Partners in PROMISE

While school is out for some we know that some are still in school for another few weeks so let's talk about how to end the school year on a positive note!

1. Document concerns. Document all problems in the IEP document or via email to address the upcoming school year, just in case they continue to occur or follow up on them to prevent them.

2. Reflect. Reflect on what worked and what didn't. Positives, negatives, things that could have been done better by either side. Knowing what best serves YOUR child can make a world of difference.

3. Celebrate and Rest. Celebrate the victories and the wins because you made it through another year! Then REST! The school year is over and now it's time to rest, relax, and decompress. (Maybe enjoy a fun summer vacation or two 😉)

👉What would you add? Comment below!

📣New on the Blog: ADHD Masking in Girls: The Cost of Being “Fine”

ADHD masking in girls can make symptoms difficult to recognize, delaying diagnosis and support. In this personal story, one military mom shares how teachers and providers viewed her daughter as “fine,” causing her struggles to go unnoticed for years.

💜Read more about our family story author, Becca Kofonow's family's journey: https://thepromiseact.org/adhd-masking-in-girls-cost-of-being-fine/

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and love for the country inspire us all.

As we enjoy time with loved ones, let us reflect on the freedoms we cherish and the cost at which they come.
Let us unite in remembrance and appreciation for our fallen heroes today and always.

Accessibility matters every single day, but today we take a moment to elevate the conversation.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a reminder that access is not a privilege. It is a right.

For military-connected children with special education needs, accessibility can shape everything from classroom success to a sense of belonging. Different abilities deserve understanding, support, and systems that work. When we create inclusive spaces, we open the door to opportunity, confidence, and growth for every child.

Let us continue building a world where every military child is seen, supported, and set up to thrive.

Congratulations to Leslie Slover on stepping into her new role as Director of Advocacy at Partners in PROMISE! 🎉

Leslie has already made a meaningful impact through her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to supporting military families and protecting the educational rights of military-connected children with special needs. Her lived experience as a military spouse and parent, combined with her advocacy work, brings invaluable perspective and leadership to this role.

We are excited to see Leslie continue leading efforts that empower families and create meaningful change for our community. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved next chapter.

🏫School Checklist PCS Prep!📦

1. Make sure your child's IEP reflects ALL services and supports being provided and needed for the next grade. Teachers and school staff often can go above and beyond, especially once they get to know our learner, so make sure all of those wonderful things are documented in the IEP.

2. Request a hard copy of their educational file. Files get faxed, emailed, sent, and sometimes delayed. Make sure you have a hard copy of the file to pass on to the new school once you get there.

3. Contact the school liaison at your current duty station to link you to the school liaison at the duty station you are headed to. School liaisons can be valuable in identifying the schools in the area, the point of contact, and registration dates.

4. Connect previous school staff with new school staff. Contact information, including email addresses, can be very beneficial to allow staff to communicate with each other. You may also want to include letters detailing how the teacher assisted with your learner. These can be helpful to provide guidance as well.

5. Visit the state's Department of Education website for timelines, policies, and procedures. What are the new states' timelines to create an IEP, and what services and placements do they offer? If it is DOWEA what are their policies and who do you communicate with?

💡What would you add? Did this help?
💜Like, share, comment and follow for more content like this!

Today, we honor the strength, sacrifice, and service of our Armed Forces and the families who serve alongside them.

At Partners in PROMISE, we remain committed to ensuring military children with special education needs receive the support they deserve, no matter where duty calls.

💡Did you know Partners in PROMISE offers a FREE special education mentor program?

Our specially trained mentors help military families prepare for PCS moves by organizing records, understanding timelines, and planning for IEP and 504 continuity before the move happens.
With the right support, transitions do not have to disrupt your child’s access to the education they need and deserve.

PCS season is hard. You do not have to navigate it alone.

👉 Learn more or request a consultation here: https://thepromiseact.org/get-help/parent-mentor-consultations/

Our fearless leader, Michelle Norman, had the opportunity to represent Partners in PROMISE at the Red, White, and & Blue Summit hosted by the Hampton Roads Veteran Employment Center this week.

It was a great opportunity to connect with local military families and other military-connected organizations to provide resources for those with children in special education/

We are looking forward to the next one!

Navigating special education for a military child can feel complex, but the right tools can make the process more manageable and empowering. This blog shares a helpful letter template to request an IEP meeting and a practical checklist to help you prepare with confidence.

👉Read the full post to feel supported and ready for your next step: https://thepromiseact.org/a-parents-ultimate-iep-meeting-checklist/

For many military families, homeschooling is not the first choice—it is the last option when schools are unable to provide appropriate support.

Behind this number are families doing everything they can to ensure their child receives what they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

💡Does this number surprise you?
💜If you are a homeschooling family, what is the number one reason you chose that educational path?