Dear Military Family Liaisons, 

We hope your school year is off to a great start! September is Attendance Awareness Month. Schools and districts can celebrate attendance awareness by participating in the weekly events planned by the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. For more information about early intervention practices and additional attendance resources, access Ohio’s Attendance Guide and visit the recently updated Attendance Support webpage. Email Patrick Hickman with any questions. 

School Liaison Office 

We are excited to congratulate Trina Pauley on her new position at the 88th Airbase Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Trina previously served as a school liaison. Additionally, we want to welcome Andrea Edmonds, who joins Shatila Smith in the School Liaison Office. 

The School Liaison Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base helps military-connected students transition from one school to another and helps military families navigate the school system. The School Liaison Office is the central point of contact for commanders, military families, and local school systems on school-related matters. School Liaison services are open to all military families across the state. 

Janet Wynn Memorial Award   

Each year, the Ohio Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) State Council honors an Ohio military family or school-aged youth that has displayed exceptional perseverance, grit, and determination throughout a move or transition between school districts with the Janet Wynn Award. This year’s recipients are Aubrey and Alanda Hays, of Beavercreek High School. Congratulations Aubrey and Alanda! 

Purple Star USA National Convening  

Supporters of military-connected students may register to attend the third annual Purple Star USA National Convening of Schools and Communities on Oct. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free, online event is an opportunity for supporters of military-connected youth from all levels to share best practices. Contact Jenn Davis or Steve Cambron with any questions.  

The National Convening highlights the experiences of military-connected students by collecting videos of students sharing their experiences. Video submissions should be 60 seconds or less and recorded in landscape orientation. Submissions should include the name of the school. Students do not have to identify their name or grade. Submissions are due by 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2024. To submit: 

• Email a copy of the video to the Ohio MIC3 Commissioner at pete.lupiba@gmail.com; 
• Complete and sign a media release form; 
• Upload a copy of the signed media release form. 

Additional Resources 

Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program 

The Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program (OhioMVEP) assists service members, military veterans, and their spouses to start a career in an Ohio school. Contact Ohiomvep@education.ohio.gov with any questions. 

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children  

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is a set of state laws in all 50 states that lowers barriers to education and eases the transition of military-connected students. MIC3Training.net offers access to on-demand training on the Compact. Live Compact 101 webinar trainings are available every month online and are free.  

Important Dates 

Sept. 21-29: Blue Star Families is hosting Blue Star Welcome Week, a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community. 

Oct. 19: Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio is hosting the STEM Book Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Middletown for educators, families, and military families. To volunteer or attend the event, complete this form or email Dr. Geri Lynn Maples at gmaples@bluestarfam.org.   

Oct. 24: National Convening of Purple Star Schools and Communities  

Nov. 1: Purple Star application window opens 

Dec. 15: Purple Star application window closes 

Dec. 31: Participate in the University of California, Irvine Military Family Study 

For more information visit the Purple Star School and Military Family Liaison webpages. If you have any questions, contact PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.    

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