The Purple Star designation is for those schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. Schools that apply and earn the award will receive a Purple Star recognition to display on the school premises. Awarded schools will also have the Purple Star Award icon on their NC Report Card. A school will be deemed a Purple Star School by completing all of the required activities, plus one optional activity, as outlined in this application. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reviews all applications submitted for the award.
Point of Contact for Military Families
Melissa Lasarsky
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children State Commissioner Contact Information
Any questions or concerns about the Interstate Compact that arise should be directed toward each state’s commissioner. The contact information for state commissioners was updated in August 2015 and is available below on the MIC3 website.
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Interstate Compact Parent Brochure
To support military parents’ ability to advocate for their children, a printable parent brochure is available below.
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Military-Connected Student Transition Checklist
When military-connected students transition to a new school, it is helpful for them to have all of their educational records in one place and readily available. The checklist below can be used to create a binder to organize hard copies of all educational records and information.
Checklist PDF
Transitions
A Military Parent's Guide to School Policies & Transitions
Transitions Checklist for School Moves
Books for Military-Connected Students
Are you looking for books including characters with which your military-connected students can relate? Are you planning a military-connected lesson and want a book to tie together the main concepts? These books all include military culture in some way, with topics ranging from PTSD to geographic transitions and everything in between.
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Student Behavior Concerns
When students have a parent who is absent because of a work-related, military job, they often have a difficult time adjusting. Click below for a list of behaviors that indicate a student needs more support.
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Resources gathered from https://schoolresources.militaryfamilies.psu.edu/modules/
Post-9/11 GI Bill
One of the most valuable education benefits available for military families is the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Service members have the option of transferring some or all of their GI Bill benefit to their dependent spouses and children. Service members can choose to transfer the entire 36 month benefit to one family member, or divide it among their spouse and/or children. In addition to covering tuition expenses, eligible beneficiaries may receive a book stipend, as well as a housing allowance.
Service members can apply to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits online through the MilConnect portal. Step-by-step instructions are available on the MilConnect website.
The rules and regulations regarding Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability are complex. We recommend following the links above to ensure you are receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from the source.
Specific questions about paying for your child’s education should be directed to the financial aid office at your child’s college or university. Those offices are familiar with programs and policies supporting military families and are often willing to work with families to make college affordable for military kids.