Columbia University Research: Purple Star School Designation Program

The Purple Star Award was first awarded in 2017. The Award is given to "Military Friendly Schools" that have submitted evidence to show that they support our Military Connected Families.  The Purple Star Award is a way to make sure that military families are acknowledged and cared for while they are in whatever phase of their Military Service. The Purple Star Award was born from the MIC3. The MIC3, or Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, is a set of laws protecting the rights of Active Duty Families as they change duty stations and navigate the enrollment and activities offered in different schools systems. While originally focused mainly on Active Duty Families, the parameters have been opened to include: Pre-Service, Currently Serving and Post-Service.  

"Pre-Service" are for those kids that are looking to join the Military after Graduation. The Purple Star Award allows schools an avenue to recognize and honor their commitment to our Country and the sacrifice these students will make by serving. "Currently Serving" includes Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Components. Weekend Drills, Annual Training (2 weeks), mobilizations, and deployments occur within Guard and Reserve Units and have their effect on families/students as well. 
"Post-Service" relates to Veterans. Our Veterans come back from combat or finish their contract service and face issues with reunion and reintegration. We often refer to this as "Transition". As soldiers and service members "Transition", they are dealing with multiple challenges, whether finding a new career, figuring out what to do next without being told what to do, dealing with non-military folks in non-military situations, and it can be extremely difficult, especially if when  PTSD, TBI, and other injuries sustained while in service are added.
                                                                                                                                                                                    Corey O'Brien
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Why? 

Close to two million children have a loved one in the US Armed Forces. More that three/fourths of these children range from age 4-18. These military connected youth's are found in every school in the country. 

The goal of this site is to provide resources to families and educators throughout the state and beyond. We parents serve, the entire families serve from the youngest to the eldest member. 

This site is a work in progress. We are always looking for more resources to help all of the individuals who serve this great nation. 
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What?

In May of 2019, the Ohio Department of Education announced 41 new Purple Star Schools. These schools are recognized for their commitment to serving students and families that are connected to the United State Armed Services. 

How? 

​REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

• The school must have a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school.
  • The liaison completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families under federal law. The Military Children in Ohio’s Schools course is available on the ODE learning management system and may be used to complete this requirement.
  • The liaison identifies and informs teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
• The school maintains a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• The school provides professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families.
• The local school board passes a resolution publicizing the school’s support for military children and families.
• The school hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture.

Learn more through the Ohio Department of Education