Midview Local School District is proud to announce that all of its schools have once again been recognized as Purple Star Schools by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, earning renewal status for the next three years.
Originally launched in Ohio and now established in 44 states, the Purple Star designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This year, 153 Ohio schools received the award for the first time, while 151 schools–including Midview High School, Midview Middle School, East Intermediate, West Elementary, North Elementary–earned renewal status. This marks the third time the district has achieved this honor across all schools.
The Purple Star Advisory Board, made up of educators and stakeholders from across Ohio, determines schools’ eligibility for the award. To earn the designation, schools must meet a series of state-defined requirements.
These requirements include designating a trained military family liaison who serves as the primary point of contact, providing that liaison with professional development on special considerations for military families, identifying and supporting military-connected students, and maintaining a dedicated webpage with resources for families.
To earn renewal status, schools must go even further by demonstrating continued professional development beyond the initial requirements, implementing social and emotional development programs with military students in mind, actively engaging those students through targeted supports, and hosting events that reflect a strong, supportive school culture.
Across Midview, this commitment is reflected in several initiatives that support our active military community and veterans.
At the high school level, members of the Key Club deliver custom yard signs and handmade cards—created by students at North and West Elementary—to more than 50 veterans’ homes each year throughout the community.
At East Intermediate, students and staff host their annual Veterans Day Assembly, welcoming local veterans and service members for a day of tribute. The program features patriotic musical performances, a student-led play, projects honoring veterans, and guest speakers who share their experiences and the meaning of service. Highlights include a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the sixth-grade choir, accompanied by Midview High School American Sign Language students, and a POW/MIA table presentation by the Midview High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC).
Each April, North and West Elementary host a Purple Up! Breakfast to celebrate military-connected students and their families. The event brings families together for a special morning of breakfast, a craft, a student video tribute, and a building-wide clap-out of appreciation.
In classrooms across the district, teachers also take initiative to support active service members by having their students write letters and notes of appreciation.
“At Midview Local Schools, we are honored to support our military families and students in any way that we can,” said Interim Superintendent Meredith Udris. “Achieving and maintaining Purple Star status across all of our buildings reflects our district’s deep commitment to this important work. Our service members and their families make tremendous sacrifices, and it is our responsibility to ensure their children feel supported, valued, and connected in our schools.”
As part of the renewal, each Midview school will continue to display its Purple Star recognition. The designation is valid for three years, extending Midview’s Purple Star status through 2029.