Student Transition Program
At DoDEA Pacific, military-connected children are at the heart of all we do. We recognize our military children move three times more often than their civilian peers, with many students attending six to nine different schools during their K-12 years. We also know frequent moves may cause stress and anxiety, adversely impacting students.
DoDEA Pacific’s Student Transition Program is designed to assist newly arriving elementary, middle and high school students with finding community within their new school.
Each Student Transition Program is served by a Program Coordinator and Student Ambassadors and provides:
- A lunch buddy and/or a dedicated place to hang out during lunch
- A personalized school tour from a Student Ambassador, who can answer questions about classes and programs from a student perspective
- Local culture trips where you can experience local food and customs
- A college and career planning tool for middle/high school students to explore interests
- Information about after school activities, clubs, and social events. High school activities include competitive Far East athletic and academic events in areas such as Journalism, Culinary Arts, Music, STEM, JROTC, and more!
- Resources to assist following a PCS move
Student Ambassadors play a crucial role in the onboarding process. Each new student is assigned a student ambassador, who is responsible for guiding them during their first week, sharing meals, and providing informal onboarding. This includes reviewing the welcome pack, answering questions about the daily routines and culture of the Eagles' Nest, and fostering a friendly relationship.
The transition program is structured to deliver four one-hour sessions every month, ensuring new students have a consistent support system. These sessions take place once a week, on a Tuesday or Thursday, during the Seminar. Each new student attends the onboarding sessions within their first month of enrollment. The onboarding sessions are critical, as they are incredibly informative. The transition coordinator often trains and delegates the delivery of onboarding sessions to student ambassadors, further modeling peer-to-peer support.
Student ambassadors support the total school program but strategically focus on incoming, newly arrived, and outgoing Eagles. They host quarterly signature events annually. For example, Welcome Week is hosted at the beginning of quarter one, and each quarter comes with a school-wide event.
- Ambassador Meeting Location and Schedule:
- Meetings are held in the Transition Center, located in the Fire Neighborhood (C) GL 112, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15 to 7:45Â a.m.
- Lunchtime Legends meet in the Commons daily during MS and HS lunch.
Onboarding and PCSing Celebration Sessions:Â
- Every first Tuesday of each Month during the Seminar Session 2.
- 1st Tuesday of each month -Â Welcome to the Nest Chew & Chat.
- 4th Tuesday of each month - Sayanora Celebrations.
Note: Frequently, Pacific Student Transition Program events are posted on the Student Transition Board located in the counselor's hallway, shared on all Edgren MHS social media sites, and published in the school newsletter (when applicable).
Â
The Student Transition Program counselors and ambassadors assist newly arriving students with finding community within their new school. Learn more about the Pacific Region’s Student Transition program
Contact the Edgren MHS STP Coordinator(s):
Learn more about the DoDEA Pacific region's Student Transition Program
