Army Europe K-12 PCS INBOUND Handbook PCS Handbook ARMY OUTBOUND SY17-18 | Page 7

7. Review college admission and SAT & ACT testing dates. Consider completing the test prior to depar-
ture. You can re-take these, but at least you won’t be caught without a score if deadlines loom.
8. When transferring credits, you may need to advocate for your child. For example, maybe your child
didn’t take a course in nutrition, but a health course might satisfy that credit requirement. Negotiate any
credits that won't transfer. This process can be more flexible than it seems. Sometimes classes that don't
match up exactly at the new school can still be credited as a similar class that the new school does offer.
Schools will usually work with you to get the most out of your children's credits, especially if it might affect
their graduation dates, so be polite but still assertive.
9. Different grading scales and weighting systems won’t change established letter grades, but may impact
GPA. For example a 91% in DoDEA is an A, but in some districts it is a B. The letter grade will remain on
the transcript, but the numeric grade may be averaged into overall GPA and identified per the new school
grading /weighting standards. If weighting negatively impacts AP or honors placements, work with your
guidance counselor to seek a possible remedy.
10. Check the school calendar. It might be easier to transition into a class between quarters / semesters.
11. Be sure to request recommendation letters from your current teachers, coaches, and special program
sponsors to use later in college applications as well as for program access in the new high school.
12. Don’t forget that even though they are grown, leaving behind friends impacts high schoolers. DoDEA-
Europe high schools offer Student Ambassador programs that will help your child acclimate to the new
school. Request a Youth Sponsor. Some teens may balk at first, but once they get that email and can ask
questions of a peer, they are grateful. The SLO webpages offer an online youth sponsor request. See your
SLO for questions and assistance in connecting with a youth sponsor and student ambassador.
DRIVING IN EUROPE
If you are coming to Europe with an older high school stu-
dent, don’t forget to consider your plans for a drivers’ license if
he/she will be in need of one while in Europe or when they leave
for college. Public transit isn’t as plentiful in most stateside loca-
tions as in Europe. However, you may still want your busy stu-
dent to have his/her own ride to events, etc. In some locations
the HS offers an activity bus for athletes etc.
Ask your SLO what is available in your location. Child, Youth, and
School Services also offers driver education courses in some lo-
cations. For more information or to sign up please visit CYS Par-
ent Central Services. Local drivers’ ed companies also sometimes
offer English language instruction.
To avoid unnecessary stateside trips, it is advised that your child
come with a stateside permit/license if you hope to eventually get them a USAREUR license.
There are age (18) and other restrictions per location and if you come with a permit, you will still
need to get a stateside license prior to getting a USAREUR license. The trick is to PLAN ahead.
Resources: Driving in Europe. Drivers’ Manual Germany USAREUR Practice tests
Driving in Italy
Obtaining a USAREUR license in Benelux SHAPE Belgium Lic.
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