Military Connected Families
Military Connected Families
Galveston ISD and Austin Elementary School warmly welcome all military-connected families. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We understand that frequent relocations can be challenging for students and families, and we are committed to making your transition into our campus as smooth and welcoming as possible.
Our campus liaison is trained to serve as your primary point of contact — whether you are arriving at our school, settling in, or preparing to move to your next duty station. Please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for you every step of the way.
With gratitude,
Austin Elementary Staff & GISD F.A.C.E. Team
Resources Available
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Military families may enroll their children at any time during the school year. 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 without delay.
To begin enrollment, visit the GISD Enrollment page. You will need proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records. Our campus liaison can help you gather any missing documents and navigate the process.
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 under TEC §29.153(b).
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Incoming students are placed based on prior records and TEKS-aligned curriculum. Our counselor reviews transcripts and recommends appropriate grade-level placements within the first two weeks. Students previously identified as Gifted & Talented may request a screening review at any time.
Austin Elementary is a STEM Magnet campus, offering enriched instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Military-connected students are welcome to participate in all magnet programming from day one.
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New military-connected students receive a campus tour and peer introduction on their first day. The campus liaison coordinates with school counselors to schedule a welcome check-in during the first week of enrollment.
On departure, staff prepare complete academic records and provide guidance on the MIC3 transfer process to support your student's next campus.
Receiving PCS Orders? Contact your campus liaison as early as possible. We will prepare your student's records, verify credit alignment under MIC3, and connect you with your next installation's School Liaison Officer (SLO) for a smooth transition.
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Austin Elementary has two licensed counselors available to support military-connected students with transition check-ins, social-emotional support, and referrals to community resources. Contact the school at (409) 761-3500 to reach the counseling office.
Name Role Email Room Shondra Jackson Counselor ShondraJackson@gisd.org 111 Raven Bryant Counselor RavenBryant@gisd.org 203 District & Community Resources:
- GISD Counseling Services
- Military OneSource - Free 24/7 support | 📞 1-800-342-9647
- Veterans Crisis Line - Dial 988, Press 1
- GISD Social & Emotional Learning Resources
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The campus military liaison serves as the primary point of contact for all military-connected family communications and requests. She coordinates student transitions, provides guidance on education-related concerns, collaborates with counselors, and provides professional development to campus staff about military-connected students.
Dr. Julia Ramirez
Campus Military Liaison & Principal — Austin Elementary School✉ Email Dr. Ramirez
📞 (409) 761-3500
🏫 Campus WebsiteYou may also contact the GISD F.A.C.E. Department at 📞 (409) 766-5100 or visit the FACE Department page.
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Military-connected students at Austin Elementary are encouraged to get involved from day one. Programs and activities available include:
- Student Transition Team— Peer-led welcome program with campus tours and introductions during the first week of enrollment
- Month of the Military Child (April)— Purple Up! Day and campus recognition events honoring military-connected students and families
- STEM Magnet Program— Enriched Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum open to all enrolled students
- Free Tutoring—Tutor.com 24/7 for military families & campus after-school programs (view options)
- Gifted & Talented— Prior G/T identification may transfer; contact the GISD G/T Department to request a records review
- Extracurricular Activities— Fine arts, clubs, and UIL activities; special UIL transfer provisions exist for military-connected families
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