Military Families
At James Irwin Charter Middle School, we offer specific services to support our military-connected students. There is information on enrollment, military resources and other items on our main website at /about/military-families.
Military Liaison
An important part of the Dean role at James Irwin Charter Middle School is connecting with and supporting our military families. Our Dean serves as our point of contact for Peterson SFB and meets with the base School Liaison Program Manager, attends functions on base, helps coordinate events, and is available for questions.
Dean Jason Murphy
719.302.9000 x 4236
Anchored 4 Life Program
Next, is our student run Anchored 4 Life program. The club provides opportunities for peers to enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, build character, improve self-esteem, and integrate into their community. These student leaders in our building conduct tours with new students, provide them with a welcome kit, and connect them with a designated "crew member" in their classroom. They also sponsor school wide initiatives and connect students with support kits specific to life situations (ex. deployment or moving). Tony Wanick (email Mr. Wanick) is the sponsor of the Anchored4Life Program. Here is a photo of a backpack project for Peterson SFB.
MFLC - Military Families
Child and Youth Behavioral Military Life Counselor Program Information
Recognizing the specific challenges that military connected students face and the large military population that James Irwin Elementary - Astrozon serves, the DOD has assigned a full time Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) to our school. Our MFLC is an integral part of our school community. They connect with individual students, small groups, and overall participate with our students throughout the day. Direct assistance from the MFLC does require parent permission in writing, so be sure to check with our front office.
Our Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), Dave Stewart, provides support to military children for a variety of issues, including low self-esteem, behavioral problems and changes at home. These counselors understand the issues military children face and can be especially helpful during challenging periods, including deployments and PCS moves.
Counselors are licensed with a master's degree or higher, and have a positive effect on:
- General behavior
- Performance in school
- Relationships with Family Members and Teachers
The licensed counselors in the Military and Family Life Counseling Program address:
- Self-esteem issues
- Communication and relationships at home and school
- Life skills, such as problem solving and adjustment
- Behavioral issues, including bullying and anger management
- Changes at home, such as deployment, reunion, divorce and grief
Conversations in these sessions stay between your child and his or her counselor. The only exceptions to this rule are cases of domestic violence, abuse, and suicidal or homicidal threats. If your child is in immediate crisis, call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255.
Eligibility
As long as you or your spouse are an active-duty, National Guard or reserve service member or a designated Department of Defense civilian, your child is eligible. Surviving children are also eligible. If your child is 18 years old or younger, you must give consent for counseling sessions.
