Military Point of Contact
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Gainey is a JROTC Instructor at East Lee County High School and serves as the Military Point of Contact for our families. SFC Gainey served 24 years in the United States Army and will be happy to help your family get access to resources and answer any questions to help welcome your family to East Lee County High School. He can be reached at 239-369-2932.
Student Led Transition Program
Our School Counselors meet with students and families to review transcripts and build the student schedule. JROTC student leaders sponsor new students.
A staff and faculty professional learning session is presented during 'Teacher back to school week' each year to ensure all faculty are aware of our military transition services. JROTC trains several Senior Cadets each year to serve as ‘Purple Star sponsors. Sponsors are selected based on their own military family backgrounds to assist with relating to peer military students concerns and needs.
We encourage new military family students to choose our JROTC Leadership Program. JROTC helps students develop leadership skills, build confidence and positive connections, and increase self-esteem and self-worth. Students participate in team building activities to help form connections. Students in this class have the opportunity to participate in the co-curricular teams if they choose. Students in JROTC class have the opportunity to participate in several after school activities: Drill and Color Guard teams, Raiders, Marksmanship, Drone Racing, Honor Guard, and Leadership and Academic Bowl team.
School Based Mental Health Services
Mrs. Ismary Lopez is our Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Mrs. Lopez works closely with our JROTC retired military faculty and understands many of the challenges that our students face. Mrs. Lopez is available to help any of our students. You can reach her at 239-369-2932.
Exceptional Student Education
Mrs. Ellen Green is our Assistant Principal responsible Exceptional Student Education Programs for East Lee County High School. Mrs. Green is available to answer any questions that you may have and help with resources. The easiest way to reach Mrs. Green is by email at [email protected].
Additional Resources may be found on the School District of Lee County Website:
Academic Planning
Mrs. Natalee Barrs is our Assistant Principal for Curriculum at East Lee County High School. Mrs. Cocchieri, Mrs. Abrahams, Mrs. Leiderman, and Mr. Howe are our School Counselors. They will meet individually with new families to review transcripts and test history to build a student schedule and discuss credit requirements and high school plans. Our school counselors can be reached at 239-369-2932.
Transition Planning for Military Families
Our School Counselors meet with new families to review transcripts and develop student schedules. The Counselor assigns a student leader to provide a guided tour of the school campus and answer any questions. Students are assigned to counselors based on the student’s grade level.
Mr. Howe – 9th
Mrs. Cocchieri – 10th
Mrs. Leiderman – 11th
Mrs. Abrahams – 12th
Counselors can be reached at 239-369-2932.
Resources and Educational Opportunities for Military Families
All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in after school athletics and/or after school clubs.
Upcoming Military Recognition Events
Sept 11 - Special message on the announcements from Administration; JROTC special class presentations
Sept 22-26 - Social Studies classes teach about Constitution Day (Sep 17) and Celebrate Freedom Week
Nov 11 – JROTC Cadets participate in the Lehigh Acres Veterans Day ceremonies at the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Nov 11 - Cadets present gift bags to staff members who are Veterans, make a special morning announcement recognizing their service.
April 15 - Purple Up Day to recognize/support Military Children
May 23 – Special morning announcement and a moment of silence led by JROTC Cadet to inform staff and student of the purpose of the Memorial Day Holiday and pay respect to those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Numerous JROTC Color Guard activities, veteran recognition events throughout the community in support of Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, and Military Family Appreciation month.