Military-Connected Youth November Bulletin
Dear Military Family Liaisons,
Military members make sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation; it is also important to acknowledge that their families share in the sacrifice and hardship that military service brings. To honor these dedicated individuals, we celebrate November as the Month of the Military Family and recognize Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Many veterans continue to serve as educators, administrators and school support staff. Please take time this month to celebrate the contributions of the veterans that work in your school or district. Veterans and service members interested in a career in education should visit the Ohio Educators with Military Connections webpage for information about the Troops to Teachers (TTT) and Ohio Military Veteran Educator Program.
Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to you for the support that you provide to military families everyday as Military Family Liaisons.
Transition to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
At the end of October, the Department officially transitioned into the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. During the transition process you will see updates to branding and other visible changes. What is not changing is our commitment to supporting educators and students across the state. This change will have no direct impact on support for military-connected students or the Purple Star Program.
Purple Star 2023-2024 Application and Webinar
Schools that create welcoming environments that support the needs of military-connected students are celebrated in Ohio. The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. All pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools are eligible for the award.
Applications for the Class of 2024 (both new and renewal schools) are currently being accepted. All schools awarded in 2021 are required to apply for renewal this fall. Renewal schools received a link to the renewal application via email on November 1. New schools can apply via the application on the website. The application season closes on December 15, 2023, and awardees will be announced in April 2024. A recording of the Purple Star Application webinar is now available.
For more information on the award and to access the application, visit the Department’s Purple Star School webpage. If you have any questions, contact PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.
Purple Star USA National Convening
The second annual National Convening of Schools and Communities was held on Oct. 26. At the convening, presenters from the local, state and national level shared best practices for supporting military-connected students. Recordings of the sessions are available through the support of Ashland University.
THRIVE Parenting Modules
The Department of Defense has partnered with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State to create the Thrive parenting-education program, designed to build on existing parenting strengths and develop new skills. Thrive provides evidence-informed, best-parenting guidelines that promote positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
Military Family Advisory Network Programming Survey
The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) connects military families with resources and information to help navigate all phases of military life. Every two years, MFAN fields the Military Family Support Programming Survey to understand the lived experiences of our service members, veterans and their families. This important research provides rich insight into the needs of military-connected families and serves as a catalyst for the creation and strengthening of programs, policies and resources. This year’s survey will examine topics like employment, family relationships, finances, food insecurity, health and well-being, housing, military-to-civilian transition and more.
Military Child of the Year Awards
Submissions are open for the 2024 Military Child of the Year Award presented by Operation Homefront. The award recognizes students ages 13 to 18 for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership and extracurricular involvement while facing the challenges of military family life. The submission window for this award closes on Dec. 3, 2023.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Military families face challenges when they transition between duty stations or are activated from the National Guard or Reserve. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children helps reduce barriers for transitioning military families. For more information on the compact, visit the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) website. Compact 101 webinar trainings are available every month online and are free. Upcoming dates are:
- Nov. 14 at 2:00 p.m.
- Dec. 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- Jan. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Military Child Education Coalition Webinars
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a national organization that supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. One resource it provides is a weekly webinar, available every Tuesday at noon for parents and educators. The list of webinars is regularly updated. Upcoming webinars include:
There is also a webinar on supporting Military-Connected Children in the Education System occurring on Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. It is a collaboration between MCEC and the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center (SMFV TA) that is part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Respectfully,
Jason Scragg
Military and English Learner Education Consultant
Office of Whole Child Supports
25 South Front St., 3rd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Toll-free: 877.644.6338 D: 614.466.4109
Jason.Scragg@education.ohio.gov
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