Fun back-to-school commercials always feature happy families shopping for new clothes, supplies, and lunch goodies. However, we all know that if the commercial were created for PCSing military families, it would highlight stressed-out parents searching stacks of unpacked household goods for lunchboxes and backpacks from last week’s move!
Later in the commercial, the camera would focus on the nervous military parent contemplating the odd predicament of not having a local person to list as the child’s emergency contact on many back-to-school forms.
Being the new mil-kid, mil-mom, and mil-dad is tough, especially since the duty station time is short. So you wouldn’t be alone if you seriously considered staying home and counting the days to the next military move.
But if you’re looking to make fast friends for you and your military children in your community, look no further than your kids’ schools. It’s the easiest place to connect with others who share your goal of improving your kids’ school life and education.
It’s true; the younger the kids, the easier it is to make friends with their families, but don’t let your tweens and teens discourage you. There’s impact and friends to be made in middle and high school, too. Pick a few of these fool-proof ways to get involved, and you're bound to meet friends and neighbors.
This Back to School Guide for Military Families has resources for all military families with kids, whether you're planning private, public, or homeschooling.
If you have a couple of weeks before school starts, connect with your schools online. Don’t worry; you can still make up for lost time even if school has started.
Start by following your school on your favorite social media platform and engage.
Some school administrators and attached groups, like the PTA, love to post online across all platforms, so check out all the options. Don't forget to follow your school district, too. They’ll likely have “new to school” resources and possibly a section for military kid transfers.
Follow your new city or community’s online specialty groups.
Meet parents of military children in activities similar to yours, like swimming, soccer, lacrosse, softball, or dance. Ask questions, and you’ll definitely get lots of answers and opinions.
If you haven’t heard of the Youth Sponsorship Program, now's the time to see if your school participates.
Not only does this group connect new military kids to existing military kids at their school or military base, parents are encouraged to make connections with other parents, too.
Use our Pre-PCS Military School Checklist for more help preparing the family for their new school.
Take a break from the mountain of unpacked boxes and scattered paper stacks, and take advantage of all the ways to meet and greet the neighbors. After following your school’s social media and learning about the fun activities scheduled, your calendar should be filled with tons of back-to-school fun.
Call it Popsicles on the Playground or a Back to School Ice Cream Social; it doesn’t matter— kids love the frozen treats, and they’re the perfect icebreaker in the schoolyard.
These events (some schools schedule by grade) are your chance for in-person introductions and to ask questions about the school’s details you might have missed.
Your school’s PTA or PTO is an invaluable source of information.
Even if you don’t decide to join, you can still follow their newsletter or Facebook page to keep up with sponsored events like a Welcome Back Social. You won’t want to miss the opportunities to meet new families.
Attend your child’s Open House or Back to School Night, especially if you have older kids.
These might be among the few ways you can get your middle- or high-schooler to join you in getting to know other families.
Volunteering at school is one of the best ways to find new friends fast. There’s always a shortage of helpful hands, and you just might have the skills the school could benefit from. Also, don’t forget that volunteering is 100% resume worthy.
Maybe this duty station is all about adding new experiences and skills so that you can land the perfect job later.
Sign up for room parent duties.
You’ll meet the parents right away, and your teacher will sincerely thank you for your commitment.
Become an active PTA or PTO member.
Maybe the Communications Chair position is open? Or they might need someone to lead the Fall Fest in October. There’s nothing like organizing an event to immediately bond with other parents.
Offer to help in the front office.
The administrators could always use help with daily tasks, such as copying and answering phones.
Start a military family support group.
If your school doesn’t have one, create a military support group that brings together students and their parents. Focus on sharing and spreading resources that support military families, like MilitaryOneSource and the Military Child Education Coalition. Or schedule a group session with your local Student Liaison Officer to hear a presentation on their services.
Assist in the library.
Can you imagine what the stacks look like every time a class comes into browse? The librarian would be grateful for any time you have to help with reshelving.
Lend a hand during art class.
As important as the arts are to a child’s education, they’re labor-intensive and often messy. Check in with your child's art teacher and ask whether they need any help managing class supplies or cleanup.
Bring your gardening skills to school.
Many elementary schools have gardens on campus to expand on the subjects taught during the day. If your green thumb needs a workout, offer to water, weed, and maintain the plants, or tend bird feeders or other projects the teachers are discussing.
Teach students your hobbies or expertise.
Many schools run after-school programs or clubs taught by parent volunteers who excel in subjects kids love. For example, offer to teach a coding class, pottery class, or coach a running club.
Volunteer as a parking attendant or crossing guard.
These volunteers make the school day's beginning and end efficient and timely. If you love the outdoors and pride yourself on time management skills, you could be the next best thing to happen to the school community!
The two to three years after PCSing will move fast, especially if you intentionally engage in the community and have fun. So if you’re hoping to make a new circle of friends, make an impact at your children’s school, or simply fill the hours of your day, choose a few of these easy ways to find the connections you’re looking for in your new hometown.
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