Get to Know D49's Military Student and Family Liaison

Every April, we observe the Month of the Military Child. As part of this recognition, we are highlighting the various ways D49 supports its military students and families. A vital element of D49's commitment is the Military Student & Family Liaison.

The Military Student & Family Liaison (MSFL) plays a vital role in supporting military-connected families as they navigate the unique challenges of frequent moves and changing school environments. Serving families from all branches of service including active duty, reserve, guard, veterans, and Gold Star families, the MSFL acts as a dedicated advocate and central point of connection between families, schools, and community resources. The role is dynamic and highly collaborative, involving coordination with educators, counselors, military liaisons, and community organizations.  

Kelli Chappelle serves as D49’s MSFL. Take a look at how she approaches her role in support of our military families and students. 

What does a Military Student & Family Liaison do?
This is my second year in the position so I am still learning a lot.  As the MSFL, I do multiple things involving military connected students. I assist with enrollment & registration, if there are any issues or questions about credit transfers and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), when possible schedule tours, referring to the base school liaisons for assistance. I also assist our schools in completing their Purple Star Designation application and participate in any additional school events where I might be able to connect with a family. I also am on the Engage 49 team. 

Why is this position important to military families in our school district?
Colorado is unique, allowing families and students to choose the school their students attend. Most duty stations and states do not have that option, and it can be very overwhelming. Military families, like most others, want to give their kids the best education possible with the most continuity. District 49 investing in a position like mine to help families who are moving here is a huge help. 

Why are you passionate about this important work? 
I am a mom in an active duty family. I also needed the kind guidance and assistance provided by the MSFL. We have 3 kids, one very high achieving college student, one 6th grader and one who has special needs. Being able to help families get the resources in the same way someone helped me is important to me. Military lifestyle can be lonely, moving is hard emotionally on  everyone. I just hope I am making parts of the move a little easier. 

What are common tasks that you perform or services you provide for families and students?

• Enrollment
• Registration
• Helping with credit transfers
• Attend/speak before the school board 
• Training for Schools on military culture, deployments, etc
• Finding resources: within D49,out in the community, on and off base. I also attend various community events and see how they can benefit our families

What are uncommon services you provide?
I listen to the parents' concerns. I get it. Trying to get your kids back into their activities, finding community, employment, housing are all huge concerns. There is little to no guidance and sometimes little to no advance warning to move here. So just being a listening ear to families who are juggling so many things and being able to relate I think is helpful. 

Any favorite memories or stories?
I had a mom last year come and hug me after she dropped her kid off for their first day. It was mid-year, and the family had some nerves about  the move and enrolling a student on an IEP. I wasn’t able to attend their tour, but had been in contact with the student’s mom for several weeks leading up to the first day. She called and asked me to meet with her, just to give me a hug, and say thank you! 

New to D49? 

D49 is proud to be the only district in the region with a Military Student & Family Liaison. Explore more available resources on our Military Families webpage.