Purple Up! April is the Month of the Military Child!by Shelley Joan Weiss April has been celebrated as the Month of the Military Child since 1986. Wisconsin joins individuals, schools, and organizations across the country in recognizing the contributions and challenges of the children of military families. There are over two million children who have one or two parents serving in the military. Children of military members often experience frequent moves and numerous deployments by their parents during their K-12 educational years. Approximately 2 million military children have experienced a parental deployment since 9/11. Military families typically move three times more often than civilian families. Children of military members live with the special challenge and understanding that their parents are frequently required to perform in high-risk situations, often for lengthy periods of time, far from home. This year, it has been essential for many Wisconsin military members to provide extensive support in response to the pandemic. These activities required members to face new and unique risks, as well as potential risks to their families. Wisconsin would not have been able to successfully meet the multiple, diverse challenges without the support of military members and their families. Nearly 80% of military children attend public schools throughout the United States. Wisconsin has children of active duty, Guard and Reserve military members in every community and every public school. Research demonstrates that children of military members are leaders and contributors in their schools and communities. Children of military members develop resilience and strength based on their experience. Please “Purple Up! For Military Kids” in April to show support and thank military children. Purple indicates support for all branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Please help celebrate every day during Purple Up Spirit Week - April 12-16 by posting your support on social media with hashtags #PurpleUpWI and #InThisTogether
In 2009, Wisconsin became part of the Interstate Compact for the Education of Military Children. Shelley Joan Weiss is the Wisconsin State Commissioner who chairs the Wisconsin State Council and works with the National Commission. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is committed to ensuring that children of military families are afforded opportunities for educational success. Thanks to the organizations that support the children and families of military members: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction - Educational Opportunities for Military Children Wisconsin National Guard Child and Youth Program Wisconsin National Guard Family Readiness Program Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) Military Child Education Coalition National Military Family Association Department of Defense Education Activity Military Impacted Schools Association Military Benefits Month of the Military Child Activities for Purple Up Celebrations Subscriber Submission: Wisconsin State Commissioner for the Interstate Compact for the Education of Military Children, Shelley Joan Weiss
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