Military-Connected Youth December Bulletin
Dear Military Family Liaisons,
December is host to a multitude of holidays and celebrations, including the birthdate of the National Guard. The National Guard traces its roots back to the colonial militias that formed on Dec. 13, 1636. Ohio is home to over 15,000 members of the Ohio National Guard.
This month is also one of the merriest times of the year, with many families taking time to come together and celebrate the holidays. It is important that we acknowledge and continue to support students who have loved ones deployed during this time of year, as they will be separated and miss spending this time with them. I wish you all a happy holiday season, and thank you for your continued support of military-connected youth and families.
Purple Star Schools Application Window Closes Soon
Schools that create welcoming environments to 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 about the award and to access the application, visit the Department’s Purple Star Schools webpage. If you have any questions, contact PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum Veteran Conversations
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) is a powerful and personal experience designed to give a voice to every man and woman who answered the call for our country. This is neither a war memorial nor a military museum. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum takes visitors on a narrative journey telling individual stories and shared experiences of veterans throughout history. Visit their school field trips webpage for information about in-person and virtual field trips.
In addition to field trips, NVMM is offering two new programs for veterans and service members to interact with students and educators:
Speaking about Service: This program offers the opportunity for veterans and service members to speak to students who visit the NVMM on field trips. The goal of this program is not to recruit students to the military, but rather to humanize service members and veterans by openly sharing their experiences. Veterans are welcome to support both in-person field trips as well as virtual field trips.
NVMM Conversations: The NVMM is working with teachers who want to bring veteran conversations into their classroom instruction. Through NVMM Conversations, students lead conversations with veterans in their community. These are recorded and preserved at the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center. NVMM wants to connect educators with veterans interested in sharing their stories with students in their community.
Please contact Mason Farr, Education and Outreach Manager, at mfarr@nationalvmm.org or 614-427-1126 for information about these programs.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission is pleased to announce the official launch of a new online training portal website.
MIC3Training.net is a groundbreaking platform that offers unparalleled access to the Commission's training videos and resources. Designed to cater to the needs of individuals seeking comprehensive knowledge about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, this portal serves as a hub for those interested in understanding how the compact supports military-connected students in achieving successful educational transitions.
By providing an array of educational materials and insightful videos, MIC3Training.net empowers users to delve into the intricacies of the compact and its far-reaching impact on students' lives. This training is beneficial for counselors, administrators, educators or parents.
Explore MIC3Training.net today and embark on a transformative learning experience that will undoubtedly deepen your understanding of the Commission's vital role in shaping brighter futures for our military youth.
In addition to the online training, live online Compact 101 webinar trainings are available every month online and are free. Upcoming dates are:
- Dec. 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- Jan. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
- Feb. 12 at 2:00 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. Past webinars are available on their YouTube channel.
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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