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Military-Connected Youth October Bulletin

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

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10/03/2025

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce - Email bulletin

Military-Connected Youth October Bulletin

Dear Military Family Liaisons,

Exciting updates are coming to this newsletter! Each month, we will include resources specifically for liaisons, as well as information and resources that liaisons can share directly with families. These family-focused resources may include information about local events, educational supports, or programs offered by partner organizations. We also encourage liaisons to regularly visit partner organization websites, such as the United Service Organization and Ohio Military Kids, to identify any additional events or resources that may benefit the families they support.

This newsletter will also highlight the efforts of different Purple Star schools and their liaisons to share best practices in supporting military-connected students across the Purple Star network. Those who are interested in having the outstanding work of their school or program featured in this newsletter can complete the Purple Star Highlight form.

Purple Star Program Highlight - Jackson Local Schools

Every school within the Jackson Local School District in Stark County participates in the Purple Star program. Monica Myers, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, also serves as the military family liaison and is a grandparent of two military-connected children.

As the district’s military family liaison, Monica has worked to boost awareness of the Purple Star program and support for military families by partnering with local businesses, veteran groups, and alumni. These connections help the schools expand their network to gain volunteers, donations, and resources. The district was also able to leverage these community connections to raise funds for an alumni Wall of Honor. This unified effort shows military-connected students that their entire community recognizes and values their family's service and sacrifice.

Direct any questions about Jackson Local Schools’ Purple Star program to Monica at monica.myers@jackson.sparcc.org.

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 Tuesday, 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.

Ohio Military Family Spirit Week

The Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission is hosting the Ohio Veterans and Military Family Spirit Week from Nov. 10-14. Held in honor of Veterans Day and the Month of the Military Family, this week celebrates the service and sacrifices of military-connected students, families, and veterans across the state. See the flyer below for more information about how you can participate and show your support.

Military Child of the Year Awards

Submissions are open for the 2026 Military Child of the Year Award presented by Operation Homefront. The award recognizes students ages 13 to 18 for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, and extracurricular involvement while navigating the challenges of military family life. The submission window for this award closes on Dec. 2, 2025. 

Family Resources

Wright-Patterson AFB School Liaison Office

The School Liaison Office is the central point of contact for commanders, military families, and local school systems on school-related matters for grades K-12. School Liaison services are open to all military families in Ohio.

United Service Organization

The United Service Organization (USO) has three locations in Ohio and hosts events for military families across the state.

Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio

Blue Star Families has a chapter that serves Dayton and Southwest Ohio. The Ohio chapter hosts events and is committed to strengthening military and veteran families.

Ohio Military Kids

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. Contact omk@osu.edu with any questions.  

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.

Additional Resources for Liaisons

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.

Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)

The Ohio MIC3 Council assists with the implementation of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in Ohio. The council also hosts the Janet Wynn Memorial Award. The award honors an Ohio military family or school-aged youth that has displayed exceptional perseverance, grit, and determination throughout a PCS move or transition between school districts.