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Military Connected Families Home

Military Connected Families

Galveston ISD extends a heartfelt welcome to our Military Families. Thank you for your service. We are here to provide our support to make your transition into our district as easy as possible. Any parent or guardian who is an active member of the armed forces or part of the reserved armed forces may enroll their children in Galveston ISD.

Thank you for choosing our community to call home. We are here to ensure that your student is successful while attending our schools. Please do not hesitate to connect with the school's counselor if you need specific information related to the school. Our Family and Community Engagement Specialists serve as the district's liaisons and will help you with your transition.

We hope that this page will help you learn about the resources available to you.

Sincerely,
Galveston ISD FACE Team

Resources for Military Families

TEA Purple Star Campus Designation — Requirements

  1. Campus Military Liaison
    Designated staff trained to support military families, coordinate services, and complete annual TEA professional development.
     
  2. Military Webpage
    Accessible campus page with enrollment info, academic planning, counseling services, and liaison contact information.
     
  3. Student Transition Program
    Student-led program with campus tours, newcomer introductions, and social support during the first week of enrollment.
     
  4. Military Initiative
    Campus initiative such as Month of the Military Child (April), a support resolution, or partnership with an installation School Liaison Officer.

Principal Corner

Free Pre-K Eligibility
Children of active duty, activated/mobilized Guard or Reserve members, or those listed as MIA may qualify for free Pre-Kindergarten in Texas under TEC §29.153(b). Contact your campus office to learn more or begin enrollment.

Campus-Based Military Liaisons
Each GISD campus has a designated Purple Star liaison trained to support military-connected students and families. Your campus liaison is your first point of contact for enrollment, transition support, and connecting you with school and community resources. Click any campus name to visit that school's website, or use the email button to reach the liaison directly.
 

Campus

Level

Campus Liaison & Contact

Austin Elementary

Elementary

Julia Ramirez
(409) 765-3413

Burnet STREAM Magnet

Elementary

Alejandra Aguilar
(409) 761-6470

Crenshaw Environmental Science Magnet

Elem / Middle

Tracie Camp 
(409) 765-1460

MECC (Moody Early Childhood Center)

Early Childhood

Roasalind Johnson 
(409) 765-5900

Oppe Elementary Magnet

Elementary

Kimberly Kovacevich 
(409) 765-3450

Parker Elementary

Elementary

Ayla Hamilton 
(409) 765-1440

Central Middle School

Middle School

Shawn Goldner 
(409) 765-1480

Weis Middle School

Middle School

Wendy Puckett 
(409) 765-1500

Ball High School

High School

Mark Kelso 
(409) 765-1300

Welcome & Transition Support

Arriving at GISD? Each campus has a student-led transition team ready to welcome your child. New students receive a campus tour, peer introduction, and check-in with the campus counselor during their first week. Your campus liaison will coordinate the process from day one.

Leaving GISD? When your family receives PCS orders, contact your campus liaison as early as possible. They will help gather records, prepare transfer documentation, verify course credit alignment under MIC3, and connect you with your next installation's School Liaison Officer (SLO) for a smooth exit.

Academic Planning & Course Sequencing

  • GISD follows a structured scope and sequence aligned with TEKS. Incoming students are placed based on prior records; your campus counselor will review transcripts and recommend the right course pathway within the first two weeks of enrollment.

  • Ball High School counselors will evaluate out-of-state credits under MIC3 and Texas graduation requirements. Students on track for early graduation or with advanced coursework are encouraged to meet with their counselor to protect their academic progress.

  • GISD offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Gifted & Talented (G/T) programs. Military-connected students may request a G/T screening at any time. Contact your campus counselor or the G/T Department to learn more.

  • GISD offers CTE pathways in health science, technology, business, and more. If your student has begun a CTE pathway at a prior school, their credits may transfer. Visit the CTE Pathways page for current offerings.

Counseling & Local Support Services

Every GISD campus has a licensed school counselor available to support military-connected students. Counselors provide social-emotional support, transition check-ins, and referrals to community and behavioral health resources.

  • Campus counselors provide individual and group support. For a full list of counseling staff, visit the GISD Counseling Services page.

  • Located at Ball High School, the Teen Health Center offers physical and mental health services to GISD students. Teen Health Center
    .

  • Free, 24/7 counseling and support for military families — available by phone, chat, or in person.
    Military Onesource | 1-800-342-9647

  • The School Liaison Officer (SLO) at your installation coordinates with GISD on behalf of your family. Contact the Fort Cavazos SLO office at U.S. Army Fort Hood or through Military OneSource.

Community & Behavioral Health Resources

Campus Programs, Initiatives & Activities

GISD campuses offer a wide range of programs to help military-connected students feel at home quickly and thrive academically and socially.

  • Campus-based, student-led teams greet new military-connected students, provide peer introductions, and offer campus tours during the first week of enrollment.

  • Each April, GISD campuses honor military children through Purple Up! Day, school-wide recognition events, and campus-based initiatives celebrating the resilience of military families.

  • Free tutoring is available through Tutor (24/7 for military families) and campus-based after-school programs. Ask your campus liaison or visit the After School Programs page.

  • Military students are encouraged to participate in UIL athletics, fine arts, clubs, and student organizations. Speak with your campus counselor or liaison about UIL eligibility for transfer students — special provisions exist for military families.

  • Students who were identified as G/T at a prior school may qualify for continued G/T services. Contact the GISD G/T Department to request a review of prior identification records.

  • GISD has an award-winning Fine Arts program and robust CTE pathways. Military students may audition or apply for specialized magnet programs. Contact the Fine Arts Department or your campus liaison for details.

Contact Your District Military Liaison

GISD Family & Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Department
Our FACE Specialists serve as district liaisons and are here to help your family through every step of the transition process. This page is permanently located at Military Connected families and will remain active year-round — including during the summer months.