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Military-Connected Youth December Bulletin

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce sent this bulletin at 12/06/2024 06:00 AM EST

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12/06/2024

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Email bulletin

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. Today, Ohio is home to over 15,000 National Guard members who continue this legacy of service.

This month is also one of the merriest times of the year, with many families taking time to come together and celebrate the holidays. With this in mind, it is important that we continue acknowledging and supporting students with loved ones who are currently deployed, as they will likely 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 Application Window Closes Soon

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

To learn more about the Purple Star award and 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.   

Blue Star Families

Founded by military spouses in 2009, Blue Star Families empowers military families to thrive as they serve. The organization is committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors. They support families on active duty, in the National Guard and reserves, and veterans.

The Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which gathered insights from over 100,000 respondents, sheds light on the challenges military families face. For example, when military families relocate, building social connections becomes essential for military children. The survey revealed that 22% of adults in a military home, including spouses, make connections and new friends through their children’s activities.

How does your school help build relationships with adults in military families that may feel isolated?

Best Practices Highlight

Amanda Sears is a Technology Integration Specialist and Military Family Liaison with Amherst Exempted Village Schools. Below, Amanda shares how their district put on an event to connect military families and build community:

Hosting a District Wide military family bowling event creates a relaxed and enjoyable environment for military families to bond, build community, and find support. Such events offer a fun-filled, stress-free atmosphere that brings families together in a way that breaks from the usual routines of military life. Bowling is an activity accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, making it ideal for families with children. With the casual nature of bowling, families can socialize easily, allowing them to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military life. Events like these create a memorable experience that strengthens the sense of community and camaraderie among attendees.

For children of military families, this event offers much-needed peer interaction and the chance to feel included and understood. Military children often face unique stressors, such as frequent relocations or prolonged absences of a parent, which can make it difficult for them to build lasting friendships or feel fully integrated. A group bowling event gives them an opportunity to meet others who share similar experiences, helping normalize their challenges and lessen feelings of isolation. This sense of belonging fosters resilience and emotional well-being, while also allowing parents to connect and exchange support, which benefits the entire family unit.

Those interested in learning more can contact Amanda at Amanda_Sears@amherstk12.org.

Additional Resources

Military-Connected Youth Best Practices

Do you have an idea, event, or best practice that you use to support military-connected youth or enhance your Purple Star program? If so, consider completing the Military-Connected Youth Best Practices form to have your story shared in this newsletter. You can submit a picture to accompany your submission. Any forms or documents should be shared using a hyperlink, as the newsletter format does not allow file attachments.

Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program

The Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program (OhioMVEP) assists service members, military veterans, and their spouses with starting 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.