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Military-Connected Youth March Bulletin

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce sent this bulletin at 03/10/2025 06:00 AM EDT

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03/10/2025

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Email bulletin

Military-Connected Youth March Bulletin

Dear Military Family Liaisons,

As the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work.” Working together can help schools and districts provide the best education and support for our military-connected students. In fact, many Purple Star schools elect to partner with local veteran organizations or military units in their area, such as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base or one of the several National Guard and reserve units located across the state. Schools can also partner with military recruiters and Reserve Officer Training Corps units at local colleges and universities, as Ohio is home to 53 Collegiate Purple Star institutions. Partnerships with these different organizations can count toward Purple Star application requirements.

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 14-18. Please share pictures of your spirit week using #PurpleUpOhio. Below is a list of activities:

April 14: Statewide Purple Up! Day;

April 15: Red, White, and Blue Day;

April 16: Support Your Favorite Military Branch Day;

April 17: Camouflage Day; and

April 18: R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday-wear Red.

Purple Star Updates

In the spring of 2024, the Purple Star Advisory Board updated the Purple Star renewal requirements to include the expectation that schools demonstrate how they engage and support military-connected students. While this is optional for the initial application, it will be required for renewals starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Schools can fulfill this requirement by engaging and supporting students with connections to current service members, veterans, or Gold Star families. For examples of how to meet Purple Star requirements, visit the Military Family Liaison webpage.

Ohio Purple Star Summit

The Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission is hosting the second annual Ohio Purple Star Summit. The in-person conference will take place on June 18, 2025 at Big Walnut High School. Big Walnut High School is located in Sunbury, near Interstate 71 just north of Columbus. Registration and call for proposal information is forthcoming.

Ohio Military Kids

Ohio Military Kids (OMK) hosts events throughout the year in support of military families and has recently released its 2025 Events Guide. These events are open to any currently serving military family, Gold Star families, and families of veterans within 12 months of separation from the service. Dates have been announced for their upcoming summer camps. Check the OMK website for updates on registration.

Military Child Education Coalition Heroic Hearts Scholarship

Columbia Southern University and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) are offering the Military Child Education Coalition Heroic Hearts Scholarship to a member of the military caregiving population. Caregiving youth are the children and young adults (up to age 18) who are actively involved in or currently impacted by the care needs of a wounded, ill, or injured service member. Applications must be received by April 30, 2025.

Purple Star USA National Convening Recordings 

The Purple Star USA National Convening of Schools and Communities was held online on Oct. 24, 2024. Presenter information, slide decks, and recordings of the presentations are now available. Many of the presenters are from Purple Star schools in Ohio. These sessions can be used to meet professional development requirements for the Purple Star Designation.  

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.