Military Families at PCTS

1. School Military Point of Contact (MPOC)

Our dedicated Military Point of Contact is:
Mrs. Kellie Dingus
 📧 kd@pctrilingual.com
📞 850-774-7242

Mrs. Dingus serves as the direct support for military-connected families, ensuring smooth communication, guidance, and assistance with transitions into and out of our school community.

2. Student-Led Transition Program

At PCTS, we believe students learn best from one another. Our student-led transition program pairs new military students with trained peer buddies who help them adjust to the academic, social, and cultural environment of our trilingual community. These student leaders introduce newcomers to school routines, provide campus tours, sit with them at lunch, and involve them in extracurricular activities. This program helps military students build friendships quickly, feel welcomed, and maintain a strong sense of belonging despite frequent moves.

3. Staff Professional Development

We recognize the unique experiences of military families. To better serve our community, PCTS provides professional development opportunities for teachers and staff on:

  • Understanding the academic and social-emotional needs of military-connected students.

  • Strategies to support students through transitions and deployments.

  • Recognizing the impact of mobility and separation on learning and behavior.

  • Celebrating and honoring military family contributions within the classroom and schoolwide.

These trainings equip our educators to respond with empathy, flexibility, and effective strategies tailored to the needs of military families.

Open Enrollment Seats

PCTS reserves five (5) percent of our open enrollment seats specifically for military-connected students. This ensures that families relocating to our area due to military service have consistent access to high-quality multilingual education.

Activities to Support Military Families

We honor and support military families throughout the school year with meaningful events and educational opportunities, including:

  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony – Students and staff gather to honor the lives lost and recognize the sacrifices of first responders and service members.

  • Veterans Day Assembly – A schoolwide event to recognize and thank veterans for their service, often including guest speakers, student performances, and classroom activities.

  • Memorial Day Remembrance – Activities that teach students the significance of honoring fallen heroes who served our nation.

  • Purple Up! Month of the Military Child (April) – Students and staff wear purple to recognize and celebrate the resilience and contributions of military children.

  • Independence Day Education – Lessons and projects help students understand the importance of independence, freedom, and the sacrifices made to secure them.

Special Recognition Events – Throughout the year, we highlight historical events and observances that honor those who have worked to keep our country safe.

Academic Planning for Military Families

At Panama City Trilingual School, we understand that military families often experience transitions between duty stations. Our academic team works closely with parents to ensure smooth placement and credit transfer. We provide:

  • Assistance reviewing transcripts and aligning coursework with Florida standards.

  • Personalized academic plans to keep students on track for graduation and college readiness.

  • Flexible scheduling and communication with previous and future schools to minimize learning gaps.

Families may contact Mrs. Kellie Dingus, School Director, for individualized academic planning support.

Resources and Educational Opportunities for Military Students

Military-connected students have access to a variety of programs and opportunities, including:

  • After-school clubs and enrichment (LEGO League, Esports, Guitar, Ultimate Music Theory, etc.)

  • Advanced academic programs in Spanish, English, and Chinese immersion.

  • Scholarship support such as Step Up for Students and other tuition assistance programs.

  • Community resources through our partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and local base education offices.

We encourage families to ask about tailored opportunities for student leadership, accelerated coursework, and creative projects.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services

PCTS is committed to meeting the needs of all learners, including students with exceptionalities. We support our students by working with: 

  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plan accommodations.

  • Inclusion support in general education classrooms.

  • Small-group and one-on-one interventions.

  • Collaboration with military liaisons and parents to ensure continuity of services across duty stations.

Families may reach out to Mrs. Edamarie Hernández, Assistant Principal to review existing plans or establish new support services.

Mental Health and Wellness for Military Students

We recognize the unique emotional challenges faced by military children, including frequent moves, deployments, and family transitions. Our school provides:

  • Referrals to school-based mental health services and community providers.

  • Preventive education on stress management, coping skills, and resilience.

  • Partnerships with local organizations that specialize in supporting military families.

Parents may contact Mrs. Kellie Dingus, School Director to learn more about available mental health resources.