ACS students attend Global Training Summit in Washington DC

From Autauga County Schools

Military Child Education Coalition’s (MCEC) 2024 Global Training Summit

Autauga County Schools participated in the Military Child Education Coalition’s (MCEC) 2024 Global Training Summit this summer! Student2Student and peer-to-peer transition groups and sponsors from Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, Prattville Junior High School, and Prattville High School flew to Washington, D.C., to learn how to best serve the district’s military-connected students alongside 600 peers, educators, and youth-serving professionals from across the world. PES, PIS, PJHS, and PHS were three of only nine schools selected to attend from Alabama, taking advantage of the ability to network and collaborate with other students while learning from some of the nation’s most influential leaders, subject matter experts, and educators on military-related topics.

“My time in Washington D.C. has presented a powerful opportunity to turn what I’ve learned into meaningful change,” said Tiffany Lee, Prattville High School student. “By implementing the different perspectives and ideas that I learned {at the conference} into my school, I hope to create a path for progress and connection. My goal is to promote 100% acceptance, encourage collaboration, and create a thriving learning environment for all students.” Another student, Avery Dedon, a PJHS eighth grader, commented “One good thing I learned was about failure – F.A.I.L. stands for our ‘First Attempt In Learning.”

The local chapter of the Military Child Education Coalition funded the conference and travel fees for the district’s students. Rachel Surles, Community Coordinator for MCEC’s Montgomery / River Region, AL Chapter, initially offered the opportunity several months ago, indicating that “students gain a deep understanding of what military families go through, especially when it comes to the frequent transitions that come with changing schools and being the new student in class.” This annual training emphasizes the importance of empathy and support, giving students the tools to assist new students as they navigate these often-challenging transitions. “Through various workshops and activities, students not only developed a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by their peers, but they also honed their leadership skills,” Dr. Surles remarked. “Global Training Summit offered a unique opportunity for them to network with other students, military personnel, and leaders from organizations across the United States. These connections enriched their understanding and built a strong sense of camaraderie among all the participants.” While at the national conference, the district’s six students, ranging in grades from 8-11, and their peer group sponsors enjoyed several courses and distinguished lectures on the military-connectedness-related topics below, as well as ample time for networking with peers and sightseeing opportunities.

• Improving School Climate to Promote the Mental Health of Military-Connected Youth
• Supporting Healthy Development and Relationships in Military Children
• What the World Needs Now is High-Quality Connections
• Bridging Research and Practice: Translating Discoveries into Support for Military Children
• Nurturing the Seed of Character in Children

“We were so honored to have the opportunity to attend the Global Training Summit,” penned Shanna Fanning, Prattville Intermediate School’s parent & military liaison, in an email recapping their experience. “My group was able to really focus on the core values of Student 2 Student groups, with the most important one being 100% acceptance of all students. We gained valuable resources that we can implement in our schools immediately, collaborated with other student groups to share ideas, and learned leadership skills from professionals who are invested in seeing our students succeed.” Students were also able to explore our nation’s capital to gain a deeper appreciation of our history and our military’s role in shaping this country. Beth Craft, the military liaison for Prattville Junior HIgh School, remarked “attending the Global Training Summit was a wonderful opportunity for myself and my S2S members. As a sponsor, I learned multiple strategies that I can implement to grow our developing program. My students learned many leadership qualities as well as several techniques they can use to start conversations and develop relationships with our transient students.”

As these students return to their schools, they bring back more than just knowledge – they’re returning with a renewed sense of purpose and a genuine desire to support their fellow students, particularly those new and who might feel out of place. “The MCEC Global Training Summit helped us learn how to create a positive and welcoming environment for all new students,” stated PHS freshman Bella Fanning. “I enjoyed conversing with other students from all over the country and learning how they succeed in their schools.” “For me, Washington was an unforgettable experience,” said Rebecca Parker, PJHS student. “I learned how to change my mind set to achieve my goals, and that the relationships we have are necessary for our mental health. We are the face of our school. We know that welcoming students is so important, and we hope that we can become a student body that shows everyone that they are never alone.”

The experiences students had at GTS have inspired them to be advocates and leaders, ready to make a positive difference in their communities. “As a retired educator from Autauga County Schools, I was truly honored to attend the Global Summit Training alongside these exceptional students and dedicated sponsors,” mentioned Dr. Surles. “Watching them engage so fully, learning and growing with every opportunity, filled me with immense pride. Their commitment to understanding the experiences of military families, their leadership in developing school procedures to support new students, and the connections they made with others from across the country were absolutely inspiring. They represented the school district with excellence and heart, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they made Autauga County Schools shine on a national stage.”