Welcome Military Families!
Launch Virtual Academy is honored to serve our military families.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
-John F. Kennedy
Upcoming Events
HOLIDAY MEALS FOR MILITARY
Saturday, November 21, 10 am-1 pm @ Murphy Canyon Chapel
Join Operation Homefront for a special holiday meal event! Registration open to Post 9/11 wounded, ill or injured service member of any rank (current or prior service), plus E1-E6 Active Duty.
Register: https://MyOperationHomefront.org
2026 OPERATION RIDE HOME
Application Period: Now through November 18, 2026
Armed Services YMCA helps junior enlisted military families (E1-E5) travel home for the holidays by offering cost-covered (free) or funding toward round-trip flights for military members and their immediate family. Check out their webpage for full eligibility, FAQs, and application.
Apply today: https://ridehome.asymca.org/find-your-ride-home/
MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominations due December 1, 2026
Now in its 19th year, the Military Child of the Year® Award reflects the positive impact these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools, and their communities. The annual awards recognizes seven outstanding young people ages 13 to 18 for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life. Award recipients receive $10,000, a laptop computer, a trip to Washington, D.C. to be recognized at the April 2027 gala, and more.
Nominate: https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/
SILVER STRAND YOUTH CENTER TEEN PROGRAM
1302 Leyte Road, Coronado 92118
The Silver Strand Teen Program is a safe and fun environment for teens to discover new interests, make friends, participate in activities and fieldtrips, and develop their leadership skills….plus, snacks are always available! Teens are also welcome to bring a friend; military or civilian. Program open to teens, 12*-18 years of age (12 yrs and in 7th grade). Fieldtrips are open to youth 13-18 years and may have program participation requirements to attend. Fieldtrip costs are FREE or very low cost. Call or stop by for details.
- Teen Room Hours: Monday-Friday, 2-6 pm
- Friday Teen Night: October 9 & 23, 6-8 pm TONIGHT!
Questions: 619-435-5056 or [email protected]
HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR
Sunday, November 1, 2-5 pm @ Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, Chula Vista
This FREE event is open to students, families, community members, and career-ready professionals. Middle school, high school, and college students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from local and national colleges and universities and learn about undergraduate and graduate admissions. Attendees can also connect with employers from across the country to explore student internships and employment opportunities.
Info: https://www.kpbs.org/events/2026/11/01/hacu-college-and-career-fair
SPACE AVAILABLE – HIGH QUALITY BEFORE AND/OR AFTER SCHOOL CARE AND DAY CAMPS
Looking for quality, safe, and fun care for your student during the school year or school breaks? The Navy’s Silver Strand Youth Center (SSYC) offers high quality before and/or after school programs, plus day camp for children, Kindergarten through 12 years of age. Fees are on a sliding scale based on total family income.
Put your child on the interest list by visiting www.MilitaryChildCare.com.
More Info: 619-435-5056 or stop by SSYC at 1302 Leyte Road, Coronado, CA 92118
NOTE: SSYC also offers hourly care for only $8 per hour. Call for details.
FREE 24/7 TUTORING
Tutor.com is a 24/7 tutoring resource free to military and DoW civilians and their families. Tutoring services are offered to youth, teens, and adults to cover K-12 through college and beyond!
- 24/7 tutoring anytime, anywhere: get personalized help from and expert tutor anytime on any internet-connected device.
- Expert tutors in 150+ subjects: tutors available for 150+ subjects, including bilingual Spanish offerings in math, science, social studies, writing, study skills, and parent coaching.
- Safe, Secure, Anonymous: sessions are anonymous and take place in a secure online classroom. Tutors undergo comprehensive screenings and background checks.
Create Your Account Today: http://www.tutor.com/military
SMART SCHOLARSHIP
Applications accepted through December 4, 2026
The SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a unique opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students to advance their education and jumpstart their careers. SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. SMART scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and after graduation, civilian employment with the Department of War. Check your eligibility now to see if you qualify and take the first step toward a successful future in STEM.
Apply: https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart/en
WINDOW SAFETY
Whether you rent or own your own home or live in military housing, please be aware that children and windows can be a dangerous combination. Did you know that windows rank as one of five top hidden hazards in the home? While most falls do not result in deaths, over a quarter of those annual accidents end up in intensive care units. Most injuries weren’t from high rises, but falls from modest heights – third, second, or even first floor windows! Children are curious and exploratory by nature, but there are things we can do in the home to protect youngsters from window falls, and we should always be aware of the settings in which our children live and play. But remember, parental supervision is always our best defense.
Prevention Tips: https://www.navylifesw.com/window-safety
Point of Contact
Katherine Velliquette
GySgt, USMC (Ret.)
Your School Liaison Officer (SLO) is here to:
- Answer questions about school enrollment options.
- Provide information about our school.
- Assist with inbound/outbound school transfers.
- Help you navigate the special education process.
- Provide resources for college readiness.
- Assist with agency referrals…and more!
