Barksdale children prepare to go back to school

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 200 people turned out for the Operation School Days event held at Hoban Hall Aug. 2.

The event was hosted by the Barksdale Community Education Partnership, the Barksdale Youth Center and the Airman and Family Readiness Center to help members of the Barksdale community familiarize themselves with more the local schools in Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, the Diocese of Shreveport , the private school and the Barksdale home school group.

"Barksdale has held this event for many years, but this is actually the first time that we've had Bossier and Caddo Parishes, private and home-school programs represented here under one roof," said Debora Griffith, chairman of BCEP.

With Barksdale dependants making up more than 2,200 dependants in local schools including home schools, the Operation School Days event makes school selection a one-stop shop.

"This event gives the schools the opportunity to display what they are all about," said Ms. Griffith. "It gives the families, especially the ones who are just getting here, the chance to actually look at what is being offered instead of hearing about it."

Parents of current students had the opportunity to meet with their children's principals and learn about the changes made over summer vacation, including athletic programs and dress codes with a fashion show for each of the area school uniforms.

"The fashion show is held to show new families what uniforms they will be wearing," said Ms. Griffith. "Sometimes to show current student's parents what is acceptable and what isn't."

Master Sgt. Frank DeVillier, 2d Force Support Squadron, whose son will be attending school this Fall, says that he sees the relationship with the local community schools and Barksdale as collaborative for the benefit of the military child who often have to make new friend every time he or she moves to a new base and he hopes that continuing this event will help military families who are here now and families transferring to Barksdale in the future.

"The fact that the event exposes us to all of the schools in the local area gives me an opportunity to compare my choices and tell other Airmen about the educational opportunities that the base has to offer families," he said. "This event gives us the chance to meet, question and have our concerns heard by the principals, specialists and teachers of the schools our children will be attending. They seem to understand the transitional issues that military families face and are willing to accommodate us as much as humanly possible to ease the stress our children are faced with when moved to a different place. I really appreciate all the schools in attendance for recognizing that fact."

Each of the school districts represented during the event will also hold an orientation at their own facilities to acclimate students and prepare parents for the coming school year.

This year, Bossier Parish schools will be returning Aug. 11 and Caddo Parish schools will begin classes on Aug. 18.

For questions or to enroll your child you can get a full listing of all of the schools by going online to http://www.barksdaleslo.com.