For more information on sponsorship and support programs, contact the Madrigal Youth Center.
SPONSORSHIP: Children who are coming to the local area and would like a pen pal, should contact the Youth Center at Sheppard AFB.
If you are a teenager moving to Sheppard AFB, you will probably find that teens here have the same interests, hopes, dreams, and concerns that you have. Most teens keep busy going to school, being involved in extracurricular activities such as band or sports, working part-time jobs, volunteering, etc. Before coming to Sheppard, you may want to request a local teen to correspond with through the Pen Pal Program at the base Youth Center. This will enable you to already know someone when you arrive, and is a good way to find out "what's hot and what's not" in this area. After arriving in the area, the easiest and quickest way to meet people and make new friends is to get involved in the local community. Pursue clubs and organizations in school that interest you, become involved in a local religious organization, take part in recreational opportunities and volunteer your time.
EMPLOYMENT/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Teens seeking employment may contact the Career Focus Program at the Family Support Center. Teens seeking volunteer opportunities may contact the Volunteer Resource Program at the Family Support Center. Some youth employment opportunities include food service, sackers/baggers, retail stores, lifeguards, swimming instructors, lawn care, recreation facilities and theaters. Some volunteer opportunities are available at the base library, youth center, child development center and base hospital.
RECREATION: Children of active-duty and retired military members and DOD and NAF employees are offered a complete year-round program of recreational, cultural, educational and social activities through the base youth center. Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during periods of open recreation at the Youth Center. Gymnastics classes have their own separate room, the gymnasium can be divided into two rooms allowing basketball and volleyball games to be played at the same time, teenagers can socialize, play games, watch TV and study in their own room, and a computer room is available with four computers. Programs are planned for youth ages 5-18, or kindergarten through high school, with instructional classes and sports programs. Summer and before-and-after school programs are available for children kindergarten though sixth grade. These include crafts, physical fitness activities, tours, bowling, skating, swimming and outdoor fun. The new Power Hour Club is an educational enrichment program. Students can get help with homework and talk to a tutor. Students are given the extra opportunity to practice and reinforce skills and concepts learned in school.
SPORTS PROGRAM: A wide variety of sports and instructional programs are offered including flag football, soccer, track team, baseball/softball, basketball, swim lessons, girls volleyball, and cheerleading. Sports coaches are NYSCA (National Youth Sports Coaches Association) certified. Instructional classes include swim lessons, piano, ballet dance lessons, gymnastics, and karate.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Care begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. Fees are based on total family income and fee categories. Call the Youth Center for complete schedules and charges.
SCHOOLS: If you reside on base in the Capehart housing area, and you are a junior high or high school student, you will attend schools in the Burkburnett Independent School District. Buses will transport you to nearby Burkburnett. If you reside on base in the Wherry housing area, you will attend school in the Wichita Falls Independent School District. Junior high school students will be bused to Kirby Junior High School and high school students will be bussed to Hirschi High School. If you live in the Bunker Hill housing area on base, you will be bused to either Wichita Falls or Burkburnett schools, depending on the specific location of your assigned housing.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!! SCHOOL CHOICE/TRANSFER SELECTIONS: The Controlled Choice Program is being utilized to improve racial balance in all schools, grades 7-12 in the Wichita Falls Independent School District. For more information regarding your school selection or transfer choices, please contact the Wichita Falls Independent School District, Court Compliance Office, at 940-720-4962/4966.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS Comprehensive High School and Special Education: English - 4 units; Math - 3 units; Science - 2 units; U.S. History - 1 unit; World History or World Geography - 1 unit; U.S. Government - 1/2 unit; Economics - 1/2 unit; Health - 1/2 unit; Physical Education or equivalent waiver - 1-1/2 units; Athletics, Band, Dance, ROTC, Vocational - 2 or 3 units; At least 7 electives = 21 units to graduate.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS: The following is a sample of where you can get information and apply for scholarships and grants when attending college: 1. SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCE NETWORK - The Family Support Center operates this computer program to link students with organizations and agencies they can apply to for scholarships and grants. The list of agencies is tailored to the student based on their personal information. Call 940-676-4358; DSN 736-4358. 2. HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM - Offered through the Air Force Aid Society, this program offers $1,500 grants to dependents of Air Force members who are pursuing undergraduate degrees. Offered once a year, normally the applications become available in the Nov-Dec timeframe, with actual filing deadline in March of the following year. Call 940-676-4358; DSN 736-4358. 3. For further information on scholarships and grants, contact the base education office or your school's financial aid office.
PARTNERS-IN-EDUCATION (PIE): 1. Partners-In-Education, in conjunction with local area car dealers, have initiated an incentive program for students to stay in school. Students in all Wichita Falls high schools who have perfect attendance and passing grades in any grading period may enter a drawing for a new car. 2. Homework Hotline: Operated Monday through Thursday 1800 - 2100. Phone: 940-720-3236. 3. Grief Counseling Services: Call school secretary for details. 4. Mentoring Programs: Volunteers are solicited to mentor students one-to-one.
DRIVER'S LICENSE INFORMATION: CROSS-REFERENCE: For additional information, see Category INSTALLATION, Related Subject, REGULATIONS. Driver's Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, 940-851-6066. Cost is $24.00 for a six-year license payable by cash, check or money order. In order for teens under age 18 to get a driver's license, they have to show proof of completion of driver's education classes, Parent Taught Driver Education, have a signed authorization from their parents,(form available at the Department of Public Safety), present a birth certificate, military ID or passport, and have proof of enrollment from their school's attendance office. A 15-year old may get a driving permit by meeting the requirements listed above and taking a written exam. A 16-year old may get a driver's license by meeting the above requirements and taking a written exam. (Road test requirements may be waived with proof of driver's education classes). Driver's education classes must show that the teen has had 32 hours of classroom instruction and 14 driving hours. Contact the Department of Public Safety for questions or the Parent Taught Driver Kit.
NOTICE: Beginning in 2002, teenagers who obtain their driver's license now have restrictions on their license for the first six months. The new Graduated Driver's License Program prohibits teens from having more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, and from driving after midnight and before 5:00 a.m. unless driving in necessary for employment, school or school-related activities or a in a medical emergency.
DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASSES: 1. Wichita Falls Independent School District - No classes provided. 2. Burkburnett Independent School District - Driver's education classes are offered through the high school. The student must turn 15 before the end of the class. Cost is $250 payable BEFORE classes begin. Classroom instruction is offered during the school year; driving instruction is offered through the summer. 3. Iowa Park Independent School District - Driver's education classes are offered through the high school. The student must turn 15 before the end of the class. Cost is $200 payable BEFORE classes begin. Classroom instruction starts in March; driving instruction will begin in May and run through June. 4. Commercial driving schools are available in the local area.
SAFETY ISSUES: Sheppard AFB now has a juvenile curfew. According to the Sheppard AFB Instruction, juveniles are individuals 16 years of age or under. Juveniles may not be out of doors beyond the immediate vicinity of their quarters during the period of Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. and Friday-Saturday, 12:00 a.m.-6:00 a.m. Exceptions to this policy are if the juvenile is married; parents or guardian are present; engaged in interstate travel; going to/from work; involved in an emergency; or attending an official function. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please call the Security Forces at 940-676-6892 or DSN 736-6892.
CURFEWS: Wichita Falls, Burkburnett and Iowa Park all have teen curfews. The following states specifics for teen curfew for each area. WICHITA FALLS: Teens under 18 must be in by 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 midnight on weekends. If a teen is caught out after curfew his/her parents will be notified and a citation will be issued, cost to be determined by the courts. BURKBURNETT: Ages 12 and under must be in by 11:00 pm seven days a week. Ages 13 through 16 must be in by 12:00 midnight on weeknights and 1:00 am on weekends. If a teen is caught out after curfew his/her parents will be notified and a citation will be issued, cost to be determined by the courts. IOWA PARK: Teens under 18 must be in by 11:00 pm on weeknights and 12:00 midnight on weekends. If a teen is caught out after curfew, his/her parents will be notified and a citation will be issued, cost to be determined by the courts.
GANG ACTIVITY: The Wichita Falls area is experiencing some gang activity. For details about areas of town where gang activity is occurring, or information about colors, contact the Wichita Falls Police Department, 940-761-7792 or your local school district.