April the Month of the Military Child
In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger and the US Department of Defense, designated April as Month of the Military Child. The month is set to be a time for each branch of the military to recognizes the sacrifices which are made by the children of those serving our country.
Children of those in the military face separation, frequent moves and school changes, trauma when a parent is in combat, stress, and many other difficulties associated with military life. It is for these reasons that we take the month of April to acknowledge their unwitting sacrifice, and courage.
Links and Resources:
Month of the Military Child
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) - promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts.
Marine Corps Kids Blog
Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund - Provides scholarships and financial assistance for education, to surviving children of the US military and armed forces.
Here are some tips and suggestions parents and teachers can use to help support children in military families.
SchoolQuest™ — The Military Child Education Coalition’s™ SchoolQuest™ is an innovative, free online tool that helps parents and students match their needs with new schools during relocation.
Ask Aunt Peggie - “Aunt Peggie” is a former military-connected child who attended nine schools by grade 12. Combined with her 34 years experience in school administration and the classroom, Aunt Peggie is an expert on all things military and education.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress - Military Children and Families
National Military Family Association - Resources for Kids - Includes a book list
Our Military Kids - Provides tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military OMK -Operation: Military Kids - a program that works with children of deployed Military Families through activities such as Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK).
Scholarships for Military Children
America Support You - Scholarships for Military Children- The official Department of Defense web site encouraging support of US Military troops around the world.