Student Transition Program (Inbound & Outbound)
At DoDEA Pacific, military-connected children are at the heart of all we do. We recognize our military children move three times more often than their civilian peers, with many students attending six to nine different schools during their K-12 years. We also know frequent moves may cause stress and anxiety, adversely impacting students’ academic, social and emotional well-being.
DoDEA Pacific’s Student Transition Program is designed to assist newly arriving elementary, middle and high school students with finding community within their new school.
Each Student Transition Program is served by a Program Coordinator and Student Ambassadors and provides:
- A lunch buddy and/or a dedicated place to hang out during lunch
- A personalized school tour from a Student Ambassador, who can answer questions about classes and programs from a student perspective
- Local culture trips where you can experience local food and customs
- A college and career planning tool for middle/high school students to explore interests
- Information about after school activities, clubs, and social events. High school activities include competitive Far East athletic and academic events in areas such as Journalism, Culinary Arts, Music, STEM, JROTC, and more!
- Resources to assist with social-emotional wellness following a PCS move
Student Ambassadors
Each new student is assigned a student ambassador, whose main responsibilities are to escort new students for a week, eat lunch together and provide informal on-boarding (go over the content of the welcome pack, answer questions, hang-out and become a “buddy”).
Onboarding Sessions
The transition program delivers four one-hour sessions once a week (every Wednesday/Thursday- whichever is a B day) every month for new students or when needed. Sessions take place during school hours (advisory period).
PCSing Celebration Sessions
Student ambassadors support the transition coordinator and actively participate in all other transition activities including monthly welcome and farewell events and social and cultural trips.
Dragon Ambassador Meetings:
- Welcome Aboard sessions
- Student Ambassador tours and lunch buddies
- Cultural experiences and trips
- Social/emotional support
- And much more!
Meets on: Every Thursday, Rm. 210
Meeting Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Activity schedule: Student Ambassadors positively represent our school and help connect students. The purpose of our program is to make transitioning students feel welcome and to show support for students who are departing. We help members of our school deal with the stresses of military life which can be very difficult along with school work, trying to make friends, and learn our lifeways at AMS. We strive to make our school a very welcoming place by showing new students around and connecting them with people who have similar interests. We also strive to make departing students feel appreciated for their time at AMS and support them in their move. By being a Student Ambassador, you will build leadership skills and gain volunteer hours all while making new friends and connections within our school.
Contact the STP Coordinators:
The Student Transition Program counselors and ambassadors assist newly arriving students with finding community within their new school. Learn more about the Pacific Region’s Student Transition program.
