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MANZANITA
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
MANZANITA WELCOMES MILITARY FAMILIES
Manzanita Charter School has a robust transitional program for military-connected students. Military-connected students are welcomed by the school principal and school registrar and will be provided a campus tour and introduction to the student’s assigned classroom teacher. We recognize that military-connected students often have needed to change schools multiple times, and we are committed to providing these students a warm welcome and a smooth transition to our schools. Parents/guardians are encouraged to share with the principal any pertinent information about their student’s academic progress, social-emotional development, and/or special needs. At MPCS, most military-connected students have a parent/guardian stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, so most families are affiliated with the U.S. Space Force or U.S. Air Force. We work closely with our friends at Vandenberg to make available any services that are needed.
CAMPUS MILITARY LIASONS
Katherine Franson- Can be reached at kat.franson@manzanitacharterschool.com or 805-734-5600.
Lexie Rickards- Can be reached at lexie.rickards@manzanitacharterschool.com or 805-734-5600.
DISTRICT HISTORY WITH MILITARY FAMILIES
Manzanita Public Charter School has been serving military families since our doors opened. School staff are familiar with the specific needs of military families. In July of 2024, the POC attended an all-day virtual summit led by the Military Child Education Coalition. The summit focused on the unique needs of Purple Star families, military-connected communication and active listening, and the availability of Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) Training.  In July 2024, the POC completed the MIC3 Training 101 course and ensured that training was available to other Manzanita faculty members.  The POC and principal are slated to take MIC3’s full Purple Star Training Program in 2025.
VANDENBERG FIRE DEPARTMENT
MPCS partners with the Vandenberg Fire Department in October, during Fire Prevention Week.
STARBASE PROGRAM
In the past three school years, five district schools have sent students to the STARBASE Program, a Department of Defense-funded STEM program based at Vandenberg.
U.S. SPACE FORCE
Vandenberg’s Security Forces Squadron to bring in the McGruff Crime Dog mascot, along with a “handler,” to provide talks on security and safety. We also have a School Resource Officer that provides support to our campus on a need basis.
U.S AIR FORCE
Manzanita works with Vandenberg's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) representative to coordinate STEM to Space events as well as STEM to Sky events — one is held in the Fall and the other in the Spring.  Finally, each primary grade faculty member brings parents in to read to the class, allowing military parents a chance to volunteer, in uniform, in the classroom.
PURPLE UP USA
Purple Up Day is observed every year on April 15. The holiday was selected during the Month of the Military Child. It is an opportunity to honor military children from all branches of the military. We acknowledge purple up day school-wide the entire week of April 15 and every last Friday of the month, we also Purple Up! to share our support.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment at Manzanita Public Charter School is done via lottery. The Intent to Enroll Form for the following school year are accepted from December 1st until January 31st. You may find the Intent to Enroll link on the Home Tab.
For more information on the current school year, please visit the Enrollment Tab or contact Teresa Gaona, our registrar. at Teresa.gaona@manzanitacharterschool.com or 805-734-5600 ext. 314.
MANZANITA SERVICES
As needed, the Manzanita can connect military families with the following services:
SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT
For students with an individualized education program (IEP), the district offers a continuum of services.
COUNSELING
MPCS has a fulltime MFLC counselor on campus. She is available to see students to provide social-emotional support.
HEALTH SERVICES
MPCS has a nurse and health Aide who are available to consult with families on medical issues.
CHILD NUTRITION
School meals are free for all students. MPCS provides food for students with food allergies and/or specific dietary needs.
WIN TIME
This WIN program is designed to give every scholar what they need in Language Arts. During WIN Time scholars are put into groups for intervention or enrichment.
MILITARY RESOURCES
Personalized help from an expert tutor—anytime, on any internet-connected device, from anywhere in the world. https://military.tutor.com/home
MFLC Program helps military families and children navigate challenges with free face-to-face support.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/military-family-life-counseling-program/
Global Hearts Program is a support program for family members of VSFB deployed, remote, or TDY personnel in excess of 30 days.
https://30fss.com/global_hearts/
The Vandenberg SFB 30th Force Support Squadron makes available numerous family events and services.
To contact FSS, call 805-606-027.
https://www.vandenbergfss.com/
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Transition and Relocation Assistance
Contact the Vandenberg Military & Family Readiness Center at l 805-606-0039 or click here.​
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Support with Special Medical & Educational Needs
Contact Vandenberg’s Exceptional Family Member Program at 805-606-6785 or click here.
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School Liaison Program
Vandenberg’s School Liaison Program can help families explore all options in order to make the right decision for their children’s education. To contact the liaison, call 805-606-5698 or click here.
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