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 9. Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 5-9, is dedicated to celebrating our classroom-based heroes. On May 17, 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 26. 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 2025

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is proud to announce that 367 Ohio schools have been recognized as members of the Purple Star Class of 2025 for their significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Of these, 115 schools received the esteemed award for the first time, while 252 schools renewed their award. With this new class, Ohio is now home to 700 active Purple Star schools. The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Department’s Purple Star School webpage.   

Ohio Military Kids Summer Camps

Ohio Military Kids Camps provide positive development experiences for youth whose parents are deployed in military service, as well as opportunities for military-connected youth to connect, learn, and have fun in an outdoor setting.   

Registration is now open for Ohio Military Kids Teen Leadership Camp. Information about additional summer camps is also available on the Ohio Military Kids website. 

Purple Star USA National Convening

Do you have an exciting program or event that supports military-connected students as part of your Purple Star program? Purple Star USA National Convening of Schools and Communities is seeking proposals for its fourth annual national convening. Proposal submissions are due by May 30.  

The Purple Star USA National Convening of Schools and Communities will occur on Oct. 28 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 with any questions.   

Purple Star Report

In December 2024, leaders from Ohio and South Carolina hosted a joint Purple Star School “Best Practices” Town Hall, consisting of military-connected students, parents, and liaisons. The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissions from both states co-hosted the event with support from the Military Child Education Coalition. Click here to read a report from the event.

Military Child Education Coalition Learning Hub

The Military Child Education Coalition recently launched the MCEC Learning Hub, a new, online platform offering professional development courses on supporting military-connected students and the Purple Star program. The Hub features a range of courses, including: 

• Gone is Gone: Supporting Military-Connected Children During Absences; 

• We Serve Too: National Guard and Reserve Children; 

• Social Emotional Learning and the Military Child; 

• Supporting Veterans’ Children Through Transitions; and 

• Purple Star Schools Exemplary Practices. 

These courses can fulfill Purple Star professional development requirements.  

Janet Wynn Memorial Award

Applications for the Janet Wynn Memorial Award are due by May 15. The award is presented annually to an Ohio military family or school-aged youth that has displayed exceptional perseverance, grit, and determination throughout a permanent change of station (PCS) move, a transition between school districts, or a close family member’s deployment.  

Ohio Purple Star Summit

Registration is now open for the Ohio Purple Star Summit. The event brings together educators and supporters of military-connected students to provide professional development on ways schools can identify, celebrate, and support Ohio’s military families. Those interested in presenting at this year’s summit should submit a Presentation Proposal Form. The deadline for proposals and registration is May 9. The event will take place on June 18, 2025, at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, near Interstate 71 just north of Columbus. Lunch is provided.  

Additional Resources

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 of 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

May 9: Deadline to submit proposals and register for the Ohio Purple Star Summit 

May 14: Deadline to register for OMK Team Leadership Camp 

May 15: Deadline to apply for the Janet Wynn Memorial Award 

May 30: Deadline to submit proposals for Purple Star USA 

June 18: Ohio Purple Star Summit 

For more information, visit the Department’s 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