Dear Military Family Liaisons, 

March is Women’s History Month. As we celebrate this, it’s important that we recognize the evolving roles of women in the military. Over time, women’s contributions transitioned from supporting the war effort on the home front to serving in auxiliary forces, and now, to serving fully in the United States Armed Forces, including combat roles. The increase of women participating in the military is reflected in the profile of veterans in America. Currently, 11% of veterans are women. That number is projected to grow to 18% within the next 25 years. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum shares the stories of women veterans and the sacrifices of Gold Star spouses.  

Military-Connected Students Webinar Series 

This spring’s Military-Connected Students webinars are geared towards new liaisons and educators wanting to learn about serving military families and the Purple Star program. Please share this information with colleagues that may be interested. Webinars are free to attend; attendees must register separately for each session.  

Upcoming Webinars:  

• Military Student Identification: March 6 at 4:00 p.m. This session will focus on best practices for identifying and reporting military-connected students. State data on military-connected students will be presented at this session. This session is led by Jason Scragg of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.  
• Supporting Military-Connected Students: March 13 at 4:00 p.m. Trina Pauley will present information about supporting military-connected students. Trina is the School Liaison for military families in Ohio and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  
• Becoming Purple Star: March 19 at 4:00 p.m. This session is for new schools interested in the Purple Star designation. A panel of Military Family Liaisons will share their experiences with the application process.  

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Aleshia McNutt, ADA coordinator, at ADAaccommodation@education.ohio.gov or 614-387-2200 (voice) as soon as possible and no less than three business days before the event.  

Ohio Purple Star Conference 

The Thomas D. Rutan State Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, along with the Ohio National Guard Youth Program, is hosting the Ohio Purple Star Conference. The in-person conference will take place on June 20, 2024 at Big Walnut High School. Big Walnut High School is located in Sunbury, near Interstate 71 just north of Columbus. Registration opens on April 1, 2024. Registration information will be available in the April newsletter.  

Looking Ahead: Month of the Military Child 

April marks the Month of the Military Child. During that time, we celebrate the 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parent’s service. The Military Child Education Coalition created a toolkit that schools can use to plan their celebrations. This year’s toolkit contains downloadable certificates, logos, and activity ideas. The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) has also published a toolkit to support schools celebrating the Month of the Military Child.  

The Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission is hosting a Military Family Spirit Week April 15-19. Purple Star Awardees for the Class of 2024 will be announced on April 15 as part of spirit week. Please share pictures of your spirit week using #PurpleUpOhio. Below is a list of activities: 

• April 15: Statewide Purple Up! Day; 

• April 16: Red, White, and Blue Day; 

• April 17: Support Your Favorite Military Branch Day; 

• April 18: Camouflage Day; and 

• April 19: R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday-wear Red. 

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. MCEC provides webinars for parents, which could also be helpful for educators. The list of available webinars is regularly updated, and past webinars are available on the MCEC 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