Military-Connected Students & Families
Our Commitment
As a State designated Purple Star School of Distinction, it is the on-going goal of our administration, faculty, and staff to respond to the academic, relational, and social-emotional challenges military-connected students encounter when they transition to a new school or when a parent/guardian deploys for an extended period of time. Freeport Elementary has more military-connected students than any other school in Walton County School District...and that number is growing. We strive create a school culture where students are able to respond to each other's challenges with kindness, friendship, integrity, courage, optimism, grit, honest, and respect...our school's character traits. One of the main reasons we are so excited about the student-led transition program. This will allow the students to show each other what it really means to be an FES Wildcat.
To visit FES Guidance on Facebook click >>here<<
FES Military Family Reference Guide
On Our Campus
FES Military Liaison | Our primary point of contact for our Military Families on Campus. | Tania Eastman, | Aquila.Eastman@walton.k12.fl.us |
Student-led | Our student-led transition program to assist military students is called STARS (Student Transition and Relocation Support). | Tania Eastman, | Aquila.Eastman@walton.k12.fl.us |
Professional Development | The professional development provided to our staff is aimed at being mindful of military family life in order to offer the best supports possible while students transition to and are enrolled at FES. (Virtual & in person options) | Kassandra Seabolt, | Kassandra.Seabolt@walton.k12.fl.us |
Enrollment Capacity | FES reserves at least 5% of controlled open enrollment seats, as defined in Section 1002.31, F.S., for military students. For any questions regarding enrollment, please contact our Data Control Specialist. | James Parks, | James.Parks@walton.k12.fl.us |
Team Eglin School Liaison Officer (SLO)
Military Family Resource Access | A comprehensive list of military family resources is available via the Team Eglin School Liaison Officer webpage. | Elaine LaJeunesse, | elaine.lajeunesse@us.af.mil
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Click >>HERE<< to access Team Eglin's SLO site
2024 Veterans Day Tribute (Collaboration with Team Eglin's SLO)
(L-R -Mrs. Eastman, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Rivera)
Student-led Transition Program
Student Transition and Relocation Support (STARS )
The Freeport Elementary School STARS team supports and welcomes new military-connected students as they transition to FES. For many of these students, a STARS team member may be the first connection they make at FES. STARS team members are a representation of FES’s expected behavior during any duty they are performing and it is imperative that they are always striving to demonstration our House Character Traits.
Faculty Advisor,
Mrs. Eastman
24-25 STARS Team
2025 Purple Ball (Hosted by the STARS Team)
Useful Links and Information for Military Families
General Resources for Military Families: FLDOE Military Family Resources WCSD Military Family Resources Contact Mrs. Eastman at aquila.eastman@walton.k12.fl.us or at 850-892-1211 x2312 for FES specific resources Safe Schools: FDOE SAFE SCHOOLS BEST PRACTICES FES School Safety Chair - Assistant Principal Kiehne - 850-892-1211 FES School Threat Assessment Chair - Assistant Principal Williams 850-892-1211 | Education in Walton County Schools: FES Educational Links for Families WCSD Controlled Open Enrollment Florida State Assessments (FAST) Exceptional Student Education (ESE): Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams determine the appropriate ESE placement for each student based on their specific needs and documented exceptionality. | The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the student’s goals, services, and supports. Instruction is provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), which allows students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate. Any changes to a student’s placement must be reviewed and approved by the IEP team. For more information about ESE services at Freeport Elementary School, contact the school’s staffing specialist or LEA at 850-892-1211 x5617. | Mental Health: FES Counseling Services: |
25-26 SY Planned Military Events: AUGUST – 8/7/25 Back-to-School Orientation SEPTEMBER – 9/11/25 Day of Remembering NOVEMBER – Military Family Appreciation Month All month - Morning Show shout outs and social media salutes - post short tributes, family photos (with permission), or quotes from military kids and families. 11/3/25 - Last day to collect stars for the Wall of Stars | 11/10/25 - Wear red, white, and/or blue day. Invite military parents/guardians to have lunch with their student and observe the Wall of Stars Veterans Day Tribute Wall. 11/21/25 - Last day to collect Holidays for Heroes letters/drawings. JANUARY – Week of 1/7/26 New Year Encouragement for Military Connected Students Students, staff/faculty answer the following prompts for the morning show: | “My life as a military kid is…” “What I admire about military families…” "My new year’s wish for military kids is…” “I want to thank you for your service because…” FEBRUARY - 2/13/26 Hearts of Service | APRIL- MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD 4/11/26 - 2nd Annual Purple Ball 4/15/26 - Purple Up! Day Wear Purple to show support for the Military Child. |