Columbia Elementary is proud to be one of the premier schools in Southeast Palm Bay. At Columbia Elementary we are dedicated to fostering community values and deeply appreciate the contributions of our military students and their families. Throughout the school year, we celebrate not only our military students but also students from diverse backgrounds, all of whom contribute to creating a well-rounded and enriching learning environment.

With each move, military children face many school-related challenges, The Patrick Space Base School Liaison can provide information about transition planning, academic options and options and resources with regards to the local area, as well as connect you to the School Liaison at your next installation when transitioning to another location.

Transition Steps:

1. Contact Columbia Elementary at 321-676-1319.  Request registration information. 

2. Columbia Elementary will request school records once your student(s) is registered. 

3. Identify as Active Military Duty 

   Request for student(s) in family to meet with Military POC and administrative staff. 

4. Request conference with principal and classroom teacher(s) (as needed)

5. Join Parent and Teacher Organization to assist with events.

6. Military students are taken on a student-led tour of Columbia Elementary.

7. Visit Columbia Elementary Website/Military Webpage and supports shared with new families.

8. Any questions or issues, please contact the MPOC Mr. Huff (listed above)

With each move, military children face many school-related challenges, The Patrick Space Base School Liaison can provide information about transition planning, academic options and options and resources with regards to the local area, as well as connect you to the School Liaison at your next installation when transitioning to another location.

Brevard Public Schools Elementary Curriculum

Columbia Elementary provides after-school tutoring through both our After School Program (ASP) and the 21st Century Grant program, an after-school tutoring initiative. Eligibility for these programs is based on demonstrated academic need.  These programs have proven to significantly support the educational success of our students. For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Parks.

Also, our school offers many clubs that students can join.  Some of these clubs are:  Kindness club, Esports, Destination Mars, and Latin Dance.  These are just a sample of some of the activities we encourage our students to join. 

In addition, the following programs are available online to our military students.

Patrick Space Force Base

Military Family and Readiness Center
The Military & Family Readiness Center serves as a one-stop information and referral center for single, married, active duty, Guard, Reserve and retired members, as well as their families. One of our major functions is a linkage, ensuring military personnel and their families are connected with the appropriate services both on and off base.

Information and referral is at the heart of everything we do at the M&FRC. We will answer your questions and provide the service you need, or we will connect you with other resources if we do not have the answer. When you aren't sure who to ask, ask the Patrick SFB M&FRC.

 www.Military.tutor.com

This program is available 24/7 for U.S. Military and their families at no cost and it is online tutoring and it offers homework help. The tutors can assist you with working through difficult homework problems, assist you with improving your writing skills, and with other skills.

United Through Reading   

Family bonding experiences are made possible by shared story time through a program called United Through Reading.  This program connects military families who are separated for deployment or military assignment.

Military OneSource

The Military OneSource provides services in such areas as tax services, spouse employment help, Webinars, online training, relocation, deployment tools, and other areas. Call-800-342-9647

Military Child Care                       

Department of Defense (DOD) program that makes it easier to find the child and youth care your family needs.   Call 855-696-2934

Sesame Street for Military Families

This is a free, bi-lingual (English and Spanish) website that families can utilize to locate information and multimedia resources on topics such as military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.

USDOD—Taking Care of Our People

This is a US. Department of Defense website.  This website recognizes the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. The U.S. DOD dedicates resources, services, policies, and programs to support the more that 2 million uniformed service members and the 2.6 million family members around the world.

Red Cross—Military Services                  

Members of the Red Cross assist members of the military, veterans, and their families how to prepare, respond, and adjust to the challenges of military services.

Steps:

1. Parents inform the school that their child has exceptional student services at enrollment.

2. Parents inform the school that they would like to know about exceptional student services at enrollment for their child because they have concerns about the social-emotional and academic development of their child.

3. Link to school/district resources

4. Contact Tara Guzman (See above)

This information is for parents who are just starting their journey through Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and for those who have been on this journey for a while.

Columbia's Military Assistance Program by Students (MAPS) is a student-led leadership team consisting of 2-3 selected 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, nominated by their teachers and approved by the school administration. The team is guided by a Transition Team Coordinator and is responsible for offering student-led school tours, sharing information about upcoming events—particularly military appreciation events—and introducing new military students to the peer support system. Additionally, the MAPS team plays a key role in planning and coordinating military recognition events.

1. Armed Forces Day

2. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

3. Veterans Day

4. More to come

Columbia Elementary offers Psychological and Mental Health Services to all students including those in military families.  These school-based mental health services, along with many other resources are available at our Mental Wellness website.  Mrs. Ruiz is our on campus social worker and her contact information is listed above.