Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter April 2020 | Page 21

21 - The Sparta Ambassador - April 2020 Purple Up! April is the Month of the Military Child Purple Up! April is the Month of the In 1986 Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger established April as the Month of Military Child! the Military Child. During the month of April, individuals and organizations in Wisconsin and across the country recognize the special challenges and contribu- Shelley Joan Weiss, tions of the children of military members. There are currently 1.2 million military children of active [email protected] duty members worldwide. Children of military members typical- ly experience frequent moves and numerous deployments of their parents during their K-12 educational years. Approximately 2 million military children have ex- In 1986 Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger perienced a parental deployment since 9/11 and the average military family moves established April as the Month of the Military three times more often than their civilian counterpart. Child. During the month of April, individuals and organizations Wisconsin across Children of military members live in with the special and challenge and the understanding that their parents country are frequently required the to perform high risk situations, recognize special in challenges and often for lengthy periods of time far from home. For example, in March 2020, members contributions of the children of military members. There are currently 1.2 million military children of the WI National Guard were activated in response to the current COVID 19 pandemic. of active duty members worldwide. Children of military members typically experience frequent moves and numerous of their parents during their informs K-12 educational years.. Nearly 80% of military children attend public deployments schools throughout the United States. Research us that the children of military members are leaders and 2 contributors in their schools and communities. Through their experience, the children Approximately million military children have experienced a parental deployment since 9/11 develop resilience and and the strength. We have children of active duty, Guard and Reserve military members in every community average military family moves three times more often than their civilian counterpart. and every public school in Wisconsin. Worldwide there are nearly two million “total-force dependent children” including more than 900 thousand Army dependents, 400,000 Air Force dependents, nearly 300,000 Navy and approximately 118,000 Marine Children of military members live with the special challenge and understanding that their parents dependents. are frequently required to perform in high risk situations, often for lengthy periods of time far In 2009, Wisconsin passed legislation to become part of the Interstate Compact for of Military Children. Shelley from home. For example, in March 2020, members of the the Education WI National Guard were activated in Joan Weiss is the Wisconsin State Commissioner who chairs the Wisconsin State Council and works with the National Com- response to the current at COVID mission. Wisconsin is committed to working the state 19 and pandemic. local level to ensure that children of military families are afforded opportunities for educational success. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction works to ensure that children are sup- ported in achieving their educational goals. In support of Military Children, State throughout Superintendent of United Public Instruction Carolyn Nearly 80% of military children attend public schools the States. Research Stanford Taylor has issued a Proclamation for April, Month of the Military Child. informs us that the children of military members are leaders and contributors in their schools and communities. their to experience, develop resilience and strength. We We ask folks to “Purple Up! For Military Through Kids” in April show support the and children thank military children for their strength and children active all duty, Guard Reserve military every community sacrifices. Purple have indicates that we of support branches of the and military: Air Force blue, members Army green, in Navy blue, Marine red, and and Coast Guard blue. every Thank public you to schools, and organizations “Purple to celebrate April, “total-force the Month of dependent the school individuals, in Wisconsin. Worldwide that there are Up” nearly two million Military Child. children” including more than 900 thousand Army dependents, 400,000 Air Force dependents, nearly 300,000 Navy and approximately 118,000 Marine dependents. Following are organizations that support the children and families of military members. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction - Educational for Military In 2009, Wisconsin passed legislation Opportunities to become part of the Children Interstate Compact for the April 2020 Proclamation - April, Month of the Military Child Education of Military Children. Shelley Joan Weiss is the Wisconsin State Commissioner who Wisconsin National Guard Child and Youth Program chairs the Family Wisconsin State Council and works with the National Commission. ​ Wisconsin is Wisconsin National Guard Readiness Program committed working at the state and local level to ensure that children of military families are Military Interstate Childrens to Compact Commission (MIC3) Military Child Education afforded Coalition opportunities for educational success. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction National Military works Family to Association ensure that children are supported in achieving their educational goals. In support of Military One Source Military Education Children, Activity State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford Taylor has issued Department of Defense a ​ P roclamation for April, Month of the Military Child. Military Impacted Schools Association Military Benefits Month of the Military Child Activities for Purple We Up ask Celebrations folks to “Purple Up! For Military Kids” in April to show support and thank military children Purple Up Poster for their strength and sacrifices. Purple indicates that we support all branches of the military: Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. Thank you to schools, individuals, and organizations that “Purple Up” to celebrate April, the Month of the Military Child.