Ascension Catholic School - A Purple Star School

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Military Families

At Ascension Catholic School, we are honored to serve the children of those who serve our country. We understand the unique experiences military families face, including deployments, relocations, frequent transitions and time apart from loved onesOur school community is committed to providing a welcoming, faith-filled environment where every military-connected student feels supported, valued, and at home.
Throughout the school year, we recognize and celebrate our military families through special events and observances, including:

• Purple Up! Day

• Month of the Military Child

• Veterans Day

• other opportunities to honor the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.

Whether your family is new to the area or returning home, we look forward to working together as your child grows academically, spiritually, and socially.

Military Family Point Contact

The Military Family Point of Contact (MFPOC) serves as the primary liaison between Ascension Catholic School and military families. Our MFPOC can assist with:

• Enrollment and records transfers

• School transition support

• Academic planning

• Student services

• Community resources

• Questions about military-connected student support

Military Family Points of Contact (MFPOC)

Tami Lanterman: year-round contact tlanterman@ascensioncatholicsch.org

Claire Beatty: On site 10 months- Faculty cbeatty@ascensioncatholicsch.org

Lillie Switanek: On site 10 months- Counselor lswitanek@ascensioncatholicsch.org‍ ‍

Transition Support

At Ascension Catholic School, we know that starting at a new school can be both exciting and challenging. Our student-led transition program helps new students feel welcomed, connected, and at home in our school community.

Student ambassadors help new students:

- Become familiar with the school

- Meet and connect with classmates

- Navigate their new school environment

- Find answers to everyday questions

- Feel encouraged and supported during the transition

This program is especially valuable for our military-connected students, who may experience multiple school transitions throughout their educational journey. Our goal is simple: EVERY new Eagle should know that they have a place and a community waiting for them at Ascension.

Academic Planning

We are committed to helping military-connected students transition confidently into our academic program. Our administration and faculty work with families to review academic records, determine appropriate grade placement, and identify the information and support each student needs.

Families can receive information about:

• Curriculum and grade-level expectations

• Standardized assessments

• High school preparation for middle school students

• Learning support services and accommodations, when applicable

• Florida scholarship opportunities, including Step Up For Students

Questions regarding academic planning may be directed to our Military Family Point of Contact or the school office.

Student Support Services

Our Ascension team is committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every student. We recognize that military-connected students may experience unique challenges related to relocation, deployment, or family transitions, our staff works together to provide a welcoming and supportive school environment.

Families transferring to our school are encouraged to share any educational plans or support documentation, including:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs),

• Section 504 Plans

• other relevant records

Our goal is to work collaboratively to determine the appropriate accommodations and services available.

If additional support or community resources are needed, one of our Military Family Point of Contacts can help connect families with the appropriate school personnel or outside agencies.

Student Life

Like all Ascension Eagles, military-connected students are encouraged to become active members of our school community. Participation in athletics, clubs, leadership organizations, fine arts, and service opportunities helps build friendships. They also develop new interests, assists with feeling connected both inside and outside the classroom.

Students have opportunities to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including:

• Athletic teams through the Catholic Youth Sports League (CYSL)

• National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

• Fine arts programs, including band, Drama club, yearly musicals and preparing Cantors for our student masses.

• Academic electives and enrichment activities

• School service projects and faith-based outreach opportunities

Military Recognition

Our school community is proud to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the school year, our students and staff participate in activities that celebrate military service, foster gratitude, and recognize the important role military families play in our community.

Military recognition opportunities may include:

• Purple Up! NUT Day in honor of the Month of the Military Child

• Veterans Day observances and classroom activities

• Special prayers and intentions for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families

• Schoolwide recognition of military service during assemblies, announcements, special events and our permanent bulletin board honoring the “Heroes Among us”

• Service projects that support veterans, active-duty service members, or military organizations

We are grateful for the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of those who serve our nation and are honored to support military families, especially those who are part of our ACS community.

Mental Health & Family Resources

Military-connected students may experience unique challenges related to frequent moves, school transitions, deployment, and separation from loved ones. Ascension Catholic School is committed to supporting the social and emotional well-being of our military-connected students and families.

School-Based Support

Students who need support may contact our Counselor/Social worker for school-based counseling services and assistance connecting with additional resources.

Additional Resources

Military OneSource – Counseling and support resources for military members and their families

Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) – Non-medical counseling support for military children and families

Military Kids Connect – Resources designed specifically to help military-connected children navigate deployment, moves, and other challenges

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) – Resources supporting the social, emotional, and educational needs of military-connected students

Community Resources

Ascension Catholic School is committed to supporting military-connected students and their families both inside and outside the classroom. The following organizations provide valuable information, programs, and services to assist military families with education, transitions, child care, counseling, financial assistance, and other military-related needs.

Military Family Resources

Step Up For Students
Information about Florida scholarship opportunities that may be available to eligible military families.