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THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

Commissioner of Education

President of the University of the State of New York

89 Washington Avenue, Room 111, Albany, New York 12234

(518) 474-5844

To: 
District Superintendents
Superintendents of Schools
Principals of Public, Religious, and Independent Schools
Leaders of Charter Schools
From: 
Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner
Subject: 
Celebrating Military-Connected Children in April During the Month of the Military Child
Date: 
March 12, 2024

Military members and military-connected families make many sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation, including military-connected children during their K-12 experiences. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child or “Purple Up! For Military Kids.” Next month, states and school districts across the country will hold special activities and wear purple to honor the critical role military children play and recognize the unique challenges that they face while their service member parents serve our country.

New York State is a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which addresses the key educational transition issues encountered by military-connected students. This commission includes the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

We are asking for your support in April for “Purple Up! For Military Kids” by:

  1. Coordinating a district-wide month or day celebrating military-connected students and promoting the event(s) through your communication channels (e.g., website, newsletters, media), stakeholders, and partners by tagging #MIC3Compact and #purpleup4militarykids.
  2. Drafting a letter or memorandum to your schools encouraging them to consider sponsoring an activity.
  3. Attending a district or school event celebrating “Purple Up! For Military Kids.”

Once again, the 鶹 will highlight the local Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day celebrations. Information and resources can be found on the Department’s Month of the Military Child webpage. Additional information on the Interstate Compact can be found on the Department’s Interstate Compact webpage. Questions pertaining to the Month of the Military Child or the Interstate Compact can be directed to MilitaryCompact@nysed.gov.

Please join me in thanking our military-connected children for their strength and sacrifice by supporting Purple Up! For Military Kids next month. They deserve our support!