geary County Unified School District 475 about $2 million and USD 383 Manhattan -Ogden more than $452,000. The grants are given to schools impacted by military force structure changes. To enhance educational opportunities for soldiers and their families which will have a direct impact on military readiness, retention and recruitment. Full Article +

August 3, 2009 - Manhattan Area Schools Get Grant From Department Of Defense Save Email Print Reporter: 13 News, WIBW - CBS The Department of Defense has given a very helpful grant to Manhattan area schools. The Department of Defense education activity awarded USD 383 Manhattan -Ogden schools a grant for over $452,000. The grant was given through a competitive program for schools impacted by military force structure changes. The amount of the grant is based on the number of military connected students within the school district. The grant will focus on enhancing student learning opportunities and achievement as well as educator professional development. Full Article +

August 3, 2009 - Area schools get DOD grants By The Capital -Journal

School districts in Geary and Riley County received large grants this month from the Department of Defense Education Activity through a program aimed at improving achievement in areas impacted by military changes. Manhattan -Ogden Unified School District 383 and Geary County USD 475, both of which serve families connected to Fort Riley, received grants through the Military Force Structure Changes 2009 Competitive Grant Program. According to the Department of Defense, Manhattan -Ogden received $452,400 and Geary County took in about $2 million. The amount of the grants was determined by the number of children in the district affected by military changes. "The Department of Defense Education Activity Grant reinforces our partnership with the Central Flint Hills region," said Nikki Crisman, Fort Riley's Child and Youth Services coordinator. "Additionally, it reinforces our partnership for soldiers and families who live and work in these communities." Full Article +