TL;DR:
- April is Month of the Military Child.
- This month is dedicated to recognizing military children, their sacrifices and unique challenges.
April is Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and recognize their sacrifices and unique challenges. These children experience the pain of separation from their military mom or dad. They also face the reality that their parent may die for their country. Unquestionably, it is a different experience than their peers, and they need support! As a family with four generations of military children, I know firsthand the importance of support from schools.
As a family with four generations of military children, I know firsthand the importance of support from schools. Click To Tweet
Military children may move as often as every 2-3 years. Next, they may be separated from their military parent and extended family for long periods.
The Purple Star School Program designation can help schools:
- streamline and make knowledge accessible to all stakeholders.
- develop stakeholder networks.
- foster and show cultural competency.
The Purple Star School program helps schools. Foremost, schools learn to respond to military children’s educational and social-emotional challenges. One challenge is a student’s transition to a new school. Ultimately, schools learn to keep these students on track to college, workforce, and life-ready.
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Schools can support these students in various ways.
- Provide a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Purple Up for military kids.
- Offer RTI for targeted academic and emotional support.
- Connect families with resources and support services. Programs like Our Military Kids can help provide grant-funded extracurricular activities and programs for military children, helping them develop new skills and connect with peers. Additionally, tutoring is provided for FREE by Tutor.com for these students.
Support military children to ensure that these resilient young people have the tools and resources they need to thrive, no matter where their families may be stationed. Finally, encourage all students and staff to wear purple on Purple Up Day on April 15th! Let’s show our appreciation this April.
About Suzanne Rogers
Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.
Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
