Military Connected Families
Galveston ISD and Ball High School warmly welcome all military-connected families. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We understand that frequent relocations can be challenging for students and families, and we are committed to making your transition into our campus as smooth and welcoming as possible.
Our campus liaison is trained to serve as your primary point of contact — whether you are arriving at our school, settling in, or preparing to move to your next duty station. Please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for you every step of the way.
With gratitude,
Ball High School Staff & GISD F.A.C.E. Team
Resources Available
Military families may enroll their children at any time during the school year. Any parent or guardian who is an active member of the armed forces or part of the reserved armed forces may enroll their children in Galveston ISD without delay.
To begin enrollment, visit the GISD Enrollment page. You will need proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records. Our campus liaison can help you gather any missing documents and navigate the process.
Free Pre-K eligibility: Children of active duty, activated/mobilized Guard or Reserve members, or those listed as MIA may qualify for free Pre-Kindergarten under TEC §29.153(b).
► Begin Enrollment at GISD.org
► Interstate Compact (MIC3) — Credit & Record Transfer
Ball High School counselors will evaluate out-of-state and out-of-district credits under the Interstate Compact (MIC3) to protect your student's graduation timeline. Students with AP or dual-enrollment coursework from a prior school are encouraged to meet with their counselor within the first two weeks of enrollment.
Explore Allied Health Science pathways, AP courses, and CTE programs at Ball High. View CTE Pathways.
Upon arrival, your student will be connected with a peer buddy through the Ball High student transition team. A counselor will schedule an academic planning meeting within the first week of enrollment.
On departure, counselors prepare a complete credit transcript and transfer packet — including MIC3 documentation — to support your next campus.
Receiving PCS Orders? Contact your campus liaison as early as possible. We will prepare your student's records, verify credit alignment under MIC3, and connect you with your next installation's School Liaison Officer (SLO) for a smooth transition.
Ball High School has a dedicated team of counselors who support academic planning, college readiness, and personal counseling for military-connected students. Contact the school at (409) 761-5000 to be connected with your assigned counselor.
The GISD Teen Health Center, located on the Ball High campus, also provides physical and behavioral health services to students.
District & Community Resources:
- GISD Counseling Services
- Military OneSource — Free 24/7 support | 📞 1-800-342-9647
- Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988, Press 1
- GISD Social & Emotional Learning Resources
The campus military liaison serves as the primary point of contact for all military-connected family communications and requests. They coordinate student transitions, provide guidance on education-related concerns, collaborate with counselors, and provide professional development to campus staff.
Mark Kelso
Campus Military Liaison — Ball High School
You may also contact the GISD F.A.C.E. Department at 📞 (409) 766-5100 or visit the FACE Department page.
Military-connected students at Ball High School are encouraged to get involved from day one. Programs and activities available include:
- Student Transition Team — Peer-led welcome program with campus tours and introductions during the first week of enrollment
- Month of the Military Child (April) — Purple Up! Day and campus recognition events honoring military-connected students and families
- Free Tutoring — Tutor.com 24/7 for military families & campus after-school programs (view options)
- Gifted & Talented — Prior G/T identification may transfer; contact the GISD G/T Department to request a records review
- Extracurricular Activities — Athletics, fine arts, clubs, and UIL activities; special UIL transfer provisions exist for military-connected families