Military Families
Grove Valley Elementary is proud to have a staff dedicated to supporting our military-connected students.
Mrs. Smalley, the assistant principal, is a military spouse and passionate about support for military-connected students. She serves as our Military Liaison. Her duties include:
- Coordinate quarterly Military Kids Club meetings
- Identifying military-connected students and ensuring they receive the necessary support services, including counseling, academic planning, and more.
- Planning activities for the Month of the Military Child in April.
- Celebrate military culture and recognize the contributions of military-connected students and families.
- Assisting the school in understanding the unique challenges faced by military families.
- Serve as a liaison between families, staff, and outside organizations
Transferring Records
Moving between schools can be challenging, but there are ways to ensure student records are transferred efficiently.
- Digital Record Transfers: Many schools now use digital platforms to transfer student records swiftly, including academic, medical, and disciplinary records. This ensures continuity in education despite frequent relocations.
- Interstate Compact Protections: The MIC3 ensures that schools receiving military students honor their previous educational placements, preventing disruptions in special education services, advanced courses, and extracurricular eligibility.
Grove Valley Elementary School Transfer Contact:
Email: GVAttendance@dcsok.org
Counseling and Support Services for Military-Connected Students
Our campus is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for military-connected students as they face the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent relocation, extended family separations, and transitioning to new schools. We offer comprehensive counseling and other support services tailored to meet the needs of these students and their families.
Counseling Services
- School Counselors: Our trained school counselors are available to support military-connected students with both academic and personal concerns. Whether adjusting to a new school, coping with a parent's deployment, or managing stress, our counselors provide a safe space for students to express their feelings and work through challenges.
- Small Group Counseling: We offer small group counseling sessions focused on specific topics such as coping with change, building resilience, and managing emotions. These peer-based groups help students feel connected and supported by others who may share similar experiences.
- Academic Support: In addition to counseling, military-connected students have access to academic resources designed to support their success. Our school recognizes the potential academic disruptions caused by relocations and works to provide a smooth transition into the curriculum.
Additional School-Based Support Services:
New Student Support Program: Through our Antler Ambassador program, we help new students build peer connections, form friendships, and adjust smoothly to their new environment.
Peer Mentoring Program: High school students serve as mentors, providing younger students with positive role models and meaningful connections.
Additional Support Services:
Military Family Life Counselor: Provides free and confidential short-term, problem-solving counseling to service members and their families.
Services are FREE and confidential and include but are not limited to:
- Deployment/Reintegration issues
- Marriage & relationship issues
- Parenting & Family
- Communication challenges
- Stress & anxiety/Depression/Grief & loss
- Individual or group settings
Services can be provided on or off military installations.
Click here for more information.