Military Families

At St. Mary Catholic School, we are honored to serve the children of those who serve our country. We recognize the unique experiences and challenges military families face, including deployments, relocations, and frequent transitions. Our school community is committed to providing a welcoming, faith-filled environment where every military-connected student feels supported, valued, and at home.

Throughout the school year, we proudly recognize and celebrate our military families through special events and observances, including Purple Up! Day, Month of the Military Child, Veterans Day, and other opportunities to honor the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.

Whether your family is new to the area or returning home, we look forward to partnering with you as we help your child grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

Military Family Point of Contact

The Military Family Point of Contact (MFPOC) serves as the primary liaison between St. Mary Catholic School and military families. Our MFPOC can assist with:

  • Enrollment and records transfers

  • School transition support

  • Academic planning

  • Student services

  • Community resources

  • Questions about military-connected student support

Military Family Point of Contact (MFPOC)
Stacy Thomas
Assistant Principal/School Counselor

sthomas@stmarys-school.org

Transition Support

Military-connected students often experience frequent moves. We want every new student to feel at home from day one.

St. Mary Catholic School provides:

  • Campus tours for new families

  • Student ambassadors to help welcome new students

  • Assistance with transferring records

  • Academic placement guidance

  • Orientation to clubs, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities

Academic Planning

At St. Mary Catholic School, we are committed to helping military-connected students transition successfully into our academic program. Our administration and faculty work with families to review academic records, determine appropriate grade placement, and ensure students have the information they need to continue their educational journey with confidence.

Families can receive information regarding:

  • Curriculum and grade-level expectations

  • Standardized assessments

  • High school preparation for middle school students

  • Learning support services and accommodations, when applicable

  • Florida scholarship opportunities, including Step Up For Students

Questions regarding academic planning may be directed to our Military Family Point of Contact or the school office.

Student Support Services

St. Mary Catholic School is committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every student. We recognize that military-connected students may experience unique challenges related to relocation, deployment, or family transitions, and our staff works together to provide a welcoming and supportive school environment.

Families transferring to St. Mary are encouraged to share any educational plans or support documentation, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, or other relevant records, so we can work collaboratively to determine the appropriate accommodations and services available.

If additional support or community resources are needed, our Military Family Point of Contact can help connect families with the appropriate school personnel or outside agencies.

Student Life

At St. Mary Catholic School, military-connected students are encouraged to become active members of our school community. Participation in athletics, clubs, leadership organizations, fine arts, and service opportunities helps students build friendships, develop new interests, and feel connected both inside and outside the classroom.

Students have opportunities to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including:

  • Athletic teams through the Catholic Youth Sports League (CYSL)

  • National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

  • Fine arts programs, including music and choir

  • Academic electives and enrichment activities

  • School service projects and faith-based outreach opportunities

We encourage every student to get involved and become an active part of the St. Mary family.

Military Recognition

St. Mary Catholic School is proud to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the school year, our students and staff participate in activities that celebrate military service, foster gratitude, and recognize the important role military families play in our community.

Military recognition opportunities may include:

  • Purple Up! Day in honor of the Month of the Military Child

  • Veterans Day observances and classroom activities

  • Special prayers and intentions for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families

  • Schoolwide recognition of military service during assemblies, announcements, or other special events

  • Service projects that support veterans, active-duty service members, or military organizations

We are grateful for the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of those who serve our nation and are honored to support the military families who are part of the St. Mary community.

St. Mary Catholic School is proud to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the school year, our students and staff participate in activities that celebrate military service, foster gratitude, and recognize the important role military families play in our community.

Military recognition opportunities may include:

  • Purple Up! Day in honor of the Month of the Military Child

  • Veterans Day observances and classroom activities

  • Special prayers and intentions for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families

  • Schoolwide recognition of military service during assemblies, announcements, or other special events

  • Service projects that support veterans, active-duty service members, or military organizations

We are grateful for the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of those who serve our nation and are honored to support the military families who are part of the St. Mary community.

Mental Health & Family Resources

St. Mary Catholic School is committed to supporting the well-being of every student. Families needing additional support are encouraged to contact our Military Family Point of Contact, who can connect them with school or community resources.

Community Resources

St. Mary Catholic School is committed to supporting military-connected students and their families both inside and outside the classroom. The following organizations provide valuable information, programs, and services to assist military families with education, transitions, child care, counseling, financial assistance, and other military-related needs.

Military Family Resources

  • Patrick Space Force Base School Liaison Program
    Assists military families with school transitions, educational resources, and local school information.

  • Military OneSource
    A free Department of Defense program offering confidential support, counseling, educational resources, relocation assistance, financial guidance, and more.

  • Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)
    Provides information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and helps ensure smooth educational transitions for military-connected students.

  • Sesame Street for Military Families
    Age-appropriate resources, videos, and activities designed to help young children navigate deployments, relocations, homecomings, and other military experiences.

  • Military Child Care
    Information about military child care options, fee assistance programs, and available providers.

  • Step Up For Students
    Information about Florida scholarship opportunities that may be available to eligible military families.