Recognizing military families and students during the Month of the Military Child

4/1/2025

Supporting military-connected student needs in the classroom

In 1986, the United States Department of Defense designated April as the Month of the Military Child to increase public knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges faced by children of military families. This April, Ohio joins schools across the state and nation in honoring military members and families for their sacrifice, with a particular focus on military children currently navigating K-12 education.

Educators can support and promote this cause through suggestions such as: 

• Accessing and using the Month of the Military Child toolkit from the Military Child Education Coalition.
• Participating in the USO’s Military Kids Creative Showcase.
• Reviewing this list of celebration ideas from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.
• Taking part in the Ohio Council of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission’s statewide Military Family Spirit Week, taking place April 14-18. Please share and tag any spirit week pictures using #PurpleUpOhio.

Participating in Month of the Military Child celebrations is one way schools can work toward earning the Purple Star designation. Ohio Purple Star schools show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Honorees for the Class of 2025 will be announced later this month.

For questions about Purple Star or supporting military-connected students, contact Jason Scragg at Jason.Scragg@education.ohio.gov.