School liaison officer eases transition to Edwards for parents, children Published Aug. 31, 2011 By Diane Betzler Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Education systems from across the country and around the world can take vastly different approaches to the same end - educating children. That can make it really rough on the students transitioning to schools here in the high desert. But Team Edwards has an answer to ease that transition, and her name is Beth Hodge. Hodge, the base school liaison officer, is the central point of contact on base for school-related matters. She works directly with Edwards leadership, families, school districts and local communities. It's a job that in a way she's spent a lifetime preparing for. "It's exciting and wonderful. I've been through all this as a military dependent and as a military spouse and I enjoy being able to help others. I certainly can relate to what parents of school aged children are going through and I look forward to helping them feel welcomed to Edwards," she said. Hodge doesn't just work with parents. She says in order for a transition to be as stress-free as possible for the students, it's important for school officials and teachers to understand what the military child's lifestyle is like. "I meet with local school officials and attend district meetings to educate them on the military lifestyle and our military-connected students." She also works to establish partnerships between parents, base leadership, local schools, and the community and helps all parties maintain that partnership. She does that by providing resource and referral services to family support agencies on base and in the local communities. Hodge also works closely with Col. Buddy Berry, 95th Mission Support Group commander. The colonel and Hodge serve as professional links between Air Force families and on-base schools. They have worked hard to establish a good relationship with the Muroc Joint Unified School District, she said. Hodge meets on a regular basis with the superintendent and principals to discuss issues and concerns. "We all work together in support of our military-connected students," Hodge said. She and Colonel Berry have so far developed partnerships with NASA, Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Department of Defense Education Program, the Department of Defense Education Activity and educational programs in the local community. "I enjoy working and creating programs which help to transition new students to Edwards," she said. Hodge also assists families moving from Edwards to their next base and has created specific checklists to help guide them during their move. "I help answer educational questions, I let parents know what information they will need to register their children at their next base, I also provide information on where local schools are located and I can provide them a specific school's rating and class standard," she said. She also connects parents to other base school liaison officers, all of which are there to help parents and their children make a smoother transition to their new home. She has created a Facebook site as another means for people to get in touch with her and learn about the many services she has to offer. Hodge recommends parents contact her before they make their move so that they can arrive at their new location armed with the paperwork and information they will need for a smooth transition. Whether you're leaving Edwards or just arriving, Hodge is there to assist. She can be reached at: 277-3210 or e-mail her at: 95fss.school.liaison@edwards.af.mil. For more information on what the school liaison officer has to offer, the Web page is: www.95fss.com/wordpress/school-liaison-office.