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Navigating school life can be tough for military children, especially with each move. Jefferson Middle School will make that transition a positive experience for our military children and families. We offer guidance on transition planning, explore academic options, and provide resources about the local area. Plus, when it’s time for your next move, we'll help connect you with the School Liaison at your new location to ensure a smooth transition. We're here to support you every step of the way!
Transition Steps for Military Families
Register or enroll at Jefferson Middle School. Call or stop by Jefferson Middle School at 1217 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL
(321-453-5154 Office Hours 8:30 – 4:30. Ask for Joanna Ramsey (Registrar).
Identify yourself as Active Military Duty.
A meeting will be set up to meet with the assistant principal, Ms. Barbara Kelly (School Based Military Point of Contact) and our guidance counselor, Ms. Beverly Lerro, to discuss your child(ren) needs and academic support.
Each military child and parent will be provided with a Personalized Academic Planning to ensure course credits are transferred and students are placed in appropriate academic levels. This meeting will include discussion of any existing IEP, 504, or ELL.
Take a personal tour of the school with the assistant principal.
Join our Jefferson Parent Organization (JPO) to get to know other families in the area.
The first day of School: All military students are given a personal one-on-one tour of Jefferson Middle School by one of our student government members through our Ambassador Program. Tour will consist of walking the student schedule and visiting key locations: Media
Center, Cafeteria (with discussion of lunch procedures), Front Office, Nurse’s office, Attendance office, school restroom locations, student government classroom, bus loop and car loop.
In addition, each tour guide working with the new miliary child will become the child’s mentor for the first semester or longer. Through the mentor program the mentor will walk the new military child to his/her classes until they feel comfortable on their own. They will each have lunch with them each day and be there to answer any questions, help them joins sports or clubs of their interests, and be there to answer any questions about school life.
Military parents will be directed to our Jefferson Middle School Website/Military page for additional resources and support available in the local community or county.
Transition Resources:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ (a free 24/7 resource for military families of all branches of service providing a variety of assistance, resources, and tools)
www.militarychildcare.com (Resource and information on available Before/After School military childcare)
Points of Contact
Barbara Kelly - School Based Military Point of Contact
Tyler Scull - School Liaison / Ambassador Program
Beverly Lerro - Guidance Counselor
Joanna Ramsey - Registrar
Tricia Johnson - ESE Support Specialist
Karen McClory - Social Worker
Academic Resources
Teachers at Jefferson all offer at least one day of tutoring for students.
Jefferson's media center is home to a daily tutoring center. Student can stop in get help in any subject or to work on homework.
Jefferson offers a program for advanced and accelerated students who are looking for a challenging curriculum to keep them thinking.
Other Resources:
Information regarding academic standards and opportunities, graduation requirements, DE and AP course offerings, applicable CTE programs, etc. for Brevard Public schools can be found in the Student Progression Plan on the BPS Curriculum and Instruction website.
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/ Scholarship resources available to students in Florida in a variety of categories (tax credit, unique abilities, New Worlds reading, Hope, transportation, etc.)
Student Course Progression
Exceptional Student Resources
Make sure to inform the school of any ESE needs at the time of enrollment
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
District Resources
Jefferson's ESE Contacts
Tricia Johnson - ESE Support Specialist
321-453-5153 ex 32637
Karen McClory - Social Worker
321-453-5153 ex 32684
Other Exceptional Education Resources:
Brevard Public Schools provides a range of ESE resources, including school-specific support for families navigating transitions with IEPs and 504 plans. For more information, please visit the BPS Exceptional Education Services website.
Department of Air Force EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program Information) https://daffamilyvector.us.af.mil/membersite/
Mental Health Resources
Students needing mental health support for any reason, including dealing with transitions or deployment, are encouraged to see Ms. McClory, our school social worker.
Other helpful links:
Association of Children's Mental Health
Community Resources
Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more.
USDOD - Taking Care of Our People
U.S. Department of Defense website - We recognize the service and sacrifice of our military and their families, and dedicate resources, services, policies and programs to support the more than 2 million uniformed service members and 2.6 million family members across the globe.
Red Cross - Military Families Services
The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service.
Free Tutoring for Military Families through Tutor.com
For U.S. Military & their families - no-cost, online tutoring and homework help, 24/7.
Military Recognition Events
Jefferson Middle school honors and recognizes the following military days among other events.
Military Branch Birthdays:
· National Guard. December 13
· Army. June 14 (honored and recognized in May before school ends for summer)
· Navy. October 13
· Marine Corps. November 10
· Coast Guard. August 4
· Air Force. September 18
· Space Force. December 20
Patriots Day
Veterans Day
Memorial Day
“Month of the Military Child” in April
Purple Up! Day for Military Kids! on April 15th each year to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifice by having all the students and faculty/staff wear purple
In addition to honoring our Veterans at School, NJHS also wanted to give back to those that were willing to give all for us. They collected needed items to support a local homeless veterans group.