In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed the Purple Star Campuses legislation into law, recognizing K-12 schools in Florida that offer exceptional support to military children during their transition and relocation. Aligned with Governor DeSantis’s vision and that of the State of Florida, we are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of military-connected students.
Our Commitment
At Freeport Middle School, we are dedicated to providing support and showing our appreciation to military-connected students and their families. Our administration, teachers, and staff work tirelessly to address the unique challenges these students face, especially during transitions. We recognize that moving to a new location or dealing with a parent's deployment can be incredibly tough for families. At Freeport Middle School, we empathize with these difficulties and are committed to helping ease these transitions. By working closely with our families and community, we strive to inspire and support our students every step of the way.
FMS Military Resources
School Resource | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Military Point of Contact | Our school's primary point of contact for military families located on our campus. | Eric Gillis- Dean of Students 850-892-1221 ext. 3254 |
Mental Health Contact | Our school cares about the mental health of all students. This includes the unique needs of our military families. Our mental health services provide for the social, emotional, and mental health support of students on our campus. | Christian Ruffner- Guidance Counselor 850-892-1221 ext. 3212 |
Enrollment | FMS reserves no less than 5% of our controlled open enrollment seats for military students as defined in Section 1002.31, F.S. | Jami Weeks- Data Entry Operator 850-892-1221 ext. 3203 |
Military Liaison | Our school works closely with the School Liaison Office at Eglin Air Force Base. They provide countless supports and resource for military families. | Margaret Rivera- School Liaison Program Manager 850-883-3545 |
Student-Led Transition Program
Our school offers a unique support program designed to help military students transition smoothly and confidently. Led by our students, this program provides new arrivals with a warm welcome in two key ways. First, on their first day, these new students are paired with peer guides who give them a personalized tour of the school, including where their classes are located. Additionally, we host the "Lunch Bunch," where members of our leadership class sit at a reserved table in the cafeteria, providing a friendly and informative space for new students to ask questions about school life, extracurricular activities, classes, and sports. These initiatives are thoughtfully crafted to ensure that military students, as well as all newcomers, feel supported and integrated into our school community.
Military Support/Mental Health | Academic Planning/Student Services | Military Events at FMS |
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Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Placement for Students with Disabilities
Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams carefully assess and determine the most appropriate Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program placement based on each student's unique needs. School administrators use these insights to assign students to the most suitable classrooms and teachers. Specially designed instruction will be delivered by an ESE teacher or other qualified service provider in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as outlined by the IEP team. Typically, this instruction will occur within the regular education classroom alongside non-disabled peers. However, some students may require a separate learning environment for part of the day. Any changes to a student's placement will involve a review by the IEP team. Our district offers a broad continuum of services to support all students effectively.