Get involved in the School Advisory Committee (SAC). Join the quarterly meetings at your school. These meetings happen routinely and are open to the public. Attend to advocate for changes in policy and programs, address concerns, advise the principal and installation commander, and create opportunities for kids. Agenda items like school safety, seminar/advisory minutes, functional pick up and drop off areas, changing the culture of sexual harassment and assault in our schools, cameras, dual enrollment, and ACT/SAT prep programming are just a few topics addressed at the School Advisory Committees across the peninsula! These committees are open to the public and if you’re a homeschool family using Auxilary services, consider attending to support your family and other homeschoolers too! 

Get involved in your Installation Advisory Committee (IAC). Join the quarterly meetings at your installation. These meetings happen routinely and are open to the public. The IAC is for the whole community. Homeschool families can attend and advocate for community resources to support the education of their learning. The IAC advises the installation commander on matters, including support. Agenda items like teen driver education, hiring, dual enrollment, student discipline, resources officers, cameras on the interior and exterior of our schools, and community access to DoDEA athletic facilities are topics that have been addressed at the Installation Advisory Committee across the peninsula. 

Join the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO). Get to know other parents, teachers, and the principal. Help fundraise for the school and amazing activities for your kid(s). Events like reading under the stars, glow dances, popcorn Fridays, and even book drives are all done through the wonderful PTSOs in South Korea. 

Connect with your School Liaison Officer (SLO) and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Understanding the resources your SLO and EFMP can offer supports not just your children but your entire family. If you are a homeschooled family, your SLO is your first resource! They can point you in the direction of the location of homeschool groups, co-ops, and the resources available to support learning on your installation. 

Familiarize yourself with parent and student rights. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the Servicemember Parents Bill of Rights. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also cover parent and student rights. Knowledge is empowerment. For homeschool families, understanding your options through DoDEAs Auxiliary services can help your family. These services include access to academic resources, access to the school information center (i.e., library), after-hours use of school facilities, and participation in music, sports, and other extra-curricular activities and interscholastic activities. 

Document communication with emails. Communicate with your students’ teachers regularly via email. Emails make great reminders of conversations, due dates, and resources shared. Emails can also be useful to help create group schedules. Discuss if a family group calendar can help everyone coordinate plans, including academic activities and events. 

Build relationships and assume the best intentions. Building strong relationships can positively impact future educational outcomes. Relationships with your child’s educational team support your student as well. 

Ask questions. Ask your friends. Ask your community. Ask your school leadership. Agencies want to engage with parents! Be open to every conversation that could impact your student- the good and difficult discussions! Know that the Adolescent Support and Counseling Services and Military & Family Life Counselors can help your student, parents in the community, or even group sessions together. 

Don't quit! We cannot make up these years for our kids. 

Resources for Military Children and Their Families

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) is the governing body of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children or ICEOMC. 

https://mic3.net/

The Mission: ease the educational transitions of school-aged, military, and uniform-connected students attending public schools, including Department of Defense Education Activity schools worldwide, and also promulgate and enforce the compact rules.

National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving all military families. Since 1969, NMFA has worked with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life. Teens can look into joining BLOOM: Empowering the Military Teen.

https://www.militaryfamily.org/

The Mission: We work with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life to create a world in which military families are thriving.

Five and Thrive

Five & Thrive's Military Community Quality-of-Life Experience (or QX) is the positive outcome of a collaborative model made up of military leaders, community partners, and military-connected families who come together to find creative solutions to quality-of-life challenges. 

https://www.fiveandthrive.org/home

The Mission: Tackle the top five quality-of-life (QoL) issues military families face: Childcare, Education, Healthcare, Housing, Spouse Employment

Military Homeschoolers Association 

Military Homeschoolers Association (MHA) is a support organization serving as a social resource network for homeschooling military families. Our mission is to elevate the voice of under-resourced homeschooling military families.

https://militaryhomeschoolers.org/

The Mission: To advocate for homeschooling, particularly within the military community, by providing informative content, resources, and training to governmental and non-governmental agencies and to empower military homeschooling families worldwide with the resources and support they need to thrive in their educational journey. 

Partners in Promise

Partner in Promise develops data-informed solutions that equip parents, inform leaders, and enable military students to thrive. They promote the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion by advocating for the futures of our military children with unique and diverse backgrounds and needs. 

https://thepromiseact.org/

The Mission: Our mission is to Protect the Rights Of Military children in Special Education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to an education. 

STOMP

Specialized Training of Military Parents offers virtual workshops and webinars throughout the United States and overseas for military families and military personnel of all branches of service. STOMP workshops and webinars are funded by the Army, Navy, and Air Force who determine location and topics per installation. The installations served during this multi-year contract are in partnership with parent center staff in the US and its territories.

https://wapave.org/stomp/

The Mission: To provide information and resources so that military parents, individuals with disabilities, and the military with personally access services.  

Military One Source

Browse Children, Youth & Teens-related resources for detailed including links and access information. There are many resources through Military OneSource and other Defense Department programs.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/children-youth-teens/resources/

The Mission: Enhance readiness and enhance quality of life for the military community. 

About the Authors

Jetta Allen and Kimberly Day have served their overseas community on School Advisory Committees, Installation Advisory Committees, and PTSO boards over the years. Jetta Allen’s family is now a homeschool family and they are learning to navigate resources in their community. Together these two are active advocates for our military children and their educational opportunities. Together they have learned conversations with leadership and creative problem-solving can support their children and the entire community.