Ashland Elementary is committed to easing the transition of our military-connected students and their families.  We understand that moving to a new area can be difficult, and we aim to help our families make this transition as smoothly as possible. With our close proximity to Quantico and Fort Belvoir, we are fortunate to serve many children of military personnel who have enrolled in our district.

Ashland Military Families

Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Watt are the reading specialists at Ashland Elementary.  As reading specialists, they support classroom teachers with their literacy instruction by providing resources and helping in the classrooms.  They also provide additional support to students identified as at-risk readers through the RTI model. 

The reading support provided can be an additional reading group or work on skills based on students’ individual needs in the areas of: fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

They use specific research-based interventions including: My Sidewalks, LLI, and SRA.  Most importantly, their job is to help students become successful readers and develop a love for reading!

English Learner Program and Services  

We provide a program of language instruction in a supportive settings so that ELs (English Learners) attain proficiency in English and meet the same challenging academic content and student achievement standards as other students.

Gifted

PWCS honors the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. By the terms of the Compact, PWCS has an obligation to provide like services for children of active duty military parents new to the Division who have documented evidence of receiving gifted services in their prior school system. The student's identification and need for services is honored until a determination is made for identification and placement in the PWCS system. These students should receive services during the IDP (identification) process until they are found eligible or not eligible for services specific to PWCS.

The is based on Article V of Virginia regulation 22.1-360 through 22.1-361. Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children:  
B. Educational program placement. The receiving stat school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation/placement in like programs in the sending state. Such programs include, but are not limited to, (i) gifted and talented programs and (ii) English as a second language (ESL) programs. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the students.

PWCS Direct Links

PWCS Military Student connected support YouTube Channel

PWCS Military Connected Student Support Facebook Page

PWCS Military Support Page

Additional Resources 

  Military Child Education Coalition is a global, non-profit organization that focuses on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. 


  Military OneSource has a wealth of advice and helpful information to connect military families to a wide variety of services, programs, partnerships, and opportunities that are available to military personnel and their families. Two particularly helpful articles include Parenting & Children and For Military Youth and Teens.

The Exceptional Family Member Program: for Families with Special Needs
When your family member has special needs, you have an extra roster of must-do's to be a good guardian of your family. The Exceptional Family Member Program, EFMP, offers many services for military families. Here are just a few of the ways it can help guide you to the resources your family needs to thrive.