April - the Month of the Military Child

Starting in 1986, former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger initiated April as the Month of the Military Child in recognition of the challenges military children face and the contributions they make. Activities associated with the Month of the Military Child are called “Purple Up” Celebrations.  The color purple was chosen because it symbolizes all branches of the military, a combination of Army Green, Air Force Blue, Coast Guard Blue, Marine Red and Navy Blue.  

As of February 2022, Wisconsin is home to 15,836 children of military families.  Of that total number, 2,546 are children of active duty members of the military and 13,290 are children of members of the Guard and Reserve.  Almost every school district in Wisconsin has children whose parents/caregivers serve in the military.

Military children face unique challenges as their parents/caregivers are frequently deployed to various locations across the globe.  We are grateful that several education associations help to ensure community and school district members are aware of the frequency and extent of military deployments.  Military families are often required to move multiple times during a child’s school aged years.  Many children will attend between 6 and 12 schools during their K-12 school years. In some cases, folks are unaware of the powerful impact the deployments and frequent moves have on children.

It is imperative that educational leaders and all who work with children are aware of the number of military children who are in our school districts and the types of social, emotional, and academic support students need.  Even in “peace time” military members are called upon to serve in high risk situations, both close to home and in distant lands. The uncertainty of the frequent deployments, combined with not knowing if or when a parent or caregiver will safely return home creates a highly stressful situation for military children.

Due to the unique situations military families face, Wisconsin has legislation in place to ensure school districts create a welcoming, supportive environment for students and remove any potential barriers. Shelley Joan Weiss, Wisconsin Commissioner for the Education of Military Children, and the members of the Wisconsin State Council works closely with the DPI to ensure the Wisconsin Interstate Compact for the Education of Military Children is implemented with fidelity.  Detailed information and numerous resources are available on the DPI website.

Please join us in celebrating April as the Month of the Military Child!  Please share stories of your Purple Up Celebrations!