Utilizing the School Liaison Officer

  • Published
  • By Cassie Coleman, 2nd Lt. Ashley Skillman
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As the summer comes to an end, much to children's dismay, enrollment processes for the new academic year have already started. Combined with shopping for new school supplies, the super hero backpacks and the latest fashion trends, this process can become a daunting task for parents; however by utilizing the assistance of Lisa Thompson, the new RAF Lakenheath School Liaison Officer, parents and children alike can rest at ease.

Mrs. Thompson has worked with the Air Force for 17 years as a civilian employee. She previously held the position of the 75th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services flight chief at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for seven years. She moved to England when her husband was reassigned to RAF Mildenhall in February and took her position June 15.

"I believed it would be a challenging and exciting position ... and feel I have the skills to do a great job," said Mrs. Thompson.

Mrs. Thompson added that a strong managerial background, the ability to be flexible and an understanding as a parent are skills that set her up to succeed in this position.

One of the many responsibilities Mrs. Thompson has as the School Liaison Officer is ensuring a healthy level of communication between military leadership, school management and local families by providing her support and regularly meeting with the three.

Mrs. Thompson also works to ensure information regarding the enrollment process is provided or readily available to parents. She accomplishes this by attending weekly newcomer orientations at the Airmen and Family Readiness Centers at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall, where she can provide necessary educational resources to new families.

"The assistance was very helpful and beneficial to me," said Tanya Campbell, a stay-at-home mother of two children, who has utilized the assistance of a school liaison officer. "Any questions I had about the Free and Reduced Lunch Program were fully answered."

In order to better serve the families participating in enrollment, Mrs. Thompson has taken a proactive approach by addressing commonly asked questions concerning enrollment 'hot topics'. She has done this by providing detailed summaries regarding the process, important changes and additions that have been posted on the RAF Lakenheath Web site, www.lakenheath.af.mil. These topics include: 

· USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program 

· The new Crosswalk Program 

· Sure Start Program registration and eligibility 

· The new kindergarten eligibilities 

· Frequently used DODDS registration contact numbers

As a parent of three, Mrs. Thompson understands the importance of a smooth academic experience, which is why her door is always open to assist families with questions and one-on-one counseling's. She requests appointments be scheduled at least a day prior in order to ensure she's in the office.

"(Having these resources available is) extremely helpful and one less stress I have to worry about," said Mrs. Campbell. "Right now the most important thing for me is my children's education."

Mrs. Campbell explained that she feels more at ease with the support and guidance provided by people such as Mrs. Thompson who's working knowledge can directly benefit her children's needs.

Even though the academic school year is just beginning, Mrs. Thompson wants to get started off right by establishing a good rapport with the leadership of the base, as well as the principles and superintendents. She also has goals to create a smoother process for students transitioning to or from the local school systems.

Mrs. Thompson explained she would like to begin working with children whose parents are deployed by making sure they have avenues to groups and programs that will be focused on helping them through hardships related to dealing with the separation of a parent.

A safe bus program is another priority for Mrs. Thompson. She explained that some children may spend up to an hour traveling on a bus, which is why a safe atmosphere is really essential for a child to have a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

"I really want to make this a smooth transition overall," said Mrs. Thompson, who explained that her utmost importance for the school year is simply getting started on the right foot.