THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2024 81 during either an ordinary move or an evacuation: Collect and carry important documents. Ensure you have birth certificates (original or certified copies), photo IDs (passports), current special needs learning plan (IEP/ILP) if applicable, immunization records including proof of recent negative TB test, and most recent physical health exam records. Be prepared to hand carry these documents as you travel, and keep scanned copies on hand, as well. Contact the school at post. Request official transcripts and records of course titles and current units of study, assignments and current grades earned, standardized or specialized test scores, and dates of attendance. Gather recommendation letters (especially for high school students). Be patient with the school as they may need several days to get these documents to you. If possible, obtain the records in both paper and digital form. Find out if the school is planning to send your child with a physical packet of work, or if they have established a comprehensive plan for virtual learning. Ask if the learning will be asynchronous or synchronous. Consider your options. Your bureau, post management, and GCLO’s crisis management team will likely coordinate an informational town hall with subject matter experts prior to departure to help with evacuation logistics. Decide where you want to safe haven, and identify your support system should the evacuation be extended. If the school at post only offers synchronous learning, and that means your child would have to wake up at 2 a.m. where you intend to safe haven, think about whether your child can manage that, or if you should instead pivot to enrolling them in the local public school. You will know what is best for your child.
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