Space makes case in youth education Published July 28, 2009 By Thea Skinner 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As the new school year approaches, new educational opportunities are becoming available to area students. Education is a crucial element of the 21st Space Wing's installation support mission, and one of the Peterson initiatives is the addition of a full-time school liaison education specialist. "Leadership recognizes the importance of a quality and positive educational experience for our children, and we believe that it is our duty to partner with parents and advocate for our children's needs," said Col. Emily Buckman, 21st Mission Support Group commander. Peterson Air Force Base leadership has developed a close working relationship with Colorado Springs School District 11, said Colonel Buckman, who is also the Peterson school liaison officer. "We have encouraged the district in its efforts to improve many of its processes - to include care for special needs children, raising CSAP scores, and developing advanced and alternative learning opportunities." Some of the fruit from the D-11 and Peterson relationship is bearing includes a new space academy. Held through a network of community educational leaders throughout the Pikes Peak region, local youth now have access to space and engineering educational career paths. From the new Colorado Springs School District 11 Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy to a possible aerospace-themed curriculum at the base museum, the options provide choice for students and parents alike. The JSA Academy is a middle school, located in the former Emerson Middle School at 4220 E. Pikes Peak Ave. This academy is one of several educational paths available to fifth through eighth grade students that will incorporate a space-related curriculum designed to drive proficiency in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Space Foundation, an international nonprofit organization and space industry advocate, will provide an on-site curriculum focused on rocketry principles, astronomy, earth systems science, and principles of flight. Many opportunities abound and the district is seeking about 500 students to attend the academy, said Tom Strand, the district's school board vice president. According to the U.S. Department of Education Impact Aid program, out of 29,842 enrolled students in the district, 2,351 students were military dependants in the 2007-2008 school year. "We have had great relationships and ongoing conversations with leadership at Peterson for about eight years," said Elaine Naleski, the district's communications director. "We offer a district-wide program as a response to intervention - a customized individual learning plan for each student." The learning plans are offered at all the district's schools. For instance, when a child struggles with math a mentor is embedded into the classroom with the child as a form of intervention. The intervention allows the child to continue on a path of increased student learning. "A team will diagnose and prescribe a learning need - it is occurring all throughout the school day," she said. "Let's say your child is gifted, same thing - what can we do to keep him challenged and not get bored." Youth who attend the Swigert academy and Christa McAuliffe Elementary generally continue their educational career path at Mitchell High School, which plans to add an additional aerospace curriculum. The high school is already home to a JROTC program. Classes such as geometry and construction at Mitchell provide students with a skill set, in which students learn to build and sell a house. "We are trying to get them (youth) to explore their passion," said Mike Poore, district deputy superintendent, Educational Support Services. "They design skateboard parks - there are all these things you can engage them in by using their skill sets." Lisa Ballard is the Airman and Family Readiness Center Military Child Education coordinator at Peterson. Ballard interfaces with the Peterson community and all regional school districts. In keeping with the 21st Space Wing priority to develop and care for Airmen and their families, Peterson educational leaders are considering developing a similar aerospace educational class on base. "One direction we are hoping to go in, is developing an aerospace-themed curriculum at our base museum to expose children to the science and technology fields," Ms. Ballard said "We've also had a successful tutoring program for K-12 children of deployed members and will continue this during the next school year." The curriculum is designed to provide more options to parents. "Whether classes are held at the base museum, or eventually are part of the curriculum of an on-base school, parents and students will have more options available to them," she said. "A more integrated community feeling will be established. Of course, D-11 students who are not affiliated with the U.S. Air Force will gain more exposure and insight to life on an Air Force installation - great for recruiting future leaders in the aerospace industry. "We are certainly in the information-gathering stage and will be working closely with parents and hosting forums to determine exactly what issues our families face. We strongly encourage parents to voice their concerns," Ms. Ballard said. In 2010 the district will offer an online curriculum with virtual classrooms for kindergarteners through eighth graders. The district also offers a charter school called Life Skills Center of Colorado Springs, and two alternative high schools for youth with jobs, behavioral issues, or in need of child care services. To address concerns or issues with any schools contact Ms. Ballard at 556-6141 or lisa.ballard@peterson.af.mil. The district's school registration deadline is July 31 and the District 11 school year begins Aug. 18.