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Welcome Back
IN THE KNOW: NDSP
NON DOD SCHOOLS PROGRAM FALL 2017
Inside this
issue:
Welcome
Back
1
Top 5 2
Europe Team 3-4
Americas
Team
4
Pacific Team 5
Contact Us 6
W elcome back! By now we have bid fare-
well to summer, and said hello to fall. The
NDSP team wishes you and your family a wonder-
ful autumn season.
As you begin to settle back into your routines,
please take a moment to review the information
included in this NDSP Newsletter.
What’s on the Top 5 to start the year off
right?
Who’s on the education team?
How to contact us. Keep your eye out for our January edition
regarding reimbursements.
√ The Non DoD Schools Program serves approximately 3,700 students World
Wide.
√ The Non DoD Schools Program supports families in 132 countries and more than
645 duty stations.
√ The Non DoD Schools Program supports students in international schools, host
nation schools, virtual schools, boarding schools and those who are home-
schooled.
√ The Non DoD Schools Program provides support to students in need of
academic assistance.
Did You Know?
1. Get acclimated.
Visit your child’s school, even if they have attended the
school before. Find out about upcoming events, field
trips and open house evenings. Learn the lingo. Below is
a sample of some commonly used acronyms for interna-
tional schools and the Department of Defense.
PYP - Primary Years Programme
IB - International Baccalaureate
MYP - IB Middle Years Programme
DP - Diploma Programme
DEROS - Date Estimated Return from Overseas
PCS - Permanent Change of Station
IS - International School
GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education
SEN - Students' Educational Needs (aka Special Educa-
tion program/supports)
LP - Learner Profile
2. Keep open communication.
This is open communication with both your child’s
school and with the Non DoD Schools Program (NDSP).
If you have any concerns, are not sure of what to do
regarding academic needs or help with your child’s learn-
ing this school year, reach out to the school and to the
appropriate NDSP Education Specialist for your region.
Where culturally appropriate, the teacher may also ap-
preciate information impacting your child’s day – major
family events, death, moves, a new baby, or celebrations.
Ask the school about communication and their school
culture regarding parent involvement.
3. Be Prepared.
Organize a space where your students
can leave important items for school.
Families can designate a ‘launching pad’
in their entry way or common space for
backpacks, special projects, lunch boxes,
etc. This ensures that you can grab and
go as you rush out the door. Also be aware of school special
events or activities that are occurring and remember to prep
your student! Heading to college? Contact NDSP ahead of
time for information related to high school transitions.
4. Be involved. Keep in mind, especially in a new culture and environment, to
walk the fine line between involvement and hovering over your
child’s every step in school. Be a facilitator or encourager to
assist your child in this new adventure as an international stu-
dent. If possible, volunteer or inquire about a parent organiza-
tion at the school.
5. Set a routine.
When living in a different country, it is important to have flexi-
bility. However, establishing routines, especially during the
school year, is important for student success. For example, if
reading is a required homework, incorporating reading into a
bedtime routine may assist with time management in the eve-
nings and create a less stressful setting for your child to read.
Routines are important for students at any age – it can take 30
days to establish a new routine so start today!
Adapted from:
http://govalleykids.com/top-5-tips-for-a-good-school-year-and-
freebie-alert/
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/
gradeschool/school/Pages/Ten-Tips-for-Your-Childs-Success-in-
School.aspx
Page 2
What’s on the Top 5 to start the year off right?
IN THE KNOW
Mrs. Amy Griffing was a special education
teacher, assessor and Case Study Committee Chair
prior to joining the NDSP Team. She has worked
as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and special
education teacher. She also served as an
Instructional Coach for elementary and special edu-
cation teachers. During her time in the states,
Amy provided regular professional development in
all academic areas to teachers in the school district
where she worked and at the regional level.
Amy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Edu-
cation and a Master of Arts in Special Education
with a focus on consultation. She is certified to
teach grades 1-8, special education for grades Pre-K
‐12, ESL for grades 1‐8, and children in the Gifted
and Talented Program. She is also a certified
Special Education (SPED) assessor.
Amy is proud to be from a family of veterans. She
is honored to serve American military families.
Page 3 Non DoD Schools Program
Vision:
To be among the world's leaders in education, enriching the lives of military-connected students
and the communities in which they live.
Meet our Europe Team
Ms. Sharon Gancarcik is part of the
NDSP Europe team, located in Sembach,
Germany. Sharon’s professional back-
ground includes experience as a Special
Projects Coordinator for Special
Education, Child Search Coordinator and Compli-
ance Monitor, Educational Diagnostician, Special
Education Assessor and General and Special
Education Teacher.
In addition to providing educational services in the
DoDEA organization, Sharon has supported stu-
dents in stateside public schools. As a former mili-
tary child, Sharon brings an understanding of the
unique challenges a military child experiences during
their academic career.
Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educa-
tion, a Master of Arts in Special Education and post
graduate work in educational assessment and
administration.
Mrs. Cristina Rosado Landron has a professional background as a bilingual Speech-Language
Pathologist. She has varied clinical experience with both adults and children (birth to 21) in schools, reha-
bilitation hospitals, university clinics and early intervention settings. Cristina has worked in a variety of
the DoDEA schools. Besides providing Speech-Language therapy services, she has also worked on inter-
disciplinary teams assessing children with suspected disabilities.
Cristina’s areas of interest include: bilingual language development, motor speech disorders, Autism Spec-
trum Disorder and positive behavior interventions. In addition to her work in the DoDEA organization,
Cristina has supported students stateside and has served as an Adjunct Professor/Graduate Student Su-
pervisor.
Cristina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Cultural Studies and a Master of Arts degree in
Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology. She holds multiple certifications and a license in Speech-Language
Pathology; as well as a teacher certification of speech and hearing with a bilingual extension in Spanish.
Dr. Kevin O’Brien has worked in education and
school administration for over 20 years. Prior to join-
ing the DoDEA, he served in various teaching and
leadership positions in special education and general
education. After teaching and administration positions for the Do-
DEA, Kevin joined the NDSP team in 2011. Kevin was part of the
NDSP Europe team and now he is responsible for South/Central
America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
In addition to administration and teaching, Kevin is also a certified
special education assessor.
Kevin has a Doctorate in Special Education Leadership, Master of
Arts in Education Leadership, and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Edu-
cation.
Kevin is committed to working with families in remote locations
around the world. He has conducted numerous joint site visits
around the globe along with the Department of State and Defense
Intelligence Agency to help improve the quality of education available
to DoD families worldwide. He has been a guest speaker for nu-
merous military connected organizations including the Military Child
Education Coalition.
Page 4 IN THE KNOW
Meet our Americas Team
Meet our Europe Team (cont’d)
Mrs. Cristina Rosado Landron joins NDSP as a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with varied clinical
experience working with adults and children (birth to 21). Cristina has worked in a variety of DoDEA and
stateside schools, rehabilitation hospitals, university clinics and early intervention settings. Besides providing
Speech-Language therapy services, she has also worked on interdisciplinary teams assessing children with
suspected disabilities.
Cristina’s areas of interest include: bilingual language development, motor speech disorders, Autism
Spectrum Disorder and positive behavior interventions. In addition to her direct clinical work, Cristina has
served as an Adjunct Professor/Graduate Student Supervisor.
Cristina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Cultural Studies and a Master of Arts degree in
Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology. She holds multiple certifications and a license in Speech-Language
Pathology; as well as a teacher certification of speech and hearing with a bilingual extension in Spanish.
A native of Puerto Rico, Cristina appreciates the value of learning multiple languages and experiencing diver-
sity of cultures through travel. She is very proud to support our military-connected students on the NDSP
Europe team.
Ms. Lisa Edge is enjoying her 29th
year with the Department of Defense
Education Activity. Since joining the
DoDEA, she has had the pleasure to
work in several locations supporting
our military-connected students.
Lisa’s professional background is in the area of Special
Education (SPED); both instructionally and as an
assessor.
Prior to joining NDSP, she has taught students with
learning disabilities, served as a Case Study Committee
chair, and was a Special Education Assessor. Currently,
Lisa’s area of responsibility includes countries through-
out the Pacific and AFRICOM.
Originally from North Carolina, Lisa attended Peace
College for her undergraduate studies and East Carolina
University for her graduate school.
Ms. Lynn Carey has had a variety of education
positions and started out as a Montessori pre-
school through 2nd grade and special education
teacher at the elementary, middle and high
school levels.
Lynn continued her career with special educa-
tion as the special education coordinator for 2
large middle schools and one high school. She
also taught adult classes at the local community
college. Lynn has also cofounded an Interna-
tional Baccalaureate (IB) middle/high school
which continues to serve students in grades 6
through 12.
Lynn served the DoDEA in multiple roles prior
to joining the Non DoD Schools Program. She
was the District Coordinator for Special
Education and later an Assistant Principal.
In January 2014, Lynn joined the NDSP Europe
team and in May 2016, she shifted to the NDSP
Pacific office where she now serves families
located in the Pacific theater.
Lynn received her Bachelor of Arts in Psycholo-
gy and Master of Arts in Special Education. She
completed her Administration degree in
Educational Leadership.
Meet our Pacific Team
Mission:
Educate, engage, and empower each student to succeed in a dynamic world. As a part of
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), the Non-Department of Defense Schools
Program (NDSP) adopts the DoDEA mission and vision statement.
Page 5 Non DoD Schools Program
Team Overview
Department of Defense
Education Activity
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350-1400
CIV: 571-372-0591
DSN: 312-372-0591
Visit us on the web at http://www.dodea.edu/nonDoD/index.cfm
Non DoD Schools Program
Our Goal:
To provide
support to
facilitate
continuity of
education in
international
locations.
The team of education specialists are certified educators with concentrations and/or
additional degree(s) in special education. Each specialist has a geographic area of
responsibility to ensure intimate knowledge about the educational landscape of the
area(s). They provide support to families to ease education transitions and to aide in
educational continuity. Possible topics in which they can assist are: special education,
English as a Second Language, 504 accommodations, gifted education, high school transitions, post
secondary support, U.S. related coursework, homeschool support, and academic support.
Education Support
The resource management team ensures the timely processing of invoices and provides
support on financial related matters such as reimbursements, refunds, allowable and
non-allowable expenses.
Financial Support
The policy and management team ensure adherence to policy and laws and work
hand-in-hand with the resource management and education teams in support of equitable
implementation of the program. This team is also responsible for determining eligibility
for the program and supports the stakeholders’ understanding of the policies that govern
the Non DoD Schools Program.
Eligibility and Program Support
General Program Inquiries Eligibility and
Initial Registration Tour Extensions
Change of School
Exception to Policy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: DSN: 312-372-0591
Program Management Team
Invoices
Financial Support
Americas: SOUTHCOM, Canada, Mexico
Europe: EUCOM, CENTCOM, AFRICOM
Pacific: PACOM
Technical Support for sponsor/liaison portal
Liaison Changes
Email: [email protected]
DSN: 312-372-0591
CIV: 571-372-0591
Resource Management Team
Americas: SOUTHCOM, Canada, Mexico
CIV: 910-451-8242
Europe: EUCOM, CENTCOM
CIV: +49 (0)611-143-545-1535/1537/1538
DSN: 314-545-1535/1537/1538
Pacific: PACOM, AFRICOM
CIV: +81(0)98-953-5677/5788
DSN: 315-644-5677/5788
Education Team
