MANCHESTER – They are resilient, resolute and relentless – they are children of military parents in the Manchester Township School District.
Students who attend township schools and whose parents are part of the military were recognized by members of the school district and representatives of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
When students returned from spring recess, they found attributions posted around the buildings that applaud, celebrate, and provide continued support to township students who are from military families.
There was also a special visitors day that featured “Reading Buddies” from the Joint Base. The visitors came out to preschool through second-grade classrooms to share about their jobs and read students some of their favorite stories.
The students enjoyed engaging with the military heroes and listening to stories, learning about their special jobs, sharing their favorite colors, asking questions, and even compared outfits.
Interim Superintendent Diane Pedroza noted that these students overcome challenges and many transitions without choice. School staff strive to provide them with the understanding and nurturing school community that they need.
She noted that the school district is unique because it borders the military base, and therefore has many students whose parents work there. The district partners with the base through its school liaison.
“Our ROTC program is vibrant and strong in partnership, our students can engage with the military both on and off base for events and are invited often to sing at their ceremonies, present to their families, and be honored,” she added.
“Our relationship with the base is critical to the transition of our military-connected students. Our partnership with JB-MDL is fundamental to our commitment to supporting military families in our community,” she said.
Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks, officials said.
The Defense Department celebrates military children during the month of April as part of Military Child Month, recognizing that there are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service.
School officials and the Defense Department acknowledged that the life of a military kid is a blend of unique adventures and challenges. MOMC is a reminder that they serve our country too, as part of a military family, all year long.
Pedroza noted, “by having military ambassadors present at our Board of Education meetings, we ensure that their voices are heard, and their unique needs are addressed.”
“Maintaining strong connections with the school liaisons from JB-MDL is essential for fostering collaboration and understanding between our institutions. Together, we work to provide seamless transitions for military-connected students and support their academic and social-emotional needs,” she said.
