Purple Star School

Military Families

Welcome to Kenwood Elementary School. We are committed to providing critical transitional support for military-connected students as they relocate to our school due to a parent's change in duty station. Our focus is to eliminate barriers to the academic success of military-connected students. We are here to assist and support the military family lifestyle in such areas as school transitions, frequent moves, deployment, and education inconsistencies that exist from state to state, along with many others.

Military Point of Contact - Kristen O'Shea

Military Transition and Student Ambassadors Program

Kenwood Elementary School welcomes military students to our school!  Our incoming military students get VIP treatment!

Military students are identified during the registration process. Principals, teachers, Child Youth and Behavior - Military Family Life Counselor (CYB-MFLC), and the Military Point of Contact (POC) are notified immediately. Transition planning begins immediately. Teachers begin academic planning and communicate weekly with parents on student progress toward mastery of grade-level standards and academic goals.  Student services are provided to support students in their academic and social transition into Kenwood Elementary.

Within the first week of a new student’s arrival to Kenwood, they will go on a tour of our campus with our student ambassador accompanied by the MFLC. The purpose of the tour is to ensure our new Bulldogs feel welcomed and comfortable as they enter a new school. We hope that we can facilitate that by introducing them to school staff and important places to know!

We have handpicked our student ambassadors who are fellow military 5th students that are eager to welcome new students and introduce them to the Kenwood campus. They visit the library, cafeteria, front office, nurse’s office, and more.  During the tour, parents are welcome as well as any questions to ensure each student feels comfortable and confident at our school! 

Professional Development

Kenwood Elementary School staff receive professional development concerning how to identify and respond to the needs of military students and their families.

Military Student Open Enrollment

Kenwood Elementary School reserves at least 5% of controlled open enrollment seats, as defined in Section 1002.31, F.S., for military students.

Kenwood Elementary Military School Events

We honor and celebrate our military families throughout the year in many ways:

  • September - Constitution Week

  • November - Veteran's Day

  • April - Month of the Military Child

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OCSD Resources for Military Families

The OkaloosaSchools.com website has a detailed list of Military Family Resources and Educational Opportunities to best assist your family. It contains a PCS document, services, programs, educational resources, and so much more to aid in the success of your educational goals.

OCSD Military Families Tool-Kit

Kenwood ES Named a Purple Star School

Purple Star School