Memo Text
More than 13,000 Arkansans are currently serving in the
military, with more than 6,100 children of military families attending public
schools in Arkansas. As families transfer from state to state for military
service, their children can encounter significant social and academic
issues. To help military students adjust and transition into Arkansas
schools, many districts have District Military Education Coordinators. Per ACA 6-28-116, school districts having either 20 or more children of military families enrolled or 3,000 students enrolled overall are required to designate a staff member to serve as a DMEC.
DMECs serve as a central point of contact for military families,
either to assist in addressing the challenges encountered by the students or to
direct them to the appropriate school staff member. DMECs also conduct
professional development for school staff regarding the legal rights of
children of military families, the social and academic challenges they face,
and resources available to assist military families. They also may assist
in planning and carrying out recognition programs and activities for Month of
the Military Child each April.
Each spring the Arkansas State Council of the Military
Interstate Children's Compact Commission recognizes outstanding DMECs for their
exceptional work in support of children of military families. Nominations
can be made online using the District Military Education Coordinator Nomination Form and are due by February 28, 2023. Awardees
will receive a certificate of recognition from the Arkansas Council for
Military Children.