Children return to school

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The days are getting shorter and nights cooler. Summer vacation has come and gone and now it's time for children to head back to school.

The first day of school for students in first through twelfth grade is Sept. 3. Pre-school and kindergarten students begin school Sept. 4.

"Military families move often throughout a 20-year career," said Lisa Pizarro, 66th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "For many students this year, their first day of school may be the first one at Hanscom Air Force Base."

With so many new faces in the classrooms this year, Pizarro wants to make sure families know she is here to help with the transition to a new school.

"My primary focus is to assist transitioning families as they arrive on base," said Pizarro. "I advocate for the educational needs of military children and assist Airmen and their families with information and referrals regarding local school districts and other education options, including home schooling and private schools."

Another responsibility for Pizarro is the "First Count" Federal Impact Aid Survey for federally connected students. This survey is for both military and Department of Defense civilian families with children in local school districts.

"Schools depend upon property taxes for funding, but state-funded schools with military families don't have that option," Pizarro said. "The survey helps determine, in part, how much funding the school receives. It's a small piece, but it's an important piece."

Bedford High School students will receive the Federal Impact Aid Survey during the first few weeks of October. Look for more information on it as school begins.

Students who will attend either Hanscom Primary School or Hanscom Middle School are part of the Lincoln Public School District. Parents of children attending either of these schools are encouraged to sign up on the website to receive school newsletters via email, as well as email alerts regarding important events. To do so, visit www.lincnet.org.

Bedford High School is converting the school's email system. As of Oct. 1, the Bedford High School Parent Association will solely use the Bedford High School email, BHSPA@bedford.k12.ma.us. The school will no longer use the Yahoo group email previously used for daily or occasional announcements. To sign up for all Bedford High School and Bedford High School PA news, go to any page on the school site and select "Sign up for Enewsletters."

In addition, there are several upcoming important dates parents should be aware of.

· The Hanscom Middle School will host a back to school night Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

· The Hanscom Primary School will host a family information night Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

· Bedford High School will host a back to school night Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The school calendars will vary. For up-to-date information, visit the respective school websites to view calendars: www.lincnet.org and www.bedford.k12.ma.us/bhs/.

For more information on the school liaison program or for information on any of the local schools, visit www.hanscomservices.com/SchoolLiaison.asp. The Hanscom Air Force Base website also includes up-to-date information on school happenings for students in kindergarten through high school at www.hanscom.af.mil.