10 Tips for a PCS ( Positive Change of School )
Often military families are so pre-occupied with the logistics of PCS ’ ing , that the academic needs of the child gets overlooked . Here are a few quick tips to help your child have a smooth take-off from his / her current school , and a soft landing in his / her new school .
1 . As soon as you receive orders , notify your child ’ s school in writing . Provide the date of your child ’ s last day . It ’ s never too early to do this ! You can even do this prior to having that hard copy of orders .
2 . Contact the School Liaison Officer
( SLO ) at your new duty station . Your current SLO can help you get in touch with your new SLO . The SLO can help youwith information about your new location and answer any questions you may have . Use theSLO as your local resource !
3 . Create a School PCS folder for each child . Before you pack all of your important papers , place the papers you will need to enroll your child at his / her new school in a folder ! Include : copy of passport or birth certificate , shot records , copy of transcript , testing information , & special needs evaluations . ( See checklist in this booklet ) DO NOT PACK THIS FOLDER . Hand Carry it ! Much of what we do these days is online , but having paper in hand when you arrive helps eliminate possible issues with accessing documents making your initial visit smoother .
4 . Research the area where youare moving . You should investigate the schools BEFORE you choose somewhere to live ! Your SLO can assist you with this information . For more “ surfing the net ” about PCS moves , go to
SchoolQuest . For overseas moves go to
DODEA
5 . Remember that data is only ONE indicator of a school ’ s quality . If at all possible , go to the school and observe … see for yourself . Most importantly , do not form an opinion about a school or teacher based on the rumor mill .
Every family , child , and situation is different . A school that is not a good fit for one family can be another family ’ s perfect fit . Keep an open mind in some locations you may have only one school option . Take heart ! Make the time to visit and get informed about the school . Consider participating in a School Advisory Committee or PTA . The partnership can make your child ’ s school an even better learning environment ! It takes a village !
6 . If you have a child with special needs , meet with his / her Special Education Teacher . Ask that they contact the new school personally if possible . ( Or be available for consult from the new school .) Be sure to geta copy of your child ’ s up to date IEP or 504 plan , evaluations , notes , etc . for the School PCS folder . If you are active duty and haven ’ t already , be sure to register in
the Exceptional Family Member Program .
7 . Network ! Touch base with the local Family Readiness Group , spouse ’ s club , or perhaps your sponsor or sponsor ’ s spouse to get some insight . Your youth can “ network ” with a youth sponsor . Talk to your
SLO to request a youth sponsor . Newcomers to Europe should check out the
USAREUR-AF newcomer ’ s page and video .
8 . Talk to your child about the social / emotional stresses of moving . Let them share their concerns . Plan a “ farewell ” party or at least designate a time to allow your child a chance to have closure and say goodbye . You may want to provide your child with a notebook in which he / shecan collect names , photos , email addresses and phone numbers . Older students may connect on social network sites . If your child ’ s school is closed due to COVID19 , see about setting up a Zoom time farewel with your child ’ s friends .
9 . Contact the New School If you know where your child will be enrolled at the new duty station . Ask for calendar information , registration details , orientation info , and even sports try out deadlines . They may have some answers to questions you don ’ t even know to ask ! Your SLO can also help !
10 . Be patient ! Settling in takes time , and some kids take longer to make new friends . Find activities and opportunities to connect with other kids . ( CYS can help you with this !) Before you know it , your child will be telling you about his best friend and the cool thing they did in school that day ! With a little planning , you can be on your way to a POSITIVE Change of School !