
MILITARY STUDENTS & FAMILIES
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My name is Christopher Wood, and I’m proud to be the liaison for the Purple Star School program at Global High School. After serving in the United States Navy, I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of North Florida and I've spent the past eight years teaching in both middle and high schools throughout Florida. I’m passionate about helping students grow into confident and thoughtful leaders. By challenging my students to set obtainable goals and by making my curriculum relevant and approachable, I aim to prepare my students for a future that they'll have the power to begin building the foundation for. My background in both military service and education shapes my approach in the classroom—focused, supportive, and committed to excellence.
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Squad Plus is a transition team hosted Mr. Christopher Wood, our teacher and military veteran, and supported by trained students who mentor newcoming students. New students are introduced to student leaders who provide tours, introduce important staff, and help them navigate school life. The team also helps host military related events at school. Weekly meetings ensure a smooth, welcoming transition into Global Leadership Academy High School.
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Professional Development: Supporting Military-Connected Students
Theme: Month of the Military Child (April)
Audience: Educators, Counselors, Support Staff
Duration: 90–120 minutes
Session Goals
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Teachers learn to understand the unique challenges and strengths of military-connected students. They recognize signs of stress, transition, or hidden struggles among military children.
The students apply strategies to create an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive school environment. Lastly, they learn to celebrate and acknowledge military children during April.
Agenda- April 7, 2026
1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 min)
‣ Activity: “Military Moves” – Have participants stand and step forward each time they hear a statement that applies (e.g., “I’ve moved to a new city more than once,” “I’ve been the new person in a workplace or school”).
‣Connect to how military children often face frequent transitions.
2. Understanding the Military Child (20 min)
‣ Mini-Presentation Topics:
Overview of Month of the Military Child (history, purpose, “Purple Up! Day”).
・Demographics: Who are military-connected students? (active duty, reserves, National Guard, veterans).
・Common experiences: frequent relocations, parental deployments, reintegration, living on/off base.
・Strengths: resilience, adaptability, leadership.
・Challenges: social-emotional stress, interrupted academics, feelings of isolation.
‣ Video Clip (optional): Show a short clip of military kids sharing their stories (DoDEA, Military Child Education Coalition).
3. Educator Lens: What to Look For (15 min)
‣ Signs a military child may need extra support:
・Withdrawal or acting out during deployment periods.
・Academic gaps due to frequent school changes.
・Anxiety around transitions or parent safety.
‣ Case Study Discussion: Provide a short scenario of a military-connected student and have groups discuss possible educator responses.
4. Strategies to Support Military Students (25 min)
‣ Academic Supports: flexible policies for enrollment, credit transfer, homework extensions.
‣ Social-Emotional Supports: check-ins, counseling referrals, peer buddy systems.
‣ Classroom Practices:
・Avoid assumptions (not all experiences are the same).
・Incorporate inclusive language (“caregiver” vs. only “mom/dad”).
・Build classroom traditions that welcome newcomers.
‣ School-Wide Practices: military appreciation events, partnerships with local bases, highlighting Month of the Military Child.
‣ Interactive Activity: Brainstorm in groups ways to make classrooms/schools “Military Friendly” and share out.
5. Celebrating Month of the Military Child (15 min)
‣ Purple Up! Day activities (school-wide purple dress day, assemblies, student showcases).
‣ Bulletin boards featuring student stories.
‣ Invite military parents/community members to speak.
‣ Student-led projects (letters to deployed parents, service appreciation posters).
6. Reflection & Takeaways (10 min)
‣ Exit Ticket Prompt: “One strategy I will commit to implementing to better support military-connected students is...”
‣ Share resource handouts:
・Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
・DoDEA resources
・Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
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Academic and Enrichment Opportunities at Global Leadership Academy High School
Global Leadership Academy High School (GLA) is committed to preparing students for college, careers, and leadership in the global community. Through rigorous academics, leadership development, and innovative programs, GLA provides a wide range of classes and opportunities designed to empower every student to achieve success. We also pride ourselves in supporting our diverse population with our English Language Learner program.
Core Academic Pathways
Students at GLA engage in a strong academic foundation that emphasizes college readiness and real-world application. Core classes include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, with instruction tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners. Honors courses are available across multiple subjects for students seeking an additional academic challenge.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
To ensure students are competitive for college admissions and scholarship opportunities, GLA offers an expanding number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses allow students to experience college-level learning while still in high school and to earn potential college credit by scoring successfully on AP exams. We currently offer the following AP courses- Spanish Literature, Spanish Language and Culture, U.S. History, Human Geography, U.S. Government, English Language and Composition, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, 2-D Art, 3-D Art
Dual Enrollment
GLA partners with local colleges and universities to provide students with dual enrollment opportunities. This program allows students to take college courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. Students who participate gain early exposure to higher education expectations and often graduate with significant college credit already completed. We currently offer SLS as well as ENC 1101 and 1102.
Global Leadership Development
One of the unique features of GLA is its emphasis on leadership education. All students take part in a Leadership class that fosters essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and service learning. Through this program, students are encouraged to become confident leaders both in school and in the community.
Specialized Academies and Programs
● GLA Business Academy: This program immerses students in the world of business and entrepreneurship. Students gain knowledge of finance, marketing, and business management, preparing them for careers in business or for further studies in college. Students have the opportunity to graduate with an Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Certification.
● AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): AVID is a nationally recognized program that helps students develop organizational, study, and critical thinking skills. It is particularly designed to support students in becoming college-ready, with a focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading strategies.
Electives and Enrichment Opportunities
GLA also provides a variety of elective courses that allow students to explore personal interests and expand their skills. These may include courses in the arts, technology, world languages, and physical education. Enrichment programs such as clubs, athletics, and student government further allow students to develop leadership, creativity, and teamwork beyond the classroom.
A Culture of Excellence
At Global Leadership Academy High School, students are not only challenged academically but also supported in developing the character and leadership qualities necessary to thrive in today’s world. With a blend of advanced coursework, college readiness programs, and opportunities for personal growth, GLA equips students to excel in higher education and beyond.
In addition to all of this we also work with DCPS and many of their programs to include their ESOL department and their Parent Academy.
Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a FREE family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's personal and individual growth needs. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams.
Parent Academy focuses on the following three fundamental categories:
● Student Achievement
Workshops and activities provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to promote students' academic achievement as well as provide support in navigating the school system.
● Parenting & Advocacy
Workshops and activities provide innovative tools and strategies to enhance parenting, student advocacy, and leadership skills effectively.
● Personal & Individual Growth
Workshops and activities provide empowering information, motivation, and encouragement for parents and caregivers' personal and professional growth.
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Where can I go when I need support
Who is your school counselor ?
Mrs. Natalie Knapp- 11th and 12th
Mrs. Synetta Lawson- 9th and 10thCheck out this website specifically designed for military families.
Hazel Health has partnered with Duval County Public Schools to provide access to quality health care services for all students, at no cost to families, this school year. A school health representative can initiate a video visit with a Hazel health care provider while your child is at school to provide either physical or mental health services. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential.
Academic Planning Support
Meet with Natalie Knapp, school counselor
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services and Supports
Meet with Diane Wolf, Assistant Principal over ESE