Military Family Information

As you prepare for the 2023-2024 school year, I encourage you to monitor your district and school site websites to stay up-to-date.  

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/ap/summersites.asp?year=2023&countyname=San_Diego

SEAL TO SEAL EDUCATIONAL EVENT

Saturday, July 22, 8:30 am-2 pm

Why are marine mammals such great divers? What lessons have humans learned from marine mammals that allow us to reach such great depths? The National Marine Mammal Foundation presents an interactive, half-day workshop designed for 3rd-6th grade students aboard Naval Base Point Loma at Smugglers Cove. This free workshop will focus on human and marine mammal adaptations to diving and explore the connections between both types of Navy undersea specialists.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seal-to-seal-tickets-664909230407?aff=oddtdtcreator

5th ANNAUL YOUTH STEM DAY

Monday, July 31, 2023, 8 am-3 pm

All San Diego/Coronado 6th-12th grade students are invited to participate in a free Youth Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Day aboard Naval Air Station North Island.

Event Highlights:

  • Hands-on Demonstrations
  • STEM Static Displays
  • STEM Professional Mentoring
  • Lunch/Refreshments Provided
  • Multiple $500 Scholarships (must be present to win and be a graduating senior class of 2024)

Events proudly organized and sponsored by the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA)

Register: https://nnoa.org/stem / Questions/Group Reservations: STEM@nnoa.org

SUMMER TEEN PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE

Monday-Friday, 2-6 pm

Teens (12*-18 yrs.) are encouraged to participate in Silver Strand Youth Center’s Summer Teen Program! Come for the games, snacks, activities, music and fun….stay for the friends, field trips and leadership opportunities. Plus, July’s teen community service project is making dog treats for the SD Humane Society. Stop by to lend a hand!  *12 years old and in 7th grade. 

Questions: 619-435-5056 

SILVER STRAND YOUTH CENTER’S TEEN NIGHTS

TONIGHT – Fridays, July 7 & 21, 6-8 pm

All teens, 12*-18 years (*12 & in 7th grade), are invited to join us for fun, food and friendship! Teens are also welcome to bring a friend; military or military sponsored.

Questions: 619-435-5056

CAMP INVENTION AT HOME – FREE HANDS-ON PROGRAM

2023 Camp Invention at Home (virtual) summer program includes all the materials shipped to your door for a week of virtual camp sessions (four per day for five consecutive days). Registrants MUST be children or dependents of active-duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and/or Reserves (grades K-6). NOTE: Program is being offered to military personnel anywhere in the United States. This opportunity to support eligible families is made possible through DoD funding via DSEC. See attached flyer for details.

Register: https://www.invent.org/connect/dod-stem

SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION PARENT WEBINAR SURVEY

The San Diego County Office of Education provides fantastic webinars for parents throughout the school year. Please consider providing your feedback as to what days, times, and topics you are most interested in for the 2023-2024 webinar series.

Survey: https://forms.gle/oywdtwbWBDfigB1A9

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE COUNSELORS AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER

Sometimes it’s nice to have an objective ear to listen and provide feedback. Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are here to be that ear. During the summer months, MFLC support is available through Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.

FREE NATIONAL PARKS PASS FOR MILITARY

Current US military members and their dependents get free entrance to more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites with the Interagency Military-Annual Pass. Plus, check out the free Interagency Military-Lifetime Pass for Gold Star families and Veterans.

Information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

FREE TRANSIT FOR YOUTH – EXTENDED THRU JUNE 2024

Anyone aged 18 and under can ride transit for free as part of the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Get your Youth PRONTO app account or card* today to get unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER through June 30, 2024. 

Info: https://youthopportunitypass.sandag.org/

*NOTE: The Navy School Liaison has a limited number of Youth PRONTO cards on hand. Please call 619-991-2509 to arrange distribution.  

CALIFORNIANS FOR ALL COLLEGE CORPS

California Office of the Governor announced applications are now open for next year’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. More than 3,000 students will be selected from partner campuses to participate during the 2023-2024 academic year. College Corps is a statewide, paid service program, launched during the 2022-2023 academic year, which provides meaningful work to college students in exchange for serving their community. The program helps participants graduate on time and with less debt while gaining valuable work experience. Students will receive up to $10,000 for completing up to 450 hours of community service.

Full details: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/californiansforall-college-corps/

SAN DIEGO PROMISE PROGRAM

Application due August 14, 2023

The San Diego Promise covers the cost of tuition for up two years for recent high school graduates enrolled full-time at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, and provides textbook grants of $400 per year to qualifying students, plus peer mentoring/success coaching, and counseling.

Full details: www.sdccd.edu/promise/getstarted

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­DODEA EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY PILOT PROGRAM

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is accepting applications for an extended learning opportunity for military-connected high school students called the Expanded Eligibility Pilot Program (E2P2). This program allows dependents of active-duty military members serving in locations that do not have a DoDEA brick-and-mortar high school the chance to enroll in the DoDEA Virtual High School (DVHS). These courses supplement classes offered at the local high school and must be used toward graduation requirements. Courses offered include World Languages, Career and Technical Education, and Advanced Placement. The form must be signed by your local high school principal. Applications will be accepted until the school year starts, or until all 200 enrollments have been taken. The full list of courses and the application for E2P2 can be found at www.dodea.edu/dvs/e2p2.cfm.

OPERATION PURPLE SUMMER CHALLENGE

Do Good. Be Good. Feel Good. Join the Operation Purple Summer Challenge—a free, self-paced activity experience to stay entertained and connected with other military kids and families for eight weeks this summer. Each week, participants will receive a series of “Challenges” to get them reading, exploring nature, drawing, connecting with family, and even helping in their community. From June to July, we’ll meet virtually every Wednesday in a “Global Gathering” to share the past week’s adventures with one another.

Register: https://www.militaryfamily.org/programs/operation-purple/operation-purple-camp/operation-purple-summer-challenge/ 

OPERATION BIGS 

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of San Diego County is now enrolling youth in Operation Bigs;  a free program providing mentoring and support to students of military families. Youth must be a least 7 years old, a military dependent, and able to participate 2-4 times a month for at least one calendar year.  

Questions/Enroll: Vanessa Hewitt, 858-536-4900 ext. 221 or Gabriel Lopez, 858-746-9128 

NAVY MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY CAN HELP WITH EMERGENCY-RELATED TRAVEL

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is available 24/7 to assist with emergency-related travel with no appointment needed. Simply bring your military ID and approved emergency leave papers to the nearest NMCRS office. If you have ordinary leave issued for the emergency, please also bring the Red Cross case number to verify the emergency. For emergencies that cannot wait until a NMCRS office is open call the after-hours service partner, the American Red Cross, at 877-272-7337.

Info: NMCRS North Island 619-545-4477 or northisland@nmcrs.org 

FREE SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES 

Navy Child & Youth Programs is happy to bring military families a FREE resource to support you in your Special Education journey…access to Special Ed Connection. Special Ed Connection provides easy to use resources and tools to help you gain a clear understanding of special education requirements and services and how they work. From legal rights to practical application and from student referrals to IEPs, this resource explains specific procedures and provides real-world application strategies to help you learn the complexities surrounding special education supports and services.  

For access, email: nbcslo@us.navy.mil

SPECIAL EDUCATION ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The South County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team offers free, collaborative efforts available to all families in resolving Special Education disagreements. To learn more about ADR resources, facilitated IEP meetings and mediation, read a newsletter with upcoming event information, or to submit a request for support, visit: www.sdcoe.net/scselpa-adr. 

PARENT EDUCATION VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Parent Programs is offering a new series of Parent Education Virtual Workshops for military-connected parents and professionals who work in support of military-connected children.

  • Overview of the Military Educational Compact (MIC3) – July 11, 9 am
  • Applying and Utilizing Sign Language with Younger Children – July 12, 9 am

Register: https://www.militarychild.org/webinars

Not available to attend the live webinar? Register at the links above to receive the recording. Plus visit the website to view recordings of previous webinars. 

TASK WORKSHOPS

TASK helps families navigate special education, disability services and assistive technology. They provide families with emotional support, information, and direction. TASK is the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for San Diego County. They offer multiple workshops and support groups to help you navigate the challenges you face. Workshops are available in English or Spanish and are offered free of charge.  

  • Aplicaciones para Ortografia y Fonetica Webinar – July 13, 10 am
  • Aplicaciones Divertidas Favoritas Webinar – July 18, 10 am
  • Favorite FUN Apps Webinar – July 21, 10 am

Register & More Events: https://taskca.org/calendar/?month=jul&yr=2023

MILITARY YOUTH: PROTECTING & PROMOTING RESILIENCE AND WELL-BEING WEBINAR SERIES

Explore this webinar series as OneOp brings together prominent family and youth development experts to share insights on protecting and promoting military-connected youth’s resilience and mental well-being. Discover evidence-informed strategies to promote resiliency and thriving in youth, further your understanding of the value of social-emotional learning, and identify specific ways adults can support youth well-being.

More Information: https://oneop.org/youthresilience/

ANCHORED4LIFE E-LEARNING SERIES

Anchored4Life invites families and caregivers to view and utilize a series of videos full of fun and engaging activities to introduce, practice, and strengthen resiliency life skill development with youth. From “Choices & Consequences” or “Communication” to “Goal Setting,” “Positive Attitude” or “Stress Management” and more, there are dozens of great videos to tap into: http://anchored4life.com/e-learning-series/

AROUND-THE-CLOCK HELP WITH TUTOR.COM

Tutor.com is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents. With live, expert tutors available 24/7, military-connected students can receive academic help at their moment of need—anywhere they have an internet connection.

  • Work with a tutor from any internet-connected device, anywhere in the world
  • Connect to an expert tutor available on demand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week* 
  • Get online tutoring help three ways: request a tutor’s help right now, schedule a future tutoring session, or upload a document for offline review and get comments back within 24 hours 
  • Use the free Tutor.com app for IOS and Android mobile devices—take a picture of a homework problem and upload it for the tutor to see 

Get Started Today: https://tutor.com/military

HOMESCHOOLING IN CALIFORNIA

Considering the idea of homeschooling your student(s) but have questions? The California Department of Education is a great place to start: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/homeschool.asp. You can also find answers with the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association. HSLDA is a non-profit advocacy organization available to help you make sense of the laws and understand your legal homeschooling rights: https://hslda.org/. 

YOU CAN HOMESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL: RECORDED WORKSHOP

Watch a very informative 45-minute recorded workshop hosted by the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association. They cover course credits, career counseling, transcripts, diplomas and more! 

Video: https://hslda.org/post/you-can-homeschool-through-high-school?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=ads&utm_campaign=Outreach&utm_content=You+Can+Homeschool+Through+High+School+Webinar

SPOUSE LICENSURE & BUSINESS COST REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO PCS

The FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorized the Navy to reimburse members up to $1,000 for State licensure and certification costs of a spouse of a Service member arising from relocation to another licensing jurisdiction due to a permanent change of station (PCS). NDAA FY23 expanded authorization to include business costs and extended the deadline to December 31, 2029.Full Details: MPM 1754-040

SAN DIEGO ZOO AND SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK FREE ADMISSION FOR ACTIVE DUTY ALL YEAR

Active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel receive free admission (all year long) and all the benefits of the 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park upon presenting a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at the front gates. Complimentary admission is reserved exclusively for active duty service members upon presenting valid ID. Military spouses and dependents 3 years and older are encouraged to purchase discounted tickets through the base MWR Ticket Office or may receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at a park ticket window.  

Info: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/

SEAWORLD FREE ADMISSION FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND FAMILIES

For your service and sacrifice, SeaWorld thanks and salutes you. SeaWorld holds the men and women of our armed forces and their families in the highest regard, and are honored to host you at their parks as their guests. Through the Waves of Honor program, military personnel and up to three direct dependents may enjoy one complimentary admission to SeaWorld® San Diego. Offer is available online and for visitation thru Dec. 31, 2023.

Register: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/military-discount-active/

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN WITH MWR’S COMMUNITY RECREATION

MWR’s Community Recreation team is planning a full calendar of family-friendly events. Up next: Science Night (TONIGHT), Beach Clean Up, SUPs and Pups, Travel Expo, Intermediate Surfing Clinic, Dude Perfect Panda-Monium Tour, Marina Day, Karaoke Night, and SO much more. Check them out (and register) at https://coronado.navylifesw.com/programs/b4100479-fe24-41c9-8ed0-c5c71ebaf790. Follow MWR Community Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date info: @NavyLifeNBC and @SanDiegoNavyCommunityRecreation 

Info: 619-437-3028 

CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY PARKS PASS

Californians can now check out a FREE vehicle day-use pass at your local public library for entry to over 200 participating state parks. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with the capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle. For full details and to view an interactive map with CA’s public libraries and nearby participating state parks, visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806.  

DOD MWR DIGITAL LIBRARY: OPEN 24/7

Free resources for children, teens and adults. DoD MWR Libraries offers a huge selection of learning resources and content for all ages and interests, including: 

  • E-books and audiobooks 
  • Movies and music 
  • Newspapers and magazines 
  • Academic support (prep tests and online tutoring) 
  • Professional development 
  • Reference and research 
  • DIY activities and projects

Set up your profile today: https://dodmwrlibraries.org/

WEEKLY ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT 

There are numerous organizations who provide valuable assistance and resources to military families. Each week, I will highlight one such organization.  

This week’s organization: Fleet & Family Support Center, https://www.navylifesw.com/ffsc, 1-866-923-6478

Fleet & Family Support Centers offer great services, resources and workshops to active duty personnel and their family members as well as reservists and members of the Coast Guard. Make the FFSC your one-stop shop for all of your quality of life needs! All services are free and confidential. FFSC is standing by to provide you with support!

The items in this email are for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement by the United States Department of Defense or the United States Department of the Navy.Take care, 

Mindy Hayes

School Liaison 

Naval Base Coronado

619-991-2509

mindy.e.hayes.naf@us.navy.mil

www.navylifesw.com/slo

Connect your child with a Youth Sponsor: https://sandiego.navylifesw.com/fleet-family/child-youth-programs/youth-sponsorship-naval-base-coronado

Leaving San Diego?  Let me connect you with your next installation’s SLO so you can receive school option information prior to arriving! Simply respond this email and provide your PRD and next installation’s name.