Military Families

Academic planning is essential to student success. That's why we have developed a comprehensive academic plan specifically tailored to support military students. As part of this plan, we conduct a thorough review of academic records to ensure a seamless integration into our curriculum.

Parents play a vital role in this process by identifying any areas of concern with our school counselors. Additionally, our students are actively engaged in grade-level data chats to address their academic progress. For those requiring additional support, we offer personalized classroom interventions and enrichment opportunities, as well as referrals for gifted testing when appropriate. We prioritize open communication and collaboration, with teachers and counselors readily available to address any parental concerns to ensure the academic success of our military students. 

Our school counselors and school-based positive behavioral specialists are available to assist students with any academic, peer or personal concerns such as deployment and reintegration, family dynamics and positive coping mechanisms.

• Free Tutoring
• Military OneSource
• Plan My Move
• The Mississippi National Guard Office of Legal Assistance

If you have a child that is in need of special educational services, please inform the school during enrollment. To learn more visit our Department of Special Services.

A student-led transition program is offered at Petal Primary School including:

• A welcome committee of student ambassadors who assist and support new military students.
   
• A buddy system where each military student is assigned a peer mentor from their grade level to accompany them during breaks, lunchtime and classroom activities to foster a sense of belonging and familiarity. 
   
• Support groups facilitated by a school counselor or social worker that meet regularly, providing a safe space for new military students to share their experiences, concerns and feelings with peers. The social worker/school counselor offers strategies for coping with the transition, managing emotions and building resilience.
   
• Tutoring or extra academic support for those who may need assistance catching up or adjusting to the curriculum.

To register a new military student, visit our New Student Registration Page.

For specific questions about transitioning to Petal Primary School, please contact our school counselors. 

• Purple Up Day
  •  Monday, April 15, 2024
  • All students and staff will wear purple in support of our military families.
     
• Petal Primary's Second Grade Veterans Day Music Program
  • Held at Petal High School Performing Arts Center
  • Thursday, November 16, 2023
    • 9:30 a.m. Classes: Bosarge - Dye - Hendry - Henry - Houpt 
    • 11:30 a.m. Classes: Boyd - Friend - Frishe - Woods
  • Friday, November 17, 2023
    • 9:30 a.m. Classes: Clark - Ennis - Eubanks - Goodwin - Harris - McSwain - Robinson

• Larry Mullins, NAS Meridian
  • meridianSL@us.navy.mil 
  • Office: 601.679.2473
  • Cell: 601.479.2025
     
• Mona Odom, NCBC Gulfport
  • mona.odom.naf@us.navy.mil
  • Office: 228.871.2117
  • Cell: 228.323.6105
     
• Amber Meiborg, Columbus AFB
  • slo2@us.af.mil
  • Office: 662.434.2792
     
• Gerald Cross, Keesler AFB
  • gerald.cross.1@us.af.mil
  • Office: 228.376.8505
     
• Michela M. Haggerty
  • Army National Guard MS Liaison
  • michela.m.haggerty.nfg@army.mil
  • Office: 601.313.6317

• Melissa Hensarling, Counselor