FORT RUCKER, Ala. (February 27, 2015) -- With frequent moves and parents who often work non-traditional hours, military children experience their own stressors, and that's why local school officials are doing what they can to make sure students of military families feel welcome.
In a partnership between Fort Rucker and Enterprise City Schools, Kim Kozel, Fort Rucker Youth Education Support Services school liaison officer, and Christie Faulkner, military family support liaison for Enterprise City Schools, teamed up to make sure new students of military families come into a nurturing environment with a welcome celebration for students across Enterprise elementary schools.
One such welcome took place at Rucker Boulevard Elementary Feb. 20 where 35 new military students were treated to cookies, juice and a free book donated by Blue Star Families.
"We've been having military socials for our military students for quite some time, but this is the first year we've done a newcomers' social, which is just for our new military students who are new to the school and new to the community this year," said Faulkner. "We're doing this to help them transition into the school and feel welcome, because it's important to make these children feel welcome and happy."
The children ranged from first to sixth graders and each was allowed to choose a book appropriate to their age level. On top of that, they were each gifted a camouflage book bag filled with goodies, coupons and items associated with the military.
"We're excited that their family is here in Enterprise and that their family chose our city to live in, so we just want to make sure that all of their needs are being met," said Faulkner. "When a student feels good about themselves and they're happy where they are, they're going to be able to succeed."
That success is dependent on a partnership between Fort Rucker and the surrounding communities to work together to make sure these students and families are taken care of, said Kozel.
"Fort Rucker's support is important," she said. "When families first get here, it's a really chaotic time with getting the kids in school or the parents starting their new jobs and just getting everybody situated, but I know the support helps the families to get acclimated and helps them get situated.
"This allows the parents to focus on their job knowing that their children are taken care of," Kozel continued. "I think it's also important that the school systems know that Fort Rucker appreciates their efforts and are there to help."
That support wouldn't be available without the help of people like Faulkner, who takes a personal interest in each child that comes through the system, said Kozel.
"She meets with every elementary school student upon arrival and checks in with them periodically to make sure they are doing OK," she said. "She also works with the families, which I think is an important part, especially upon arrival. That's a special perk that Christie is here to provide that kind of support and I think it helps tremendously with helping them get into the swing of things."
Faulkner said a personal connection like that is important for military children because they can be so used to moving from school to school that it can become overwhelming. She makes sure to build a relationship with that student, so if that child needs someone to lean on, she will be there.
"I just want to be there to say, 'Hey, I just want to introduce myself to you and let you know if you need anything that you can come see me, just tell your teacher that you need me and if there's anything that I can do for you, I'll help you out.' If they're having a rough day or just want me to come eat lunch with them, I'll be there for them," she said. "Most of the time the kids are great, but every once in a while you have a child who is just having a bad day or is really homesick, so that's when you feel you've caught them at the right moment to help them out."
In addition to making the military students feel welcome at Rucker Boulevard Elementary, Kozel and Faulkner have welcomed students at Harrand Creek Elementary School, and plan to visit at least three other elementary schools in the coming weeks.
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