Military Point of Contact

Jeanell Mangum 
jmangum@ecsdfl.us

Military Family Life Counselor
milfamcounselor0281@ecsdfl.us
850-208-2505

Enrollment Services

New to the area? Have questions about registering your child for school, or what documentation is needed for registration? Click here to visit our ECPS Enrollment Services department for this information, as well as the current Student Progression Plans.

Exceptional Student Education

Click to visit the ECPS Exceptional Student Education department.

ESE Contact Information: 

Department Chair — Hollie Rene HRene@ecsdfl.us

ESE Secretary — Lasonja Rabb LRabb@ecsdfl.us

Sondra Hill, District Program Director
shill@ecsdfl.us • 850-429-2977

The NASP Exceptional Family Member Program is a great resource for families who have an exceptional student.

The ESE (Exceptional Student Education) department is designed to support students with disabilities and other special needs, ensuring they have equal access to a quality education. Here's a breakdown of the common services and programs offered:

1. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): The ESE department works with students, parents, and educators to create and implement an IEP, a personalized plan that outlines the student's specific educational goals and the support services they need to succeed.

2. Specialized Instruction:  ESE teachers provide tailored instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students. This can range from academic support to life skills and behavioral interventions.

3. Inclusive Education:  The ESE department often collaborates with general education teachers to provide inclusive opportunities where students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms with support.

4. Assistive Technology:  The department may also provide students with tools and technology, such as text-to-speech software or adaptive devices, to assist with learning and communication.

5. Transition Services:  For older students, the ESE department often provides services to help transition from high school to post-secondary education, work, or independent living. This can include job training, life skills education, and college readiness programs.

6. Behavioral Support: Students with behavioral challenges may receive support to develop coping strategies, social skills, and emotional regulation.

Academic Planning

At Escambia High School, we are committed to supporting every student’s academic journey and helping families access the tools they need for success.

FOCUS Parent Portal & Student Portal

Escambia County Public Schools use the FOCUS Parent and Student Portal as the official platform for academic records.

• Parents and guardians can monitor grades, attendance, and class assignments in real time.

• Students can access their schedules, progress reports, and upcoming assessments.
  Both portals help families stay informed and engaged in the learning process.

Advanced Academic Programs

Escambia High School offers a variety of advanced academic opportunities to challenge and prepare students for college and careers. Options include:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

• Dual Enrollment with Pensacola State College

• Honors-Level Classes

• Industry Certifications in select career and technical fields

These programs provide students with the chance to earn college credit, strengthen transcripts, and develop skills that prepare them for the next step after graduation.

Student Progression Plan

The Student Progression Plan, published by Escambia County Public Schools, outlines promotion requirements, course expectations, and academic supports. It ensures students meet state and district standards while progressing toward high school graduation. Families are encouraged to review the plan annually to stay informed about requirements at each grade level.

High School Graduation Requirements & Diploma Options

Florida high school students must meet state and district requirements to earn a diploma. At Escambia High School, we guide students and families through this process by providing clear information on:

• Graduation Requirements: credits, GPA minimums, statewide assessments, and required courses in English, math, science, and social studies.

• Deadlines: Students must complete required coursework and assessments by their senior year. Seniors should also be aware of testing windows and credit recovery deadlines.

• Diploma Options: Students may pursue a Standard Diploma, the Scholar Diploma Designation, or the Merit Diploma Designation, depending on their coursework and performance.

Our school counselors are available to meet with students and families to review graduation progress, discuss diploma options, and plan for postsecondary goals.

Academic and Enrichment Opportunities

At Escambia High School, we're dedicated to providing a supportive environment where every student, including our valued military students, can thrive. We offer a wide range of academic resources designed to support and challenge you.

Excel Period: Focused Support and Enrichment

Our EXCEL period is a 30-minute daily instructional block, held Monday through Thursday, from 10:05 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. This dedicated time gives students targeted support, reteaching, and unique enrichment opportunities. We don't have an EXCEL period on Fridays.

• Extra Help: Teachers can schedule students who need additional help on specific topics. Students can also take charge of their learning by self-scheduling for any open days in the upcoming week.

• Enrichment: EXCEL also provides valuable enrichment experiences. Students can sign up on their Canvas class page to:

  • Hear from guest speakers from colleges, technical schools, and military branches.

  • Get help with FAFSA and college applications.

  • Learn about volunteering and career readiness.

  • Attend sessions on important topics like drug prevention and life skills.

You can schedule your sessions using the Enriching Students platform, which is accessible through the CORE App Dashboard.

Additional Resources

Beyond the EXCEL period, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to help you achieve your goals:

• College and Career Counseling: Get personalized guidance from our counselor, Carmela Bechtel, at cbechtel@ecsdfl.us or 850-453-7502.

• Testing Services: We offer voluntary ASVAB testing twice a year.

• Career Academies & Certifications: Explore career pathways and earn valuable certifications.

• Academic Clubs and Honor Societies: Challenge yourself and connect with peers in various clubs.

We also have a wide variety of additional clubs and activities that students can get involved in. You can find a complete list of these opportunities in our Parent Handbook.

Mental Health and Counseling Services for Military-Connected Students

Escambia High School is committed to supporting the unique needs of our military-connected students. We provide a range of confidential mental health and counseling services to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed.

Accessing Support

• Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC): Military-connected students can access the MFLC in the Quarterdeck, located within the Innovation Center. To begin regular sessions, students or their families can obtain consent forms from either the MFLC or the Guidance Office.

• School Guidance Counselor: Students can schedule an appointment with their assigned Guidance Counselor by completing a form through their Student Focus account. This is the first step to accessing a wide range of support services Copy of How To: Request School Counseling for Students

• School Mental Health Counselor: If a student requires more specialized mental health support, their Guidance Counselor can provide a referral to our School Mental Health Counselor, Octavia Gray.

• School Navigator: We also have a School Navigator available to help students address primary needs and navigate various school and community resources.

• College and Career Counseling: For academic and future planning support, students can work with our College and Career Counselor, Carmela Bechtel.

All services are designed to be confidential and easily accessible, ensuring that military-connected students and their families feel supported throughout their time at our school.

About the Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program

Escambia High School is honored to offer non-medical counseling to our military-connected students. MFLCs support military families through the unique challenges of military life, including cycles of deployment and reintegration, by providing non-medical, short-term counseling. Through a partnership between the school district, the installation and the office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, counselors will be assigned to various schools during the school year.

What is the counselor’s role in the school?

MFLCs provide consultation, training, and educational presentations/workshops to program faculty, staff, parents, and children. MFLC support augments services already in place at each school. Counselors take part in everyday school activities and events. They are available to support in areas related to deployment and reintegration; family dynamics; positive coping mechanisms; staff support and education; parent education and stress reduction. Counselors are also available to facilitate groups and trainings to build leadership skills; manage anger; build self-esteem and confidence and strengthen communication.

How are counselors selected?

Counselors are selected for their demonstrated expertise and training and are under the management of the office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. Counselors hold a master’s or doctoral degree, are independently licensed and have experience working with children and youth. Counselors go through rigorous background checks before being placed in schools.

Why are the counselors in certain schools and not others?

Schools were selected by the Service Branch to receive MFLCs based on the number of military connected students attending each school. Military families who have students in schools without counselors can typically receive the same support through the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department, Fleet and Family Services or the A&FRC.

Do counselors keep records about students and families?

No. Services provided by counselors are private and confidential with the exception of mandatory federal and military reporting requirements (i.e., child abuse, domestic violence and other life-threatening situations). No counseling records are maintained.

The Dandelion

The official flower of the military child is the dandelion. Why?

The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. It's an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It's a survivor in a broad range of climates.

Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They're ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.

Experts say military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. Military children have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are, that a good friend can be found in every corner of the world, and that education doesn't only come from school. They live history. They learn that to survive means to adapt, that the door that closes one chapter of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences 

(Military Child Education Coalition, 2017).

Escambia High
Is Proud to Be a

Click HERE for more info about the Purple Star Campus Program

Student-2-Student

Student-2-Student is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance at Escambia High School. Our mission is to help every student find their place within the school community. We achieve this by hosting monthly meetings that serve as a comprehensive orientation, offering school tours, and introducing students to the diverse range of activities, clubs, and organizations available at Escambia.

In addition to these efforts, Student-2-Student takes great pride in honoring our nation’s heroes during Veterans Week and celebrating the resilience of military families throughout the Month of the Military Child. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and connected.

EHS Military Recognition Events

Escambia High School honors the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country through our annual Memorial Service, held each November. This year (2025) marks the 59th anniversary of this poignant ceremony, where we pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Our Student2Student (S2S) chapter plays a key role in recognizing and celebrating our Veteran faculty members in honor of Veterans Day. In April, Escambia also dedicates the Month of the Military Child to celebrating and supporting our military families. Activities include Purple Up Day, as well as schoolwide initiatives designed to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by military students and their families.

Additionally, Escambia High School proudly acknowledges the dedication of our graduating seniors who have committed to serving in the armed forces with a special Signing Day celebration. Throughout the year, the school community also participates in heartfelt initiatives, such as collecting Valentines for Veterans and Holiday Cards for Service Members, to show appreciation for those serving both at home and abroad.

Resources

ECPS Military Families Page

The Joint Military Council for Education Excellence was established as a partnership between the Escambia County School District and Naval Air Station Pensacola in the Spring of 2020. Its mission is: Improving educational services and communication between the Escambia County School District and military families.

The Military Council convenes quarterly to address topics of mutual interest and to solicit input from community stakeholders, including military families.

School Liaison Officer

NAS Pensacola Fleet &Family Support Center

The Center also offers free in-person counseling support for military children, adults, and families.

NAS Pensacola MWR Homepage

Military OneSource connects you to programs, services and products developed for military life. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. The site also has a link to a tutoring service designed specifically for military students as well as an MFLC locator so that families can look for MFLCs where they currently reside or are PCSing to. In addition, eligible families can also access free virtual counseling; learn more at this link.

Military Child Education Coalition

The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission has a specific section for parents with resources detailing the role of the School Liaison as well as helpful articles on helping military children change schools and cope with moving, among others. They also have a section on supporting military families with special medical or educational needs.

The ASVAB CEP offers students a chance to explore all paths to careers - college, certifications, apprenticeships, licensure programs, and the Military - in one place. Contact your school counselor to find out when the ASVAB CEP is coming to your school.

Pear Deck Tutor (formerly TutorMe) is an online service that provides one-on-one, on-demand, live homework and writing support in certain subject areas.