Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on the weekends, family days & holidays
Hours
Address Information
217 5th Street, Building 7401, Dyess AFB 79607
7FSS Main Building
Address
School Liaison Program
Please use the form to submit any questions, messages, or suggestions. We look forward to assisting you promptly.
Program Overview
Mission
The School Liaison is committed to outreach, advocacy, and partnership initiatives that generate real-time solutions for military-connected students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 as they face global educational challenges and transitions.
Vision
To deliver unparalleled educational advocacy, outreach, and partnerships for military-connected students around the globe!
The School Liaison Program (SLP) is the central point of contact for commanders, military families, and local school systems on school-related matters. The SL assists commanders and Total Force families in meeting the challenging demands of the military lifestyle by developing and maintaining partnerships between parents, installation leadership, local schools, including home schools, private schools, charter schools, virtual schools, Department of Defense Education Activity and International Schools and the community.
School Liaison Manager
Mrs. Hodges joined Team Dyess as the new School Liaison Program Manager in July, 2023. Mrs. Hodges is committed to outreach, advocacy, and partnership initiatives that generate real-time solutions for military-connected students in grades K-12. As a former educator, Mrs. Hodges has a strong passion for academic excellence and student growth. Her teaching career spans various grade levels and subject areas in schools across the globe. Furthermore, Mrs. Hodges understands first-hand the obstacles military-connected students and families face, as she is the spouse of an active-duty service member and mother to three school-aged children. Please reach out to Mrs. Hodges regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding meeting the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of military-connected students and families.
School Liaison Newsletters
We maintain regular communication to keep parents and students engaged and informed about upcoming events, activities, and more.
School-Related Information
In Abilene, Texas, you can find various types of schools for PreK through 12th grade, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools. There are no schools on the installation.
There are 43 public school districts in Region 14, and Dyess Air Force Base sits in the center. Due to the proximity to the base, the large majority of our Dyess AFB families choose Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD as their preferred district. However, those living outside of town in more rural areas attend smaller districts, including Jim Ned, Sweetwater, Clyde, and Merkel School Districts to name a few. Texas Leadership Academy is a public charter school near Dyess AFB, and they currently have about 80 military-connected students enrolled in their program. This map will give you an idea of the school districts around Dyess AFB: School District Locator. You may review any school district’s state accountability rating and demographical information at https://txschools.gov/.
With the recent passing of Texas House Bill 2892, you will be able to transfer your child to your preferred school, regardless of where you live. However, a school district is not required to provide transportation to a student who transfers to another campus or district. If you would like your child to attend a district outside of your zoned residency, you will need to enroll in the school you are zoned first. Then, you will need to complete a transfer request form (located on the district website); list “Military Request-HB 2892” as your reason for the transfer. Wylie ISD (wyliebulldogs.org) is the only district in our area that does not require a transfer request form. You will simply enroll online.
Meals are available for purchase at all schools, and some students may qualify for the free/reduced-rate lunches depending on household income. Abilene ISD offers free breakfast and lunch to students at every campus in the district throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Before and After School Programs are available in the local area for a fee. School sports programs and band are available and popular community events.
Private and charter schools are also available throughout the area. Many offer military discounts to our Dyess AFB families.
More and more military-connected families are choosing homeschooling as their preferred method for educating their children. Dyess AFB and the Abilene area have may resources and support options available to those families.
Attendance Requirements in Texas
The Texas attendance rules say that a student must be in a class at least 90% of the time if they want to be sure to get credit for that class. This rule applies even if your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
*Attendance is typically taken between 9:15 and 9:45 AM each day. As long as your child is present at that time, they will be marked present for that school day.
The school year is approximately 180 days. Although Texas schools moved away from counting days to counting minutes, it works out to be pretty much 180 days for a school year. (House Bill 2610, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, amends Section 25.081, Texas Education Code, by striking language requiring 180 days of instruction and replacing this language with a requirement that districts provide at least 75,600 minutes of instruction, including intermissions and recess.)
Texas Grading System
In Texas, the standards for education are known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These are statewide standards that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level and in each subject.
The grading scale is a PASS/FAIL system. A passing grade is 70 or above. (100-90= A; 89-80=B; 79-70=C; 69 and below is failing)
Graduation Requirements in Texas
Currently in Texas, there are four graduation programs:
- The Foundation program (22 credits)
- The Foundation program plus an Endorsement (26 credits) which includes a 4th science & math plus courses for endorsement
- The Distinguished Level of Achievement (26 credits)
- Performance Acknowledgement (22 or 26 credits) – Outstanding performance on specific tests or earn a business/industry certificate
A credit is a unit of measure awarded for successful completion of a high school course. To graduate under the Foundation High School Program, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits in the following areas:
- English (4 credits) • English I • English II • English III • An advanced English course
- Mathematics (3 credits) • Algebra I • Geometry • An advanced math course
- Science (3 credits) • Biology • Integrated Physics and • An advanced science course Chemistry/Chemistry/ Physics
- Social Studies (3 credits) • World History or World Geography • U.S. History • U.S. Government (one-half credit) • Economics (one-half credit)
- Languages Other • 2 credits in the same language or Than English (2 credits) • 2 credits from Computer programming, Languages, including Computer Coding
- Physical Education (1 credit)
- Fine Arts (1 credit)
- Electives (5 credit)
End-of-Course Exam Requirement: In addition to meeting graduation credit requirements, students are required to pass five end-of-course (EOC) exams to earn a diploma from a Texas public high school. Those five exams are given when a student takes English I and II, Biology, Algebra I, and U.S. History. A student who fails an EOC exam for no more than two of five courses can still receive a diploma if he or she qualifies to graduate as a result of an individual graduation committee review. Please see Graduation Options to see any exceptions to this rule for students with disabilities. Under the Foundation program only, the ARD committee, which includes you and your child, can decide whether your child will need to pass the end of course assessments in order to graduate. Refer to the TEA Graduation Toolkit for more information: Graduation Tool kit
Kindergarten
While the typical age for kindergarten enrollment is five years old by September 1 of the current school year, it is not mandatory for children to start school at this age. Texas does not have compulsory kindergarten attendance. However, from age 6 to 19, children must attend school, either public or private (includes homeschooling), until they graduate or get a GED. If a child has been enrolled in school for Pre-K, kindergarten, or 1st grade, the child must continue going to school that academic year, even if he or she is not yet 6.
Early Entrance Into 1st Grade: State policy specifically permits. TEC §42.003(c) states that a child may be enrolled in the first grade if he or she is 6 years old by the beginning of the school year, has been enrolled in a first-grade program in another state, or has successfully completed kindergarten in another state. Any five-year-old child may be assigned to 1st grade if the local district determines it is appropriate.
Keep in mind, according to the Military Interstate Compact Sec 3.102(b), military-connected students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving State commensurate with their grade level (including Kindergarten) from a LEA in the sending State at the time of transition, regardless of age. In the case of a Kindergarten student, the student must have been enrolled and attended class in the sending State in order to assure continued attendance in kindergarten in the receiving State. A student that has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving State, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving State shall enter the school in the receiving state on their validated level from an accredited school in the sending State.
If you want to delay KG, you have that right. A child who is five years of age on September 1 of the current school year is eligible for enrollment in a pre-K class if the child’s parent or guardian elects for the child to repeat pre-K in accordance with the TEC, §28.02124, or if the child would have been eligible to enroll in pre-K during the previous school year under the TEC, §29.153(b), and the child has not yet enrolled in kindergarten. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-education-faqs#pkeligibility.
In Texas, you have the right to request that your child repeat KG. If the end of the year comes, and you would like your child to have another year of KG, you will let the school know. The 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session passed Senate Bill (SB) 1697, which amends state law to allow parents and guardians to elect for a student to repeat a grade or retake a high school course, per Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.02124. The legislation, which went into effect on June 16, 2021, gives parents or guardians the right to opt for their child to –repeat prekindergarten; enroll in prekindergarten if the child was eligible to enroll in prekindergarten in the previous school year, under TEC, §29.153(b), and has not yet enrolled in kindergarten; repeat kindergarten; enroll in kindergarten if the child would have enrolled in kindergarten in the previous school year and has not yet enrolled in first grade*; and for grades one through three, repeat the grade the student was enrolled in the previous school year. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/parental-options-for-students-to-repeat-grades-or-courses
Pre-K
Pre-K is available in most public school district in our area. You can enroll your child in free public school Pre-K in a district of your choice, regardless of the district you are zoned for.
According to Texas Education Code 25.153 (b), a child that is at least four years of age by September 1st and is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority or is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty is eligible for free Pre-K enrollment at any public school in Texas. Disabled vets with a 10%+ disability rating also qualify. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.29.htm#29.153.
If you want to delay KG and have your child repeat Pre-K, you have that right. A child who is five years of age on September 1 of the current school year is eligible for enrollment in a Pre-K class if the child’s parent or guardian elects for the child to repeat Pre-K in accordance with the TEC, §28.02124, or if the child would have been eligible to enroll in pre-K during the previous school year under the TEC, §29.153(b), and the child has not yet enrolled in kindergarten. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-education-faqs#pkeligibility.
Some districts offer an income-based Head Start Program for children that are 3 years old by September 1st of that school year.
On the installation, kids 3-5 may receive Pre-K instruction in the Dyess AFB Child Development Center (https://dyessfss.com/child-development-center/) or Family Child Care homes (https://dyessfss.com/family-child-care/).
There are many private schools in our area that offer Pre-K. Abilene Christian School, St. John’s Episcopal School, Cornerstone Christian School, Abilene Classical Academy are some of the most popular faith-based schools that serve students in 3 year Pre-K and up.
Several day care centers in town offer Pre-K. These are some of the most commonly used centers: Day Nursery, Pioneer Drive Pathways Learning Center, Habitat for Learning, All God’s Children, His Little Angels, Small World of Learning, and Big Adventures Learning Center.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN GUIDELINES https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/texas-prekindergarten-guidelines
**Please note that Pre-K students may not use the Dyess AFB Youth Center for before and after school care. Additionally, the Dyess AFB CDC does not offer part-time care for before and after school care.
Gifted Education
Gifted education is offered in each district. Parents may request gifted education for their own children each school year during a designated referral window. If your child received gifted education services at their previous school, they will qualify for similar services at their new school upon enrollment. However, the new school has the right to reevaluate your child to determine continued eligibility at their discretion.
Purple Star Schools
The Purple Star Designation was established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to recognize public schools that provide high-quality support to meet the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. Last year, TEA designated seven Abilene ISD schools as Purple Star Campuses, including Abilene High School, Cooper High School, ATEMS High School, Clack Middle School, and Bassetti, Dyess, and Ward elementary schools. Wylie ISD boasts Wylie High School as the first school in the Abilene area to earn a Purple Star. They have recently renewed their status for the 2023-24 SY. Texas Leadership Academy (TLCA) also earned a Purple Star designation for the 2023-24 SY.
Homeschooling in Abilene
Homeschoolers are not regulated in the same ways that traditional, accredited private schools are regulated in Texas. Homeschools in Texas are private schools for the purpose of compulsory attendance and private schools are not regulated by the state (Texas does not regulate the number of days per year that private schools must be in session or the number of days a student must attend). There is also no minimum amount of hours you must homeschool each day. The school district also has no authority to approve curricula used by private schools. Read more about the differences in regulation of private schools and homeschools in Texas. For more information about homeschooling in Texas, check out the Texas Home School Coalition at https://thsc.org/requirements-to-homeschool-in-texas/.
Homeschooling for Immunization Waiver
Extracurricular Participation for Homeschoolers
The Dyess AFB Youth Center offers one-hour PE classes twice per week for military-connected homeschoolers for $50 per family, per semester. Immunizations are required. Call 696.4797 to register.
Homeschool students are permitted to participate in UIL athletic and arts programs within the district they are zoned. Contact the student services department at your zoned district for enrollment. See the School Liaison if you want to participate at a different school. (https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/2021-22-policy-info/2021-22-homeschoolparticipation)
Other Community-Based Opportunities:
AYSA (https://www.abileneysa.org/) offers open gym daily.
XDot (https://xdotacademy.com/) offers opportunities for homeschool athletic teams
Grace Museum Art Classes(https://thegracemuseum.org/) Three classes are held once a month (September-May). Pre-registration is required.
Abilene Homeschool Choir (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfYP8-n4mTJiMqmG4thtVny3yX8kblotzt-z3LtHzsP5f4Bw/viewform)
Abilene Zoo (https://abilenezoo.org/education-classes/) offers preschool and homeschool classes.
Texas Homeschool Coalition (https://thsc.org/), National Homeschool Association, and Homeschool Legal Defense Association are all associations that education homeschoolers on their rights and protections.
Homeschool Participation in School Activities.
School Liaisons share information on homeschool issues, concerns, local policies, and regulations of state/local education agencies and connect home school families to their community.
Schools Near Dyess AFB?
Public Schools
Our Dyess AFB families have students spread out over 20 public schools near the installation. However, most of our military-connected students attend Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD. The next largest enrollment of military-connected students is at Jim Ned CISD, Sweetwater ISD, Clyde CISD, Merkel ISD, and Texas Leadership Academy. This map will give you an idea of the school districts around Dyess AFB: School District Locator. You may review any school district’s state accountability rating and demographical information at https://txschools.gov/.
Abilene Independent School District (AISD)
Abilene ISD covers 106 square miles in Taylor and Jones counties. Approximately 14,700 students are enrolled in Abilene ISD for the 2023-24 school year.
Abilene ISD features two traditional high schools, a STEM academy high school, a medical high school magnet program, and an alternative high school for at-risk students. AISD is also home to four middle schools, thirteen elementary schools, an early learning center for preschool students, one alternative placement campus, and one adult education center.
Two magnet schools in Abilene ISD are located on the campuses of Hardin-Simmons University (Holland Medical High School) and McMurry University (AISD Center for Innovation). The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math, and Science (ATEMS) is now located at The LIFT, the district’s state-of-the-art 120,000-square-foot learning facility, which also houses AISD’s robotics, automotive, culinary arts, welding, and construction sciences programs.
Special Education includes PALS, ADAPT, and Resource Programs with over 2,300 students enrolled in Special Education. The curriculum is designed to challenge the college-bound and the vocational mind.
To enroll in AISD, use this enrollment link:
https://edulog-query.
Wylie Independent School District (WISD)
Wylie ISD encompasses an area of 165 square miles in South Abilene and is one of Texas’ fastest-growing school districts. Wylie ISD currently enrolls nearly 5,000 students in 1 Early Childhood campus, 2 elementary schools, 2 intermediate schools, 2 junior high schools, and 1 high school. Wylie students continue to consistently perform above the regional and state averages on achievement tests, TAAS tests, and ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
Wylie ISD offers traditional high school courses and a newly started CTE program. The CTE career clusters include Business and Industry (Agriculture, Architecture, Digital Communications, Business/Marketing, and Automotive), Public Service (Culinary Arts, Teaching, Healthcare Therapeutic, Family & Community Services), and STEM (Engineering and Programming & Software Development).
The Special Education Department at WISD serves approximately 490 students and offers Resource Programs and a Functional Academics Program on each campus. F.A. is designed to skills which allow each student to succeed in real-life situations at home, school, work, and in the community.
To enroll at Wylie ISD, use the following link: https://www.wyliebulldogs.org/Page/152.
WISD 2024-25 High School Course Guide
Bus Service
Abilene ISD provides bus service to Clack MS and Cooper HS students living on base. No other school districts currently transport to and from the base.
Private Schools
There are several private schools to choose from in Abilene, TX. These are some of the most popular private schools in Abilene: Abilene Christian School, St. John’s Episcopal, Cornerstone Christian School, Kenley School, PEAK Christian Academy, Abilene Classical Academy, Abilene Junior Academy, and A Habitat for Learning.
Enrollment for private schools can be done in person and online. More information about each can be found on their respective websites.
Please keep in mind that MIC3 rules do not apply to private schools.
Adult Education
Abilene has four major universities offering Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree Programs, with a Doctorate Program available in Bible/Seminary Studies. We also have a State Technical College, a School of Nursing, a Business College, a School of Cosmetology, Adult Education classes, and a Truck Driving/Commercial Driver’s License Program. In addition, assistance may be available through the State Employment Agency’s Workforce Investment Act which assists qualified applicants in obtaining an Associate Degree from a local college or technical school or on-the-job training with local employers, and MyCAA. (See the Adult Education topic for more information on Adult Education).
Adult Education is run through the Dyess AFB Education Office. Professional guidance counselors are available at the Dyess Education Office and at the colleges on an appointment basis. Testing facilities are available at McMurry University Campus to include testing for CLEP, Dantes, GRE, and GMAT.
EFMP
Exceptional Family Member Support
The School Liaison works with all the area schools to ensure a quality education for families under the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The School Liaison works in conjunction with the school counselors, teachers, principals, base personnel, and local/state politicians/dignitaries to ensure compliance with federal and state laws governing education. The SLO also works closely with the Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support (EFMP-FS), the Exceptional Family Member Program-Medical (EFMP-M), and the Exceptional Family Member Program-Assignments (EFMP-A) to provide comprehensive assistance including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and information and referral regarding educational, medical, financial, and social services resources to families.
- EFMP & Me Resources: EFMP & Me for Families with Special Needs | Military OneSource
- Family Needs Assessment: Family Needs Assessment (FNA) (af.mil)
- EFMP Enrollment and Disenrollment: EFMP Medical (EFMP-M) (af.mil)
- Family Member Travel Screening: Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) Overview (af.mil)
- Medical Provider list: Provider Trends (af.mil)
- PCS Clearance Process: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Clearance Process (af.mil)
- EFMP FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (af.mil)
- **Special Education Support: SPECIAL EDUCATION (af.mil)
Transitions
PCSing with Military-Connected Students?
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) provides consistency across states and was drafted with the intent to avoid conflict with existing state codes where possible. It replaces widely varying policies that affect transitioning military students and supports uniform treatment for military-connected students as they transfer between school districts and member states.
While the Compact is not exhaustive in its coverage, it addresses the key issues encountered by military families: in the areas of eligibility, enrollment, placement, extra curriculars, and graduation.
Registrations
When registering a child, parents should have the following:
Others:
What is the House Bill 2892 Transfer Law?
Active duty members with military-connected students now have the option to transfer their children to their preferred school regardless of their residency. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation for their student to and from school if they leave outside of their zoned district.
Although military members have a right to transfer their school-aged children to their preferred school (HB2892), extra-curricular eligibility is governed by University Interscholastic League (UIL). If your child participated in varsity athletics at a school in Abilene, and you would like to transfer them to another school using the HB2892 transfer law, you will need to transfer them at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. This would have been the first opportunity (Subchapter M.442.h) to transfer, and the student will not lose edibility; thus, be permitted to play the following season without sitting out. To maintain athletic eligibility, the military sponsor/parent must complete two forms: Previous Athletic Performance Form and the Residency Waiver. Once you have completed these two forms, you should submit them immediately to the campus principal and athletic coach.
Military Family Life Counselor
Our School-Based Military Family Life Counselors are critical in support of our military-connected students in schools. They are licensed behavioral counselors with specialized training in coping with the social and emotional hardships that our military-connected students must overcome due to frequent changes associated with deployments and family moves, divorce, self-esteem, and bullying. They offer individualized and group non-medical counseling to students while they are in school. This may look different at each campus, but they typically are in high traffic areas where they can check-in with students and gauge their needs in informal ways. In order for a family to receive support from the school MFLC in an official capacity/meeting with children, the parent must sign and return a parent consent form. The sessions must be held in an area that is in line-of-sight of certified staff.
MFLC services support the mission because they can help ease stressors and build or strengthen resiliency skills for the family members impacted by the service member’s duty responsibilities. As a School Liaison Program Manager, I am a point of contact for the families and the school personnel. The families can contact me to inquire about MFLC services, and school staff can reach out to gain assistance in parent consent forms and communication about the program. In collaboration, the military-connected students can learn to navigate life with mental and emotional fortitude.
Contact the MFLC:
ATEMS, Abilene HS, and Cooper HS: 325.283.6260
Clack Middle School: 325.520.4964
Dyess Elementary School: 325.320.4980
Wylie East & West Elementary and Intermediate Schools: 325-530-6071
Deployment
Impact AID
Impact Aid is a federal program administered through the Department of Education. It provides funding for a portion of the cost for educating children whose families live on military installations and those parents employed on federal property.
There are over 3,000 military-connected students in our local schools. Whether you live on or off base, your affiliation to the military means potential federal funding for your child’s school. Why? Military installations are federal property and hence exempt from paying local property taxes. This loss of tax revenue results in reduced financial resources for the district. The Federal Impact Aid Program was set up to allow districts to receive reimbursement for the education of children who reside on military installations or have a parent who works on military/federal property.
When your child’s school sends home the Impact Aid Survey Form, it is critically important that the surveys are signed, dated, and returned in the timeframe requested by the school.
Youth Sponsorship
The staff at Dyess AFB Child & Youth Programs are here to help you make your transition easier.
Educational Resources
Homeschool Support
Highschoolers
Your School Liaison is ready with information and resources for your graduating military-connected student. Career planning information, scholarship availability, post-secondary information, and opportunities, are all available to set your student up for success.
- College and Career Readiness Resources
- SAT Prep
- GPA and Weighted Courses
- Graduation Tool Kit
- High School SeniorAssignment Deferment
- Teen Dating Violence Prevention Guide 2023 at 1.855.733.3839 or inquire@spedtex.org
Contact recruiters for military enlistment ASVAB
NCAA College Bound Athlete Guide
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees. The eligibility details can be found at https://texvet.org/resources/hazlewood-act-tvc or https://tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/. In Texas, you can use the Hazlewood Act and the GI Bill in the same semester if the total value of your GI Bill benefits doesn’t exceed the Hazelwood Act tuition exemption. If the GI Bill benefits are more than the Hazelwood exemption, you can receive a Hazlewood exemption for the difference.
If an AD member is given a 100% disability rating, their dependents will qualify for CH 35 benefits. They cannot use Chapter 35 benefits and the GI Bill at the same time, but they may use both one right after the other. It is up to you whether you use the GI Bill or Chapter 35 benefits first, so you can have your children use the CH 35 before tapping into their GI Bill if you want. Unlike the GI Bill, each child will get 36 months of CH 35 benefits. Students can use the Hazlewood Act exemption and Chapter 35 benefits at the same time, as long as the benefits don’t exceed the student’s tuition and fees. However, students must submit a Hazlewood Application and a Benefit Request Form for each semester they want to use the benefits.
This is the process for using CH35 benefits:
- You must already have the 100% rating.
- Fill out the application for CH 35 on the VA.gov website https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/.
- After they review the application, they will issue you a formal determination letter.
- Your child will take that letter to the university’s VA department to arrange payment.
You can ask questions about benefits at 888-442-4551 X 771 or ASK.VA.gov.
- Tutor.com: SAT Prep and 24/7 Tutoring . You can create a free online account to Tutor.com to gain 24/7 access to tutoring in over 100 subjects. This video talks about how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnCdekMC9g0. I have attached a how-to sheet on that as well. Their services include college prep practice and application review. https://military.tutor.com/home
- College Board SAT Prep: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation
- College Fair at The Lift (ATEMS HS): September 23 at 6pm. I’m not sure you are tracking this event, but Gratitude Initiative will be there to help military-connected families sign up for free.
Special Education
If you need help with 504 or IEP plans, or support for your military-connected student with challenges, your school liaison is here to assist. They’ll ensure your student has the resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking for program information or help navigating the school system, reach out to your liaison.
- Special ED Grant – SSES Program Overview
- Special ED Brochure
- Special ED Q and A Homeschool
- Special ED Evaluation Request Letter
- Special ED FIIE Timeline
- Special ED IDEA
- Special ED Initial Referral Timeline
- Special Ed Connection
- Special Education IDEA Laws
- Dyess EFMP
- Direct STEP
- STOMP
- Dyslexia
- TexasProjectFirst.org
- NavigateLifeTexas.org
- Special Olympics in Abilene
- Military-Connected Children with Disabilities
- Parent Resource Network Jamie Thomas is our region’s POC
- Operation Autism offers facts and tips about children with autism in military families.
- Medical Assistance. Extended Health Care Option (ECHO). Some children in military families may be able to get the TRICARE Extended Health Care Option (ECHO). ECHO gives financial help to families of children who have disabilities or special health care needs and need care that is not typically covered under TRICARE. Some of the services that ECHO might cover include: Job training, Rehabilitation, Special education, Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment, Care in private, nonprofit, public, and state programs (including transportation to and from these programs, if needed), Home health care, and/or Respite care. To sign up your child for ECHO, talk to your regional TRICARE representative and your local EFMP caseworker. Learn more by reading the ECHO fact sheet. Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders might also be able to get applied behavioral analysis services through the TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration.
- SpedTex – Get answers to your special education questions at 1.855.733.3839 or inquire@spedtex.org
Resources and Information for Military-Connected Students
Mental Health
Volunteer in Schools
Positively impact the youth in our local schools by volunteering for any of the opportunities listed.
External Links
Dyess AFB Agencies Directory
Sports in Abilene
The school districts will have team sports starting in 7th grade.
You will need to complete the following online athletic participation forms.
Athletic Physical Participation and Athletic Physical form
Abilene Youth Sports Authority
City of Abilene Athletic Leagues
Abilene Boys and Girls Club Recreation Sports
Abilene Christian University Sports Camps
Off-Base Support Agencies
Legislation
MILITARY CHILDREN -MIC3
- Texas Education Code https://statutes.capitol.
texas.gov/Docs/SDocs/ EDUCATIONCODE.pdf - Pre-K (Texas Education Code 29.153)- free public school pre-k for 4 year olds that are dependents of active duty
- Special Education Laws
i. Texas Education Code 29.153
ii. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Legislative Laws
i. HB2892: Active-duty members may transfer their children to a preferred school, regardless of zoned residency.
ii. HB5167: MIC3 rules
iii. HB4124: Priority enrollment for military-connected students.
iv. HB1597: School enrollment using military orders and/or temporary lodging as proof of residency.
v. HB3932: State Advisory Council
Bullying Laws
i. Texas Education Code 37.0832 (c) (1) prohibits the bullying of a student.
ii. Davids-Law-Overview_cyberbullying
iii. Texas School Safety offers an overview of bullying laws at https://txssc.txstate.edu/
iv. Bullying laws in Texas: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
Dyess AFB Youth Supervision Policy
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