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Chiles High School

Home of the Timberwolves

Military Families

Military Families

A row of official emblems representing different branches of the U.S. military.

 

Lawton Chiles High School supports our military connected students and families.

  • Benefits to our students include easing transitions, meeting other military children who share similar circumstances, learning coping skills, and support through deployments and moving. Activities include Military Club, access to Building Strong and Ready Teams (BSRT) events, and the Month of the Military Child in April.

Campus Activities

  • Military Club – Meets the first Monday of every month in room 7113. This club explores military history, benefits, and education on all US branches. Also serves as a transition program for new students of military families with a mentor and sponsor student. Monthly military recognitions.
  • Building Strong and Ready Teams (BSRT) – For Army families, direct access to BSRT opportunities Strong Bonds transforms to meet Soldier and family needs of tomorrow
  • Month of the Military Child in April – The school participates on a designated day to “Purple Up for Military Kids”. Those attending military academies are recognized in the front office. 
  • Social Studies Dept. participates in Celebrating Freedom Week, and education remembrance of Veterans and Memorial Day.
  • American Legion Boys and Girls State for Juniors

District Military Resources

  • If you are in crisis, experiencing difficulty, or suicidal thoughts, here are some things that you can do. 

    • Talk to a family member; or 
    • Talk to a school guidance counselor or school administrator; or
    • Dial 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333; or 211 Big Bend Resource Directory
    • Call Apalachee Mobile Response Team (MRT): (800) 342-0774; or
    • Call the National Suicide Hotline at 9-8-8; or
    • Text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
    • Call LCS Safety & Security Center 850.922.KIDS(5437) 24/7 HOTLINE

  • A man in a military uniform smiles at the camera.Mr. Michael Dross

    • I am Michael Dross, Chiles High School social studies teacher and Purple Star Liaison. I am also currently serving in the Army Reserves drilling monthly at Fort Benning, Georgia. I have over ten years of military service and started my career with a four-year stint at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Beyond teaching at Chiles, I am the varsity tennis coach, military club sponsor, pickleball sponsor, and boys state sponsor. If you are a student transferring into Chiles and your family is affiliated with the military, I am here to make your transition easy on campus. If you have questions about Tallahassee for you and your family, I am more than happy to help and give suggestions. Please stop by my room, 7-113, anytime you need anything for you and your military family.
    • Email: michael.dross@leonschools.net

  • ESE = Exceptional Student Education, part of the Individuals with Disabilities with Education Act.

    504 = Federal Plan called section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973  for accommodations due to physical or mental disability.

    ESOL/ELL = English Speakers of Other Languages/English Language Learner

    • ESE Administrator is Jenn Powell – Oversees all ESE operations on campus.
      • jenn.powell@leonschools.net
         
    • ESE Department Head is Amanda Thai – Lead Academic ESE Teacher on campus.
      • amanda.thai@leonschools.net
         
    • ESE/504 Referral Coordinator is Natalie Ferrera – Works with the district Intervention/Program Specialist to work with ESE students and families in receiving needs and services in general education and special education courses along with all operations at school.
      • natalie.ferrera@leonschools.net
         
    • ESOL/ELL Coordinator is Sarah Bender – Works with the district Intervention/Program Specialist to work with ESOL students and families in receiving needs and services in general education courses along with all operations at school.
      • sarah.bender@leonschools.net

     

    Click here to go to the Chiles ESE website.

     

Military Links

PCS – Permanent Change of Station – can be an exciting but challenging transition.

Mr. Dross (michael.dross@leonschools.net) is here to help you navigate the move to Chiles.

Reach out anytime with questions or concerns.