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. | Margaret Rivera, | margaret.rivera.3@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 for Military Families
Military Life in the Panhandle: | Education in Walton County Schools: WCSD Student Services Department |
Safe Schools: | Mental Health: COALITION TO SUPPORT GRIEVING STUDENTS Veteran’s Crisis Line or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Chat or text: 8388255 Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health
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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.
| 25-26 SY Planned Military Events (continued): 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 Wear red to show love and support as we Remember Everyone Deployed. 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. |