Military Star School Program

Clarkdale Attendance Center, located on the southern border of Lauderdale County, welcomes students of military families to our "family" of learners.  Our motto is  "We will provide a safe environment where ALL are challenged, held accountable, guided, and nurtured." Our military families provide us with an opportunity to put this into action each day as we strive to serve the unique needs of those students.  

 

As an "A" Rated" school, our curriculum allows students to explore the basics while also challenging their abilities with Advanced Placement Courses, Dual Enrollment Classes and CTE classes.   Learners will experience an award-winning, energetic and caring faculty who work hard to ensure each student possesses the work ethic and desire to succeed in EVERY aspect of life.

 

 

 

Clarkdale High School is dedicated to making military dependent students feel welcome and have all the support they need. Upon arrival:

1. The parent will Identify as Active Duty when registering at our school. 
2. The parent will fill out a form to meet with our School Military Point of Contact, Mrs. Haley Alexander.
3. The Counselor will meet with the parents and the student to evaluate academic history and determine proper placement in classes.
4. The student and family will tour the campus with a member of CHS Leads.
5. The counselor  will check in with student weekly for the first few weeks to answer questions and help them find community.

 

We welcome military families to Clarkdale, and we are prepared to assist those students as they transition to our school.  Our school counselor, Mrs. Haley Alexander, desires to make the move as seamless as possible.

Mrs. Alexander will review academic records of the previous school and parents will be given the opportunity identify areas of particular importance to the success of the student.  Students will be included, as needed, in enrichment or referred for gifted testing.  If necessary, students and parents will be included in academic interventions. Teachers and counselor will be available to meet to discuss any parental concerns.

The Lauderdale County Student Planning Tool will help determine credits that transfer from previous schools and provide options for graduation, CTE and dual enrollment.

Graduation requirements can be found in the LCSD Handbook on page 14 as well as the CHS Website.

 

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The Council of State Governments (CSG), in cooperation with the US Department of Defense, drafted this Interstate Compact to address some of the educational challenges transitioning children of military families face. The Compact addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. In addition, the Compact provides for a detailed governance structure at both the state and national levels with built-in enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

 

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Resources and Educational Opportunities for Military Families

Students may join clubs on campus once enrolled and participate in the many athletic teams offered.  Students may also participate in military-based events such as Veteran's Day, Purple Up Day in April, and Military Career informational events.

 Family Resources:

• Lauderdale County YouTube Channel
• Paper OnLine Tutoring

Military Family Resources:

• https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
• https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil/
• https://military.tutor.com/home
• https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/mission/

Information on the School's Student-Led Transition Program

1. Meet with the student, family and counselor (website and social media sites shared with families)
2. Give the student a tour around campus
3. Assist students with our campus, events, organizations, and athletic teams
4. Check-ins will be scheduled to answer questions or concerns

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The goal of our Exceptional Education Services is to inspire each student to become a productive member of society by becoming a problem solver and a life-long learner.

We offer extensive opportunities to each student in their least restrictive environment, so we are able to fulfill our mission as outlined in each eligible student's Individualized Education Plan.

If you have a child that is in need of exceptional educational services, please inform the school during enrollment.

 

Dianne Freeman, Director of Special Services

302 46th Court

P. O. Box 5498

Meridian, MS 39302

601 693-1683

 

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Clarkdale recognizes our military community through various events throughout the year.  These include:

 

 

Clarkdale recognizes that military life can be a source of psychological stress for children. Multiple deployments, frequent moves, and school transitions all add to the stress of school-age military children.  In addition they must cope with normal developmental stressors such as establishing peer relationships.

 

 

• Weems Mental Health: Services offered for military members and families by providing a range of outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults, including mental health therapy, medication evaluation and management, community support services, and more.

• Fleet & Family Support Center: Provides programs, counseling, and training for children and family members of the U.S. Navy.  This office is located at NAS Meridian.
  
  
• Military One-Source: Provides non-medical counseling services for children and youth of service members. Military.  One Source also provides service members with resources and support to address a variety of issues and help build important life skills.
  
  
• The Comfort Crew: Support for social and emotional resiliency of military kids (provides comfort kits to military children)
  
  
• Blue Star Families: Support, connect, empowerment for military families created by other military families. Blue Star Families are committed to connecting military families with their neighbors for support

 

School liaisons are located at each installation and are the main contact for military families, local school systems and installation leadership for school-related matters pre-K through grade 12. School liaisons are experienced professionals who support, advise and build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges of military families.

 

School Liaison Contacts

Larry Mullins, NAS Meridian
[email protected]
Office: 601-679-2473
Cell: 601-479-2025

Mona Odom, NCBC Gulfport
[email protected]
Office: 228-871-2117
Cell: 228-323-6105

Amber Meiborg, Columbus AFB
[email protected]
Office: 662-434-2792

Gerald Cross, Keesler AFB
[email protected]
Office 228-376-8505

Michela M. Haggerty
Army National Guard MS Liaison
[email protected]
Office: 601-313-6317

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