Fairchild Air Force Base 2019-2020 Military Family Education Handbook

School Liaison

4 W. Castle St. Fairchild AFB, WA. 99011

Com: 509-247-2246 DSN: 657-2246

DISCLAIMER: This Military Family Education Handbook is not intended to be exhaustive, but instead should serve as a tool for military parents and families assigned to Fairchild AFB. Contents are current as of July 2019.

Written and Designed By Steve McMullen

Table of contents

Welcome to Fairchild Air Force Base………………………………………………………..5

Section One: General Information………………………………………………………………..6

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction…………….……………6

Interstate Compact……………………………………………………………………………6

School Locator………………………………………………………………………………….6

New Student Registration process…………………………………………………….6

Graduation requirements………………………………………………………………….7

Learning Standards……………………………………………………………………………7

Student Assessments’…………………………………………………………………..7

Compulsory Attendance……………………………………………………………………7

Running Start Program………………………………………………………………….8

Section Two: Public School Information……………………………………………………8

Medical Lake School District……………………………………………………………..8

Cheney School District………………………………………………………………….8

Spokane School District…………………………………………………………………9

Mead School District…………………………………………………………………….9

Reardan-Edwall School District………………………………………………………….9

Central Valley School District…………………………………………………………….9

West Valley School District………………………………………………………………10

East Valley School District……………………………………………………………….10

Nine Mile Falls School District………………………………………………………….10

Section Three: Private School Information………………………………………………….11

Northwest Christian School……………………………………………………………..11

All Saints Catholic School…………………………………………………………………11

Saint George’s School………………………………………………………………………11

Gonzaga Preparatory School………………………………………………………..12

Section Four: Home Schooling Information……………………………………………..12

Home school information……………………………………………………………12

Section Five: Special Education and Schools…………………………………………….12

Spokane Regional Health District Infant and Toddler Network…………12

Head Start/ECEAP/Early Head Start…………………………………………………13

Spokane Guild School…………………………………………………………………13

Hope School for the deaf and hard of hearing………………………………….13

Domino Project……………………………………………………………………………….14

Section Six: Colleges and Universities…………………………………………………………14

Spokane Falls Community College……………………………………………………14

Spokane Community College…………………………………………………………..14

North Idaho College………………………………………………………………………..14

Whitworth University……………………………………………………………………..14

Gonzaga University…………………………………………………………………….14

Eastern Washington University……………………………………………………15

Washington State University Spokane Campus…………………………….15

Spokane Falls Community College on Fairchild AFB………………………15

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University on Fairchild AFB…………………15

Park University on Fairchild AFB……………………………………………………..15

Southern Illinois University on Fairchild AFB……………………………………15

Webster University on Fairchild AFB……………………………………………16

Section Seven: Academic Help for Students……………………………………………16

Club Z…………………………………………………………………………………………16

Sylvan Learning Centers………………………………………………………………16

Tutor.com………………………………………………………………………………….16

Khan Academy……………………………………………………………………………16

Welcome to Fairchild Air Force Base!

Fairchild Air Force Base is home to the 92d Air Refueling Wing and the 141st Air National Guard. If you are new to Fairchild AFB, congratulations on your assignment and welcome! Fairchild AFB is a great place for families. In addition to wonderful on-base amenities and recreational facilities, our location offers some of the best outdoor activities you will find anywhere in the country. The purpose of this is handbook is to help you make educated decisions for your child’s education. It has been divided into sections and organized by topics for ease of use.

There are a multitude of local school districts and all are committed to providing your child(ren) with quality educational experiences. Each district is briefly discussed and website links are provided for additional information. Washington State is a “free choice” state meaning you may choose the school district that is best for your child. Please be aware that if you “choice” into a district that is not your home district, transportation to and from school will be your responsibility. Michael Anderson Elementary school is located on base and available for individuals living and working on Fairchild. The Spokane area has several private schools that can meet the educational needs of children in kindergarten through 12th grade. You also have the option of Homeschooling your child.

As the School Liaison Specialist, my role is to improve transitional support for school age children of Fairchild AFB personnel by establishing partnerships between the base and local schools and advocating for military children. I am also responsible for increasing the awareness of the unique needs of military children and providing a process to address and resolve military specific issues affecting students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

If you have any questions about the schools that serve Fairchild AFB and the Spokane area please contact the School Liaison Officer at DSN: 657-2246, commercial 509-247-2246 or e-mail at [email protected]

Section one: General information Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI): http://www.k12.wa.us/ The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 public education in Washington State. Led by State School Superintendent Randy Dorn, OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students. OSPI is housed in Olympia, WA.

Each district has a report card highlighting how their schools scored on the state assessments available on the OSPI website. For more information and to view a district’s report card, visit: http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/Summary.aspx?groupLevel=District&schoolId=1&reportLevel=State&y ear=2010-11

Interstate Compact Military families move between postings on a regular basis. While reassignments can often be great for a person’s career, they can be difficult for the children of military families. The average military student faces transitioning more than twice during high school. Most military children will attend six to nine different school systems from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Compact seeks to make transition easier for the military-connected children so they are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children and are not penalized or delayed in achieving their educational goals.

Washington State is part of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3). The goal of this compact is help ease education transition issues for military families. Being a part the Compact allows your child(ren)’s school records, transcripts, IEPs and other school related documentation to be more easily accepted by this state and the local school districts. Not every state has joined the Compact. If the state you are coming from is not a member, there may be challenges with credits and transcripts being accepted. To find out more information, and to see if your previous state is a part of the compact, please visit the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission website at: http://www.mic3.net/

School Locator If you live on base, your home district is the Medical Lake School District. Otherwise, your physical address will determine your home school district. However, Washington State is a “free choice” state meaning you may choose the school district best for your child. Please be aware that if you “choice” into a district that is not your home district, transportation to and from school will be your responsibility. Most school district websites will have a link to the district and or school boundary map so you will know what school or district your child would be served by.

New Student Registration process Most school districts in the Spokane area require the following documents at the time of registration:  A copy of your child’s birth certificate

 Your child’s immunization records -- (Required immunizations can be found at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/VaccineRequireme nts

 Registration form  Transcripts or school records from previous district  IEP or 504 plan

Washington State Graduation Requirements Graduation requirements, as established by the State Board of Education, represent a portfolio of a student’s high school career. At the present time, Washington State requires public school graduates to complete a minimum of 20 credits. Beginning with the Class of 2019, the minimum number of credits increases to 24. Many local school districts require students to earn additional credits beyond these minimum requirements. Students must pass the state tests. In addition, students must complete a “High School and Beyond Plan” and a Culminating or “Senior” Project. For additional information about this topic, and to find OSPI’s Graduation Toolkit, visit the OSPI website at: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/graduation

Learning Standards In Washington State the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has developed a set of learning standards that all students should know and be able to do in accordance to their grade level. More information can be found on the OSPI website http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/default.aspx .

Washington State Student Assessments Washington State administers two statewide assessments: Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE). More information about each assessment can be found on the OSPI website (http://www.k12.wa.us/) under the Assessment heading:  Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) – for students in grades 3-8  High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) serves as the state’s exit exam. Students must pass this assessment or a state-approved alternative in reading and writing in order to be eligible to graduate.  Washington Alternative Assessment System (WAAS) - for students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP)  End of Course Assessments (EOC) for high school Mathematics is to be implemented statewide by the 2010-11 school year and replace the Mathematics portion of the HSPE. End-of-course assessments for high school Science are to be implemented statewide by spring 2012 and replacing the Science portion of the HSPE.

Washington State Compulsory Attendance Washington law requires children ages 8 to 17 attend a public school, private school, or district- approved home school program. Children 6 or 7 years old are not required to be enrolled in school,

7 however if enrolled, the student must attend full-time. Youth 16 or older may be excused from attending public school if they meet certain requirements. Washington State has a truancy law called the Becca Law or RCW 13.32A. The interstate compact does have a provision in place to allow for absences from school for pre and post deployment activities. This provision allows for additional excused absences but is left up to the discretion of the school district superintendent to grant such leave. If additional absences are desired please talk with your school district administrators.

Washington State Running Start Program: The Running Start Program is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit. Students in 11th and 12th grade have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in Running Start at public expense. The exercise of that right is subject only to minimal eligibility and procedural requirements, which are spelled out, in state administrative rules. To find out more information about the Running Start Program, please visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/SecondaryEducation/CareerCollegeReadiness/RunningStart.aspx

Section two: Public School District information This section highlights the ten school districts most commonly utilized by members assigned to Fairchild AFB. If you are interested in other districts, please contact the School Liaison Office.

Medical Lake School District: http://www.mlsd.org/ Medical Lake School District is the “home” district for Fairchild AFB located in the town Medical Lake which is approximately 8 miles from the base. The district serves 1,900 students.  Three elementary schools (Kindergarten through 5th graders) – including Michael Anderson located on Fairchild AFB  One middle school (6th through 8th graders)  One high school (9th-12th grade)  One alternative school Important district phone numbers:  District Office: 509-565-3100  District Transportation: 509-565-3111

Cheney School District: https://www.cheneysd.org/ Cheney School District is the next closest district to Fairchild AFB and is approximately 14 miles from the base. The district serves 4,900 students.  Four elementary schools (Kindergarten through 5th grade) – including Sunset Elementary located in Airway Heights  One middle school (6th through 8th grade)  Two high schools (9th-12th grade)  One alternative school Important district phone numbers:

 Cheney School District Office: 509-559-4599  Cheney School District Transportation: 509-559-4523

Spokane School District # 81: http://www.spokaneschools.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1 Spokane School District # 81 has an enrollment of 28,719 students and is roughly 13 miles from the base. Spokane Public School District # 81 is comprised of:  34 elementary schools (Kindergarten through 6th grade)  Six middle schools (7th and 8th grade)  Seven high schools (9th-12th grade)  Four alternative schools. Spokane School District # 81 offers a before and after school program called Express. To find out more about where this program is offered please talk with the district office. Important district phone numbers:  Spokane Public School District # 81 Office: 509-354-5900  Spokane Public Schools Transportation: 509-354-7320

Mead School District: http://www.mead354.org/ Mead School district serves approximately 9500 students. Mead School District and is roughly 18 miles from the base. Mead is comprised of:  Eight Elementary Schools (Kindergarten through 6th graders)  Two middle schools (7th and 8th graders)  Two high schools (9th through 12th graders)  Two alternative schools. Important district phone numbers;  Mead School District Office: 509-456-6000  Mead School District Transportation: 509-465-6115

Reardan-Edwall School District: http://www.reardan.net/ Reardan-Edwall School District serves approximately 670 students. The district is comprised of the following:  One elementary school (Kindergarten through 6th grade)  One middle and high school combined (7th through 12th grade) Because of the large geographic area that Reardan-Edwall School District serves please call the district office to determine if you reside in the district. Important district numbers:  Reardan-Edwall School District Office: 509-796-2701  Reardan-Edwall School District Transportation: 509-796-4361

Central Valley School District: http://www.cvsd.org/

Currently Central Valley School District has an enrolment of 12,600 students. The closest school is 20 miles from the base. Central Valley School district is comprised of:  12 elementary schools (Kindergarten-6th grade)  Five middle schools (7th and 8th grade)  Two high schools (9th through 12th grade)  Four alternative/special schools. Important district phone numbers:  Central Valley School District Office: 509-228-5400  Central Valley School District Transportation: 509-228-5561

West Valley School District: http://www.wvsd.org/ West Valley School District is comprised of:  Four elementary schools (Kindergarten to 6th grade)  One middle school (7th and 8th grade)  One high school (9th through 12th grade)  Three alternative schools. The enrolment in West Valley School District is 3,900 students. Most of the schools in West Valley School District are around 20 miles from the base. Important district phone numbers:  West Valley School District Office: 509-924-2150  West Valley School District Transportation: 509-922-5467

East Valley School District: https://www.evsd.org/ East Valley School District is comprised of:  Six elementary schools (Kindergarten through 5th grade)  Two middle schools (6th through 8th grade)  One comprehensive high school (9th through 12th grade) East Valley School District has an enrolment of approximately 4,500 students. The closest school is 18 miles away from the base. Important district phone numbers:  East Valley School District Office: 509-924-1830  East Valley School District Transportation: 509-241-5901

Nine Mile Falls School District: http://www.9mile.org/9mile/site/default.asp Spokane and Stevens County residents are served by this District, which has over 1,600 students. The closest school to the base is 23 miles away. The district is comprised of:  Two elementary schools (Kindergarten through 5th grade)  One middle school ( 6th through 8th grade)  One high school (9th through 12th grade) Important district phone numbers:

 Nine Mile Falls School District Office: 509-340-4300  Nine Mile Falls School District Transportation: 509-462-9727

Section Three: Private School Information In the Spokane area there are numerous private schools to choose from. Most of these schools are Catholic or Christian schools but may provide education to nondenominational students.

Northwest Christian School: http://nwcs.org/ Northwest Christian Schools provides educational opportunities to preschool - 12th grade students. They also have home school education option. The two campuses have approximately 725 students combined.

In addition to tuition you will have a transportation fee of $600.00 per year, a capitol improvement fee of $300.00 per year and an enrollment fee of between $75.00 and $425.00 per year. Northwest Christian School does offer financial aid which averages 15 to 20% of the tuition cost for families that qualify. Information regarding tuition, course offerings and enrollment can be found on the website, or by calling the schools directly. Important school phone numbers:  Northwest Christian School Elementary Campus: 509-328-4400  Northwest Christian School Colbert Campus: 509-238-4005

All Saints Catholic School: http://www.allsaintsspokane.org/ All Saints Catholic School is an educational ministry of St. Peter, St. Ann and Our Lady of Fatima Parishes. They serve the students, parents and pastoral staff of these parishes, and others who accept the philosophy and mission of the school. Faith-based programs are offered for pre-school through 8th grade. For more information, visit the website or call the schools directly. Important school phone numbers:  All Saints Catholic School Primary building: 509-534-1098 ex. 215  All Saints Catholic School Middle building: 509-624-5712

Saint George’s School: http://www.sgs.org/ Saint George's School prepares students for college and for life, by reinforcing strong values, providing academic challenges, and developing meaningful relationships. Saint George’s School is 21 miles from the base.

Saint George’s will provide transportation for your student but that will be an additional charge over and above the cost of tuition. The cost for a full time rider is $1,020.00 per year and a half time rider will cost an additional $735.00 per year.

At Saint George’s you will also need to pay for books and school materials’ that will cost somewhere between $320.00 and $720.00 per year. For more information regarding enrollment, academics, tuition and financial aid, visit the website or call the school office directly. Important school phone numbers:  Saint George’s School Office: 509-466-1636

Gonzaga Preparatory School: http://www.gprep.com/ Gonzaga Preparatory School is a private institution and does charge tuition. The full cost of tuition for the 2015-2016 school year is $11,390.00 There is a financial aid program that Gonzaga Prep offers called the “Fair Share” program. This program is based on the adjusted gross income of the family. You may also apply for scholarships to help pay for the tuition costs. Gonzaga Preparatory School is 15 miles from the base. To learn more, visit the website or call the school office. Important school phone numbers:  Gonzaga Preparatory School Office: 509-483-3124

Section Four: Home schooling Before you decide to home school your child(ren) you need to be aware of some of the requirements of homeschooling parents. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.200 will provide some information so that you are able to make an informed decision about whether or not to home school your child(ren). RCW 28A.200 - http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.200 Declaration of Intent form - http://www.washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/Declaration.pdf Washington Home School Organization (WHO) - http://washhomeschool.org/

Section Five: Special Education and Schools Every School District in the Spokane area will have a “Student Services”, or “Special Education” department. If you have a child who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) this will be the place you will need to talk with about your child.  Medical Lake School District Special Services----- 509-565-3408  Cheney Public Schools Student Support Services---- 509-559-4507  Spokane Public Schools Special Education Department---- 509-354-7945  Reardan-Edwall School District Special Services---- 509-796-2511 extension 306  Mead School District Student Services---- 509-465-6008  Nine Mile Falls School District Student Services---- 509-340-4047 or 509-340-4025 for Elementary school and 509-340-4107 or 509-340-4214 for Middle and High Schools.  West Valley School District Special Programs---- 509-924-2450  Central Valley School District Special Programs---- 509-228-5426  East Valley School District Special Education Office---- 509-927-9511

Spokane Regional Health District Infant and Toddler Network: https://www.spokanecounty.org/1321/Child-Development-Services The infant and Toddler Network provides assistance to families of children birth to age three who have a disability.

Some of the services that they provide are listed below;  Assistive technology devices and services  Audiology services  Family training, counseling, and home visits  Health services necessary to enable the infant or toddler to benefit from the other early intervention services  Medical services only for diagnostic or evaluation purposes  Nursing services  Nutrition services  Occupational therapy  Physical therapy  Psychological services  Social work services  Special instruction  Speech/language therapy  Transportation related costs that are necessary to enable an infant or toddler and their family to receive early intervention services  Vision services The infant and Toddler Network may also help with funding some of these services after all other funding sources have been explored. If you have some concerns about your child’s development you can call the Infant and Toddler Network at 509-324-1651.

Spokane County Head Start/ECEAP/Early Head Start: http://www.iel.spokane.edu/LNB/Find-child-care/Head-Start/About.aspx Head Start is a child development program that provides a combination of early childhood education, social services and health services for eligible families, including those with special needs. They also have some home-based options for families during pregnancy and those with infants and toddlers up to age three. After completing the online application, you will need to print out the application and return it to the administrative office at 3939 N. Freya St. All eligible applicants are then placed on their waiting list. To contact the Spokane County Head Start/ECEAP/Early Head Start programs call 509-533-4650.

Joya: https://www.joya.org/ Joya is comprehensive assessment and treatment center for children, from birth to three, who exhibit delays in developmental skills. The evaluation/enrollment process is multi-stepped. Programs at the Guild School are personalized to meet the unique needs of the children and families they serve. You may contact the Guild School by calling 509-326-1658.

HOPE School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://spokanehope.org/ Located within the Washington State University / Eastern Washington University Hearing and Speech Clinic is the area's only listening and spoken language preschool for children with hearing loss. It is a

13 requirement that parents interested in their child attending HOPE School initiate contact with their school district prior to enrollment in an effort to obtain payment of tuition. To contact the HOPE school call 509-368-6890.

Northwest Autism Center: http://www.nwautism.org/ The Northwest Autism Center operates the Domino Project, an intensive early intervention program on the campus of Eastern Washington University that also serves as a learning center for students and area professionals. The Domino Project staff work with parents as they take on their role as advocates for and experts in determining their children's needs. If you are interested in contacting the Domino Project staff, call 509-328-1582.

Section Six: Colleges and Universities Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC): http://www.spokanefalls.edu/default.aspx SFCC is a two year Liberal Arts college located in Northwest Spokane. SFCC is one of two accredited institutions that comprise the Community Colleges of Spokane, District 17. To contact the admissions department call 509-533-3365.

Spokane Community College (SCC): http://www.scc.spokane.edu/ SCC is highly regarded for its professional-technical programs, including specialties in health sciences; information technology; industrial, manufacturing and automotive technology; hospitality and culinary arts; building trades; and agriculture and natural resource management. The college also has a strong educational tradition in the liberal arts. To contact SCC call 509-533-7000.

North Idaho College (NIC): http://www.nic.edu/ NIC offers degrees and certificates in a wide spectrum of academic transfer, professional-technical, and general education programs. Approximately 6,300 students are enrolled in credit classes and more than 7,800 participate annually in non-credit courses offered by the Workforce Training Center in Post Falls. NIC offers associate of arts and associate of science degrees in various college transfer programs, and associate of applied science degrees and technical certificates in its professional-technical programs. To contact the NIC Admissions Department call 208-769-3399.

Whitworth University: https://www.whitworth.edu/cms/ Whitworth University has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students and offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. More than $83 million in campus improvements have been made over the past decade, including a new center for the visual arts, a landmark general academic building, three new residence halls and several outdoor athletics facilities. Construction is under way for a new science facility that is slated to open in fall 2011. To contact Whitworth University call 509-777-1000.

Gonzaga University: http://www.gonzaga.edu/

Gonzaga University is a private, four-year institution of higher education. Students include both women and men, who can enroll in a multitude of undergraduate or graduate programs. Enrollment for the 2009-2010 academic year was 7,837 students. To contact the Admissions Department, call 509-313-6572 or 1-800-322-2584.

Eastern Washington University: http://www.ewu.edu/Home.xml Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney, Wash., with programs also offered in Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Yakima. To contact the EWU Admissions Department call 509-359-2397.

Washington State University Spokane Campus: http://spokane.wsu.edu/ WSU Spokane students—a diverse group of traditional students and working adults—engage in outstanding academic programs led by award-winning faculty. Their programs—which focus on education, health sciences, design disciplines, social and policy sciences, and technology—create change in the Northwest, the United States, and the world.

Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) on Fairchild AFB: SFCC offers four terms annually on base. You can pursue courses in Applied Science, The Arts, General Education and many other courses to choose from. SFCC is a two year Liberal Arts college. To contact SFCC, call 509-533-8937.

Park University Fairchild Campus: http://www.park.edu/ Park University offers a variety of degree programs to choose from. You may take anything from Criminal Justice to Management. To contact Park University on Fairchild AFB call 509-244-2020.

Webster University on Fairchild AFB: http://www.webster.edu/wa/ On base Webster University offers the following degree programs;  Masters Business Administration (MBA)  MA Business & Organizational Security Management  MA Human Resources Development  MA Information Technology Management  MA Management and Leadership The on base campus also offers certificates in Decision Support Systems. To contact Webster University on Fairchild AFB call 509-244-2079.

Section Seven: Academic help for students: There are many programs you can take advantage of in the Spokane and surrounding areas. I will list some of the better known ones.

Sylvan Learning Centers: https://www.sylvanlearning.com/ In the Spokane area there are three locations for Sylvan Learning Centers. At Sylvan, tutors tailor individualized learning plans that build the skills, habits and attitudes students need to succeed in school. Tutoring instruction is available in math, reading, writing, study skills, homework help, as well as many other topics. To find a location in Spokane, visit the website.

Tutor.com: http://www.tutor.com/ This site is specifically designed for military students. The program is only for Active Duty families except for families that have been activated. When you sign up and start using this site you will find that you are hooked up with a live tutor that can help you out. All services on this site are absolutely free for you!

Khan Academy: http://www.khanacademy.org/ The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free education to anyone anywhere. The Khan Academy has over 2,100 lessons on everything from Algebra to SAT preparation and everything in between.

Club Z: http://clubztutoring.com/servingspokanearea Club Z is an in home tutoring service. The phone number is 509-466-0076.