Military
INFORMATION FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
We at Cheney Public Schools recognize that many children within our student population have family members currently serving in the armed forces, and appreciate both the rewards and challenges our families may face due to assignment changes and deployments.
The sacrifices military families make cannot be understated. Moving to a new duty station, new home, and new school combined with potential separation from family can be immensely stressful and challenging. During these difficult times, it is both comforting and so important to know that your children are receiving high quality, compassionate education and that teachers, staff, and administrators are all doing their absolute best to support you and your children. We hope the resources designated here are helpful to you as you settle into our community.
Our district is honored to serve our military families and is committed not only to ensuring a smooth transition into school for your child, but to providing a first-class education to our military connected youth. Cheney Public Schools is a proud partner and supporter of Fairchild Air Force Base. Currently, nearly seven percent of our students come from military families, with sixty-two percent of those being active duty.
The mission of Cheney Public Schools is to guarantee a safe and caring environment where ALL students learn at high levels and graduate with options for post-secondary education, careers, and civic engagement. Please know that your child’s school and our district office are eager to answer your questions and help you successfully navigate this transition.
We are proud to welcome you to our school community, and we humbly thank you and your family for your service.
MEET THE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER!
Steve McMullen
I am the 92 FSS Child & Youth Education Services (CYES) School Liaison at Fairchild AFB. My commitment to you is creating real-time solutions for your child as an advocate between your family and the local school districts.
For more school liaison information and for contact information, click here.
FAIRCHILD AIRFORCE BASE
Moving to a new base in an unfamiliar community can be a difficult transition, especially for school-aged children making the shift to a new school with new friends, classes, and teachers. Fairchild Air Force Base and Cheney Public Schools are committed to providing the resources your family needs to make it as smooth as possible for you and your students.
The Airman and Family Readiness Center is the central point for incoming families to gain valuable information regarding their move and all there is to offer at Fairchild.
The Youth and Teen Centers have incredible programs designed to fit the needs of the military child. Their facilities, located on the base, are available for kindergarten and elementary age, pre-teen and high schoolers and offer before and after school programs that serve the military community.
ABOUT FAIRCHILD
Fairchild Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base located approximately 12 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington. Fairchild AFB is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing assigned to the Air Mobility Command's Eighteenth Air Force, and the 141st ARW. Other units include the Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school, medical detachments, a weapons squadron and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency.
Mission: Provide responsive, precise air refueling and operational support for the full range of military operations.
Vision: The world's finest expeditionary Airmen leading the Air Force's center of excellence for air refueling.
More than 5,100 active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and tenant organization military and civilian employees work on Fairchild, making the base the largest employer in Eastern Washington. Another major tenant organization is the Armed Forces Reserve Center that opened in April 10, comprised of approximately 869 Army Guard and Reserve personnel assigned to 18 units with various missions. The base's total population exceeds 12,980 with approximately 17,000 retirees in the area, representing an annual payroll of $252 million. This brings Fairchild's annual economic impact on the community to approximately $448 million, constituting 13 percent of the local economy.
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission
This reource for parents, school officials and public administrators provides information on the Interstate Compact that addresses the challenges of military children and their frequent relocations. The Compact allows for uniform treatment as military children transfer between school districts in member states.
Fairchild Air Force Base School Liaison Officer (SLO)
School Liaison Officer (SLO): Assists families with information about local schools and other education options, works with parents on the educational needs of the child, and works with schools to raise awareness of military child issues.
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
A worldwide non-profit organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.
Find answers to the military life questions you didn't even know to ask. Military OneSource is your central hub and go-to place for the military community.
A resource for educators in Washington state who work with our state's 136,000 military families. It is housed by the Learning and Teaching Division within the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Sesame Street for Military Families
Geared toward toddler to 3rd grade students and their parent/guardians, this resource shares useful information about military family life with the Sesame Street characters.
United Through Reading connects military families who are separated —for deployment or military assignment—by providing the bonding experience of shared story time. Parents can record themselves reading a book, then send the recording home. At home, the children can play the video and the non-deployed parent records the child’s reaction. Older children can record their own read aloud video to send back to their parent or guardian.
U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Provides information and support to increase understanding of the unique needs of military children as well as academic support to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for military children.
A free, confidential resource that is available to anyone, even if you're not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
- www.veteranscrisisline.net to chat online
- 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Text 838-255
DEPLOYMENT
Deployment can be an exceptionally difficult time for families, and Cheney Public Schools is committed to providing as much support as possible during times of stress or separation. We strive for our schools to be a place of stability, where a regular routine and the predictability of classroom life can provide an anchor for students and families during the challenges of deployment. We know that deployment and the resulting disruptions of daily life can result in changes in psychological equilibrium and individual behavior and coping skills, and may interfere with the ability of students and staff to focus on learning.
With that in mind, please inform your child's school or the district office prior to a deployment in the family so our educators can be aware of the circumstances and can provide and additional support your student may need.
Additionally, our schools are home to Cheney Public Schools' comprehensive counseling and guidance programs, which include responsive services that may help students during this difficult time. All students have the right to access Cheney School District's comprehensive counseling and guidance program.