Dear Military Family Liaisons, 

Military members make sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation, and their families share in these sacrifices alongside them. In November, we honor both military families and veterans as we celebrate the Month of the Military Family and recognize Veterans Day on Nov. 11. 

Throughout this month, various organizations across the state and nation offer resources to help celebrate Veterans Day and honor military families:  

• Recognition Certificate: The Ohio School Board Association and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact State Council of Ohio have partnered to create a certificate that schools can use to honor staff who are veterans.
• Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide: The United States Department of Veterans Affairs produced a guide that includes information about Veterans Day, sample lesson plans, and resources.
• School Toolkit:The Ohio Department of Veteran Services provides a toolkit that includes resources to celebrate veterans throughout the year.
• Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program: Assists service members, veterans, and their spouses with starting a career in education in Ohio.
• Military Recruit Award: A financial incentive for veterans, service members, and their spouses who attain initial employment with a public school, educational service center, or a county board of development disabilities.  

I want to extend my thanks to you for the support you provide to military and veteran families every day as Military Family Liaisons.   

Jenn Davis is the Military Family Liaison for Studebaker Preschool in the Huber Heights City School District, the first Purple Star preschool in the nation. Beyond her work at the school, Jenn also serves as a district-level liaison and works to coordinate and collaborate with liaisons throughout her district. Jenn is also involved with Purple Star at the state and national levels as a member of the Ohio Purple Star Advisory Board and an organizer of the Purple Star USA National Convening. 

Jenn’s overall goal is to assist military-connected families in making their school experience the best it can be. According to Jenn, “Military-connected students and families go through unique experiences and challenges. Providing them with additional support and understanding is not only beneficial for the families, but also deeply rewarding for the staff in our schools. Building relationships with both students and their families really sets the foundation for a strong, supportive community. It’s amazing how creating that bridge of understanding, especially with military families, can make such a difference. Military culture is unique, and the challenges that come with it can sometimes feel isolating, but when school staff understand those dynamics, it creates a safer and more inclusive environment for the students.” Direct any questions about Huber Heights' Purple Star program to Jenn at jennifern.davis@myhhcs.org.

If you would like to share a Purple Star best practice in our newsletter, please submit this form.  

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. 

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. 

Ohio Department of Veterans Services 

The Department of Veterans Services provides a printable poster that highlights services for Ohio’s veterans.  

Important Dates 

• Nov. 10-14: Ohio Veteran and Military Family Spirit Week
• Nov. 13: Compact 101 Training
• Nov. 19: Application Office Hours
• Dec. 2: Deadline for the 2026 Military Child of the Year Award 
• Dec. 10: Application Office Hours
• Dec. 15: Purple Star application window closes