DoDDS offers parents peace of mind

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Transitioning can be hard for kids, whether it's moving to a school in a different country, or just moving to a higher level school. The school liaison officer at RAF Lakenheath is working with the schools and parents here to help make that transition go more smoothly. 

This year the school liaison officer offered a student transition forum for parents to attend that addressed several hot issues from bullying to MySpace. 

"The purpose of the forum was to inform all parents of the challenges children may face when entering a higher level school," Dr. Ninetta Brown, 48th Mission Support Group school liaison officer said. She said several experts and school counselors participated to help answer any questions parents might have. 

This is an in-depth program that gives parents a voice and helps increase their awareness of what's going on in their children's lives. 

There will be another student transition forum after the beginning of the school year in September and October. Dr. Brown encourages parents to come out and participate. 

"We want parents to honestly express their concerns so we can address them with the right people," she said. Teachers, counselors and principals make up the school system "chain of command" and are there to help parents and their children cope with some of the stresses that come along with transitioning. 

"We are resilience people," Dr. Brown said. "Our kids PCS every two to three years, transition into a new school, new environment and they are faced with challenges every day. Parents need to understand the challenges to better take care of their families."