Midview Local School District is proud to announce that the Ohio Department of Education has renewed each of its building’s Purple Star designations. The Purple Star program, now established in over 30 states after first originating in Ohio, recognizes schools that demonstrate a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.
This year, 88 Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 72 schools joined Midview High School, Midview Middle School, East Intermediate, West Elementary, and North Elementary in earning the three-year renewal status.In Lorain County, Midview Local Schools is the only district to have all its buildings once again awarded this honor.
The Purple Star Advisory Board, which includes educators and stakeholders from around the state with a passion for serving the military community, determines schools’ eligibility for the award. To be eligible, military-friendly schools must meet state-mandated requirements. They include:
Having a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between families and the school.The liaison completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families under federal law (which can be obtained via the Military Children in Ohio’s Schools course on the ODE learning management system).
The liaison identifies and informs teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
Maintaining a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families.
In addition to the above requirements, schools must complete at least one of the activities listed below to be eligible for a Purple Star Award.
The school offers professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families.
The school hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture.
The school implements social and emotional development programs with military students in mind.
The school celebrates the Month of the Military Child with events or programming honoring military-connected students.
“At Midview Local Schools, we are honored to be able to support our military families and students in any way that we can. Achieving and maintaining Purple Star status in our buildings is a testament to our dedication as a district,” said Superintendent Dr. Bruce Willingham. “Our service members sacrifice so much for our country and their families, so it is our honor to ensure that our military-connected youth and families have access to the resources they need.”
As part of the award, each building will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite. The Purple Star Award is a three-year designation, meaning each new school recognized will maintain its Purple Star status until 2026.