Award is Given to Schools Showing Major Commitment to Military Families
Middlefield, OH – The Cardinal Local School District is proud to announce that it has received the Purple Star Designation from the Ohio Department of Education. The announcement was made during a virtual ceremony with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Paolo DeMaria, on Tuesday, September 30, 2020. “We are very proud to recognize the Purple Star schools today for their dedication to creating a military-family friendly learning environment,” said DeMaria. “Having a family member in the military can be challenging for children. I’m inspired by the way these schools have rallied around service members and their families, and I’m grateful for what they are doing to support those who serve our country.”
Cardinal is one of just 22 districts receiving the designation this year. Pupil Services Director, Dr. Jennifer Sabol, began the process of applying for the Purple Star distinction during the 2019-2020 school year. In order to meet the requirements for the Purple Star Award, schools must complete all of the required activities, plus one optional activity. Required activities include: naming a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school; and maintaining a dedicated page on the school website featuring resources for military families. Optional activities include professional development for staff on special considerations for military students and families, passing a school board resolution publicizing the school’s support for military children and families, or hosting a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture. Of the optional events, Cardinal Schools is proud to host Veterans’ Day assemblies in each building, annually, that recognize and honor our local service members and educate students about the significance of Veterans’ Day . The district has also held Military/First Responder Recognition Nights at sporting events where members of those groups receive free admission and recognition during the game.
“We are extremely honored to receive this recognition from the Ohio Department of Education,” says Cardinal Local School District Superintendent, Bill Kermavner. “Our military is the heartbeat of this country and anything we can do to support them and their families who are part of this district, we are going to make sure we do that. I am very proud of the efforts all of our staff and students have made to honor, support, and recognize those with military connections in our buildings and in our community.”
Each building in the district will be receiving a special Purple Star recognition to display on site. According to the Ohio Department of Education’s Purple Star Advisory Board, there are currently 35,000 military-connected students in Ohio.
