Parent Advocates for Students and Schools (PASS)

Pass It On! PASS is a volunteer organizational that provides military parents/guardians with effective ways to advocate for their children as they transition between school systems.

PASS promotes peer to peer networking among parents
PASS organizes workshops (topics are chosen from workshop participant feedback and committee members).

Goal of PASS - The goal of the PASS program is to educate military parents and establish networking opportunities to bring about the beset educational out-comes for military connected families.

What is PASS? An opportunity for parents to meet one another to discuss successful methods of addressing the multiple school systems military children attend. PASS is an investment in the readiness and quality of life for military, families and community. This initiative enhances resiliency by educating parents on how to be a positive and effective advocate for their child. PASS can be a tool to help develop vibrant social networks among parents, thereby creating a deeper “sense of belonging” within military installations and communities.

PASS Objectives - Set students up for long term success by increasing parents’ abilities to promote partnerships with school systems utilizing base and community resources. Share ideas through workshops, peer-to-peer networking and advocacy meetings, groups; reach out to parents with children of all ages to provide strategies for school readiness. Increase parents’ knowledge of available supplemental services as well as their rights and responsibilities under the statutory and regulatory education laws. Assist parents and students to prepare for college and careers.

Join PASS and Make a Difference- Military parents know, through personal and shared experiences, that effective transitioning of students from one school to another can be challenging.

PASS Volunteers are part of the two-way communication between the military and the local schools resulting in an enhanced understanding of each other’s unique challenges and cultures.

PASS Volunteers are better informed families who are empowered to gain resources available.

Volunteer Opportunities – Examples include attending PASS meetings, identifying community needs, distribution of marketing materials.

Core PASS Workshops-

Starting your child in school – learn creative ideas to help your child achieve a successful start to their education and what records are necessary in order to register your child within the local school district.
Teaming with school personnel – be a better advocate for your child by parents and teachers working together as they work through the “Chain of Concern”
Individual Education Plan (IEP) – Parents increase their knowledge and comfort about the IEP process.
Student Portfolio – Learn what school and classroom records to keep when you PCS or move to a new school
Roadmap to your student’s future – from seventh grade to high school, learn what classes are recommended in order for your student to enter their “school of choice”

Related Programs -

School Liaison Program – Designed to educate parents, schools, and committees on the unique needs of K-12 military affiliated students and improve educational opportunities and environments. The SLO also assists family members in advocating for their child’s educational needs.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) – Information on services available to assist families with exceptional needs who may need assistance with their support networks.
Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) – Need to talk? MFLC’s are here to listen. MFLC’s are available to help military members, spouses, children and DoD employees.
Military One Source – Education, relocation, parenting, stress. Military One Source is available by phone 1-800-342-9647 or online www.militaryonesource.com. Free services are private and confidential.

Click HERE for the comprehensive PASS Program Guide

For more information, please contact School Liaison Support at the Warfighter and Family Readiness Center at Dix 609-562-2767, at McGuire 609-754-3154, at Lakehurst 732-323-1248.

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