The 2025–2026 school year is approaching fast, so educators are working to decorate classrooms, gather supplies, and prepare lesson plans, while students are excited to go back-to-school shopping and find out which friends are in their classes. For some students, however, returning to school can create apprehension and stress. Military-connected students, for example, may be concerned about learning new routines, making connections, and feeling seen. Military-connected students frequently change schools depending on their parents’ military assignments, and the first few days of school for these students, whether at the beginning of the school year or partway through, can be difficult. The ways in which teachers, other school professionals, and returning students welcome military-connected students can shape these students’ entire educational experience.
In fact, how military-connected students are introduced to a new environment matters. A good introduction can ease anxiety, promote trust between families and educators, and lay the groundwork for positive student relationships. Educators can use a few simple strategies to help welcome military-connected students at the beginning of this school year and every school year.
Prepare staff to recognize and support military-connected students
Before students arrive, make sure all staff, including teachers, office staff, and support staff, are aware of what experiences military-connected students undergo. A brief overview or review during in-service training could be helpful. Topics might include the following:
- Military culture and school transitions
- The impact of deployments and reintegration on students
- Resources available for military-connected students
Design welcoming spaces/routines
Small details make a big difference for families as they walk through your doors. Are offices and major spaces clearly labeled, easy to navigate, and staffed by someone who greets visitors warmly? Are there posted resources or visuals that reflect a variety of families, including military families? Some schools add a bulletin board that recognizes places families have moved from or a “welcome wall” where students can mark where they’ve lived. Front office staff should encourage families to share their family care plan, which is a document that explains how dependents will be cared for during deployments or other military obligations. In addition, teachers can let families know they would be pleased to receive any information that might affect how their military-connected student might be functioning in school.
During the first week, teachers can intentionally incorporate icebreakers that allow all students to share some information about themselves. This activity can build community and help military-connected students feel less singled out. Teachers should ensure all students understand daily routines and behavioral expectations; this discussion allows all students to refresh or learn expectations together.
Build personal connections
Assigning a peer buddy to new students, scheduling check-ins with a school counselor, or hosting a welcome breakfast for new families are all ideas for making transitions smoother. In addition, encouraging teachers to spend time with students who are new to the school and to get to know them on a personal level may help students feel more understood and connected. Just engaging in 2 minutes of conversation a day can have a big impact.
Schools may also want to implement a more structured welcome program, such as Student 2 Student, to help military-connected students learn about the school and build peer connections.
Gather Resources and work with Families
Many schools that are physically close to military installations have accumulated a list of resources that are available to military-connected students and their families, and teachers or other school professionals could provide these resources to military-connected families who are new to the area. If your school professionals are not aware of these types of resources, reaching out to the School Liaison to see if he or she has any recommendations may be helpful.
Final thoughts
A welcoming environment is not just a nice bonus; it’s an essential part of setting students up for success! Exhibiting a strong and positive first impression for all students, especially military-connected students, at a new school can ease transition stress, support emotional well-being, and build positive relationships that last beyond the first day. By intentionally planning for informed staff, welcoming spaces, and meaningful connections, school professionals can communicate that every child is welcome and belongs.
If you’re interested in learning more about military-connected students and families, you can find the entire series of trainings here.