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Fort Leonard Wood leaders focus on back to school at the August Community Information Forum

By Angi Betran, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs OfficeAugust 8, 2024

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Garrison leaders gathered to discuss all things back to school, as well as an upcoming 24-hour gym pilot program, during the August Community Information Forum, held Aug. 7 in Lincoln Hall Auditorium.

Specker Gym will have extended hours Sept. 3 through Nov. 29, according to Elizabeth DeSanto, a representative from Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the directorate that oversees Specker. They gym will be open 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on federal holidays. Specker is open to DOD ID card holders only and customers must register their ID to access the facility.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Castleberry emphasized the need for leadership to make sure everyone is aware of the 24-hour gym pilot program.

“If you want this to happen (permanently), it has to be used,” he said, “Please take advantage of it.”

“We’re working toward improving the quality of life for service members, families, civilians and retirees — really the community at large — as we work to make Fort Leonard Wood certainly an installation of choice, but also a great place to live, learn and grow,” added Col. Steven Bartley, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander.

Waynesville R-VI School District

Waynesville R-VI School District Superintendent Hillary Bales spoke about activities leading up to the first day of school, Aug. 19, and how to make it a seamless transition for parents and school-age children.

“Please go and download our app,” she said. “It has all the information and events for our school district and is super helpful.”

Information on downloading the app can be found on the district’s website and on their Facebook page.

Bales said students and their parents are invited to attend a meet the teacher event Aug. 14 and 15. She recommended parents bring school supplies to meet the teacher night to avoid students being overloaded with supplies on the first day of school.

The Waynesville School District has open enrollment, meaning parents of both new and returning students must complete forms each year, including the military connected information for impact aid. Call 573.842.2092 for assistance.

Child & Youth Services

Fort Leonard Wood’s Child & Youth Services Division School Liaison Officer Bridget Plummer highlighted upcoming activities for children of all ages.

The End of Summer Bubble Run is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 10 on Gerlach Track. Plummer said the first 100 children registered will receive a bubble wand and there are currently about 40 children registered. Volunteers are still needed to oversee the armory of bubble blowers and bubble machines. Those interested in volunteering should arrive at 7:30 a.m. at Gerlach Track the morning of the run.

Plummer also said there is a free, teen-only pool party for students entering 6th through 12th grade, from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 16 at Wallace Pool. There will be pizza, giveaways and a dive contest.

A Partners in Education training meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 27 at Pershing Community Center.

For more information, call CYS at 573.596.0238 or visit their website.

FMWR Business and Recreation

DeSanto talked about upcoming recreation activities, to include the cardboard boat race and back-to-school fair.

The race is scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 10 at Training Area 250. Boat construction rules and race information can be found here.

The back-to-school fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Bruce C. Clarke Library. Backpacks and school supplies will be given away, while supplies last, to school-age children of DOD ID card holders.

DeSanto said a luau event, scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at Wallace Pool, is no longer a pre-register event and the cost will be that of a half-price swim. Mini golf and axe throwing as well, as concessions will be available at regular price.

For more information, visit the Fort Leonard Wood FMWR website.

Better Opportunities for Single Service Members

Sgt. Meetkumar Patel, with Fort Leonard Wood’s BOSS program, talked upcoming BOSS events and volunteering.

“This year, we got bronze from the presidential volunteer corps,” Patel said. “We’re pushing for gold next fiscal year, so we need you to encourage your service members to come out and volunteer.”

Call 573.563.5967 or find the BOSS program on Facebook and Instagram.

Upcoming events include paintball and a pool party Aug. 17, a golf scramble Aug. 22 and 23 and a comedy show Aug. 23.

U.S Army Garrison Safety Program

Safety Specialist Craig Reeves encouraged parents to talk to children about being safe while going back to school, and for drivers to be aware of cross walks and stopping busses. See next week’s eGuidon for more on back-to-school safety.

Spouse Resource Center

Vanessa Arzabala, Truman Army Education and Personnel Testing Center guidance counselor, invited everyone to the combined college graduation at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Main Post Chapel.

Arzabala also provided an overview of upcoming Spouse Resource Center events, such as the free professional headshot event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21, and employment opportunities with the Mission and Installation Contracting Command at 1 p.m. Aug. 29. The MICC will be taking resumes on the spot for their developmental positions.

Those interested in learning more about the Fort Leonard Wood SRC can call 573.596.3196.

CID Community Engagement Team

Special Agent Adrian Diaz with the CID Community Engagement Team stressed the importance of internet safety training for parents and children. According to Diaz, the amount of time children and adults are online over the summer puts them at an increased risk.

Email the Fort Leonard Wood CID Community Engagement Team at FLWCIDCommunityEngagement@army.mil for internet safety training, tailored to specific age groups, from kindergarten through adult.

Religious Support Services

Martha Strong, director of religious education, announced the first day of school parent’s prayer and fellowship meeting at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 at the Main Post Chapel. After children are dropped off at school, parents, grandparents and anyone who supports parents of school-age children are invited for coffee and donuts, followed by chaplains leading prayer at 9:30 a.m.

For information on this and other events, visit the RSO Facebook page.

The Community Information Forum is held at 10:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month. To check the location for each month, and view the slides for more information, visit their website.