171 schools recognized in the Month of the Military Child with Purple Star Awards
4/12/2024
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is proud to announce that 171 Ohio schools received Purple Star designations as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024. Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Ninety-seven Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 74 schools earned a renewal after three years as dedicated Purple Star Schools.
Ohio is now home to 600 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and support to students in military families. All awardees meet the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth.
To qualify for the award, schools choose a school-based staff person to serve as a liaison between military families and the school. These liaisons complete professional development, identify military-connected students, and facilitate support throughout the school community for identified students and families. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity each year. The Purple Star Class of 2024 includes schools that host monthly club meetings, provide professional learning for all educators on the unique considerations of military-connected students, implement peer-to-peer transition programs, or host schoolwide celebrations honoring military students and families.
A Purple Star School receives the designation for three years, after which the school can apply for renewal of the designation. Applications for the next class of Purple Star schools will open Nov. 1 and close Dec.15, 2024.
The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star School webpage.
The announcement of Purple Star Class of 2024 is part of Ohio’s participation in the national celebration of the Month of the Military Child. April was first designated as the Month of the Military Child by the United States Department of Defense in 1986 to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding children who have a parent in the military. For more resources to help schools and communities recognize the Month of the Military Child, visit the Military Child Education Coalition Month of the Military Child website.
For questions related to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star Award and initiatives supporting military families, visit the Purple Star Designation webpage or email PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.