Month of the Military Child 2023

Study Notes

Month of the Military Child

April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child, marking its 38th year by the Department of Defense.
The theme for this year: "Brave, fearless, and resilient," highlights the strength of military children.

Resilience of Military Children

Military children typically move between six to nine times from kindergarten through high school.
Approximately one-third of military members relocate to a new installation each year.
Challenges include adapting to new schools, making new friends, and dealing with parental deployments, sometimes in dangerous situations.

Characteristics of Military Children

Military children are often service-oriented, empathetic, accepting of others, adventurous, and imaginative.
Their experiences contribute positively to classroom dynamics and school communities.

Purple Star Schools

Fairfax County has 69 schools designated as distinguished Purple Star Schools.
These schools meet the needs of military-connected youth as recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.
Programs like peer-led transition teams and student ambassadors support military children and foster belonging among students.

Engagement and Celebration

Purple Up Day is scheduled for April 17th, encouraging schools in Fairfax County to wear purple to honor military-connected students.
Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all military service branches, reflecting their representation at Fort Belvoir.
Community involvement is encouraged through activities like reading campaigns and Earth Day projects.

Conclusion

Gratitude is extended to military children for their service and sacrifice.
Ongoing support for military families is vital as part of the educational community in Fairfax County.

Month of the Military Child

April recognizes the Month of the Military Child, celebrating its 38th year by the Department of Defense.
The theme for this year is "Brave, fearless, and resilient," emphasizing the strength and resilience of military children.

Resilience of Military Children

Military children typically experience six to nine moves during their education from kindergarten through high school.
Approximately one-third of military personnel relocate to new installations annually.
They face challenges such as adapting to new schools, forming friendships in different environments, and coping with parental deployments, often in high-risk situations.

Characteristics of Military Children

Military children tend to be service-oriented, empathetic, adventurous, imaginative, and accepting of diversity.
Their unique experiences often positively enhance classroom dynamics and contribute to community engagement within schools.

Purple Star Schools

Fairfax County is home to 69 designated Purple Star Schools, acknowledged for supporting military-connected youth.
These schools meet criteria set by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.
Initiatives like peer-led transition teams and student ambassadors help military children adjust and foster a sense of belonging.

Engagement and Celebration

Purple Up Day is observed on April 17th, encouraging schools in Fairfax County to wear purple in tribute to military-connected students.
Purple represents the amalgamation of colors from all military service branches, symbolizing their collective presence at Fort Belvoir.
Community involvement is promoted through initiatives like reading campaigns and Earth Day projects.

Conclusion

Acknowledgment is given to military children for their contributions and sacrifices related to their parents' service.
Continuous support for military families is emphasized as essential for the educational community in Fairfax County.

Description

Explore the significance of the Month of the Military Child, celebrated in April. This year's theme, 'Brave, fearless, and resilient,' underscores the incredible resilience of military children facing frequent relocations and transitions. Learn about their unique challenges and strengths.