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Military-Connected Youth May Bulletin

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce sent this bulletin at 05/03/2024 07:00 AM EDT

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05/03/2024

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Email bulletin

Military-Connected Youth May Bulletin

Dear Military Family Liaisons,

The month of May offers numerous opportunities to celebrate and pay tribute to heroes both in and out of uniform. We continue to honor military families in May by observing Military Spouse Appreciation Month and National Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 10. Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 6-10, is dedicated to celebrating our classroom-based heroes. On May 18, we observe Armed Forces Day in recognition of current servicemembers and all veterans. The month closes on a somber tone with Memorial Day on May 27. Thank you to all who serve and sacrifice for our country, including our wonderful educators who support the needs of military families across the state.

Purple Star Award Class of 2024

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is proud to announce that 171 Ohio schools received Purple Star designations as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024. Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Ninety-seven Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 74 schools renewed their award. Ohio is now home to 600 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and support to students in military families. The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Purple Star School webpage.

Summer Military Moving Season

Military families can receive orders and move across the country or world at any time; the summer season is a peak time for such transitions. MCEC offers a free online tool called SchoolQuest, designed to aid families in navigating school transitions and minimizing stressors that may impact academic success. SchoolQuest has academic trackers, customizable checklists, and school search capabilities. Tools like SchoolQuest and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children lower barriers for military families when transitioning. For additional resources, access “Supporting Your Service Member Before a Military Move.”

Ohio Purple Star Summit

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 inaugural Ohio Purple Star Summit. The Summit is free to attend and will take place in person on June 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Big Walnut High School. Big Walnut High School is located at 713 Miller Drive, Sunbury, OH 43074. Registration is open through May 9. Presentation descriptions for sessions offered are available. Please direct any questions about the Summit to Chip Merkle with the Ohio National Guard Youth Program at william.j.merkle5.ctr@army.mil.

Purple Star Roundtables 

This August there will be three opportunities for educators to meet, network, and learn best practices in serving military-connected students during the Purple Star Roundtables. There are two in-person meetings and one online meeting. Dates and locations are: 

August 5 at 9:00 a.m. at Anthony Wayne Junior High School
August 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Dublin Scioto High School
August 8 at 9:00 a.m. (Virtual Meeting)

To register, contact Chip Merkle with the Ohio National Guard Youth Program at William.j.merkle5.ctr@army.mil. In your message, please indicate which roundtable you plan to attend. The meeting link for the virtual roundtable will be sent out to registrants in late July.

2024 Military Teen Experience Survey

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) and Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen have partnered to better understand the experience of America's military teens. The 2024 Military Teen Experience Survey is open to children of military services members between the ages of 13 to 24. Please share this opportunity with military teens in your school.

Ohio Military Kids Summer Camps

Registration is now open for Ohio Military Kids teen, youth, and family camps for military-connected youth. The purpose of Ohio Military Kids camp programs is to provide positive development experiences for youth with parents deployed in military service. They offer the opportunity for youth in similar circumstances to connect, learn, and have fun in an outdoor setting.

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children 

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children  provides consistency across states to lower barriers to education and ease the transition of military-connected students. 

MIC3Training.net offers 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. In addition to the online training, live online Compact 101 webinar trainings are available every month online and are free.

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.