SCHINNEN, Netherlands - Students from military families have a mobility rate of about 31% -- nearly three times higher than the U.S. average -- which sometimes produces negative academic and social pressure due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life, according to Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) reports.
That's where the School Liaison Officer can help. Known as the "SLO," these resource personnel provide a vital connection between military families and local school districts or DoDEA schools, along with other community partners to promote quality education and academic support for military children and youth.
Currently, all branches of the Armed Services operate some form of the SLO program, creating a worldwide network of accessibility. Five SLOs serve the Benelux: Paula Emmert, USAG Brussels; Heather Gunter, 598th TRANS BDE, Rotterdam; Pamela Shackelford, 470th Air Base Squadron, Geilenkirchen; Barbara Troxell, SHAPE; and Julie Vannatter, USAG Schinnen.
Schinnen's Vannatter says the program can be a lifesavor for military families in transition and beyond. "The SLOs work closely with the school administration and teachers, so they can often assist with problems at the school that families may not be sure how to address," Vannatter explained.
SLOs are equipped with current information and materials necessary to assist families with school-age children. "There are so many services available for our families that they may not even be aware of, such as 24-hour tutoring programs, homework centers, computer labs and mentoring and intervention services," Vannatter said.
One important aspect of the SLOs' work is their connection to local military commanders. "The visibility of knowing the SLO is also linked not only to the garrison commander but also to our senior leadership, creates a bridge so that people know we're working together to solve problems," said Brussels' Emmert.
In an update to the Report on Assistance to Local Educational Agencies for Defense Dependents Education, released by the Department of Defense in June, the continued development of the SLO program was identified as one of the Army's primary initiatives for furthering support to education.
"Ensuring that Army children and youth have quality education experiences helps fulfill the Army Family Covenant, the commitment the Army has made to provide Army families a quality of life commensurate with their service and sacrifice," the report said.
The report makes Benelux SLOs proud to serve their local military communities. "The Deptartment of Defense recognizes that education is more than just a quality of life issue; it's an operational readiness issue for many service members who now factor their kids' educational opportunities into the equation when considering whether to accept an assignment," Geilenkirchen's Shackelford said.
Emmert agreed. "Our local level deals with day-to-day education issues, like helping parents connect with teachers. But DoD recognizes that it must go all the way to the top to create an environment in which our kids can adapt and move and not be penalized or disadvantaged by issues of mobility," she said.
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