Military-Connected Youth September Bulletin
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. To support this effort, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has released guidance about upcoming changes in attendance law, a new webinar series, and an updated Frequently Asked Questions page. Email Patrick Hickman with any questions.
Blue Star Welcome Week
Every year, 600,000 military families relocate nationwide. To support families during such transitions, Blue Star Families designated Sept. 27 through Oct. 5 as Blue Star Welcome Week. This week is dedicated to providing military families with opportunities and events that can help them make meaningful connections in their new community. Blue Star Families also provides free resources for schools to engage and welcome their military families.
Register to Attend the Purple Star Award Pre-Application Webinar
The Department will host a webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 4:00 p.m. for schools interested in applying for the Purple Star designation. Schools completing either an initial or renewal application can register for this webinar by completing the online registration form. The Department will also host virtual office hours on Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 for applicants seeking assistance. The Purple Star application window opens on Nov. 1 and closes on Dec. 15.
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. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free, online event is an opportunity for supporters of military-connected youth from all levels to share best practices. Attendees will need to register separately for the general and breakout sessions. Contact Jenn Davis with any questions.
Student Voice Workgroup Nominations
Educators or school professionals who want to help students lift their voices and create positive change can nominate a student for Ohio’s Student Voice Workgroup today. This unique opportunity allows students in grades 8-12 to explore educational topics, provide feedback, and use skills to investigate problems, develop solutions, and use a project-based approach to learning. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will host virtual meetings with an in-person meeting opportunity in the spring.
Educators and school personnel should review the Ohio Student Voice Workgroup nomination form in its entirety. Find more information here about the Ohio Student Voice Work Group. Direct questions to Jared Cole.
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 Abby and Chase Johnson, of Beavercreek High School. Congratulations Abby and Chase!
Ohio Military Kids Events
Ohio Military Kids provides 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. Below is a list of events for this fall and winter.
- September 12-14: Youth and Teen Resilience Weekend #1 at Kelleys Island
- September 26-28: Youth and Teen Resilience Weekend #2 in Central Ohio
- October 17-19: Youth and Teen Resilience Weekend #3 in Central Ohio
- December 13: Winter Wonderland in Central Ohio
Check the OMK website for more information and event registration. Contact omk@osu.edu with any questions.
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 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. 27-Oct. 5: Blue Star Welcome Week
Oct. 15: Purple Star Pre-Application Webinar
Oct. 28: Purple Star USA National Convening
Nov. 1: Purple Star application window opens
Nov. 19: Application Office Hours
Dec. 10: Application Office Hours
Dec. 15: Purple Star application window closes
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
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