Dear Military Family Liaisons, 

With the release of the 2023-2024 School Report Cards, updated data is now available on the number of military-connected students in the state. Last school year, Ohio had 15,603 military-connected students, an increase of over 600 from the previous year. While military-connected students are not listed as a subgroup on the School Report Card itself, their data is available in the “Download Data” section of the School Report Card website.  

To view this report:  

• Click the “2023-2024” school year; 

• Select either “Disaggregated School Data” or “Disaggregated District Data;”  

• Click on “Disaggregated Military 2023-2024" to download the report.   

The reports include enrollment numbers, percentage of total enrollment, attendance rates, and testing data. Please note that at least 10 students are needed to generate enrollment data, and at least 15 students are needed to generate academic data.  

Celebrating Veteran Stories in the Classroom 

The mission of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) is to honor and positively impact the lives of Veterans, their families, and our communities by sharing the Veteran experience. ​In partnership with StoryCorps, NVMM is working to collect, preserve, and amplify the stories and experiences of our nation’s Veterans.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 3:45 p.m., NVMM is hosting a webinar for educators, offering guidance on how to bring student-led conversations with Veterans into the classroom while also contributing to NVMM's special collection in the StoryCorps Archive. 

Purple Star 2023-2024 Application and Webinar 

Applications for the Purple Star Class of 2025 (both new and renewal schools) will open on November 1, 2024. All schools awarded in 2022 are required to apply for renewal this fall. Renewal schools will receive a link to the renewal application via email on November 1. New schools can apply via the application on the website starting November 1. The application season closes on December 15, 2024. Awardees will be announced in April 2025. 

Registration is currently open for an upcoming webinar on the Purple Star Application process, which will take place on Oct. 23 at 4:00 p.m. 

For more information on the award and to access the application, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star School webpage. If you have any questions, contact PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.    

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. Participants can attend sessions at will throughout the day as their schedule permits.  

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 

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. 22: NVMM Story Collection Webinar 

Oct. 23: Purple Star Application Webinar 

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 

Jason.Scragg@education.ohio.gov