Celebrating the five-year anniversary of Ohio’s Purple Star Award

4/25/2022

On April 25, 2017, the Department announced, for the first time in the nation, the Purple Star Award to honor preK-12 schools that show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. Since that date, Ohio has honored more than  430 active Purple Star schools that dedicate time and supports to students in military families. Join the Department in celebrating the five-year anniversary by visiting the Purple Star Designation webpage to view the celebration video.

All awardees meet the unique social, emotional and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected students. 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 supports throughout the school community for identified students and families. Purple Star schools also participate in at least one supportive activity each year.

Since the launch of Ohio’s Purple Star award, more than 30 states have followed Ohio’s lead and established programs of their own. Military Children Education Coalition (MCEC) is now the national advocate for the Purple Star program offering resources, research and support related to this important program. For more information on Purple Star schools nationwide, visit MCEC Purple Star Schools.

Applications for the next class of Purple Star schools in Ohio will open Nov. 1 and are due Dec. 15. The complete list of statewide awardees and active Purple Star schools is available on the Ohio Department of Education’s Purple Star Designation webpage. Purple Star awardees receive a special Purple Star recognition to display in their buildings.

The five-year anniversary celebration of Purple Star schools is part of Ohio’s participation in the national celebration of the Month of the Military Child. The United States Department of Defense first named April as the Month of the Military Child 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 MCEC Month of the Military Child.

For questions related to the Ohio Department of Education’s Purple Star Award and initiatives supporting military families, email PurpleStar@education.ohio.gov.