Big Walnut Purple Star: Supporting Active Military Families
In an effort to better support students who have an active military member in their immediate family, Big Walnut Local Schools work to identify these Purple Star families and support them in their classrooms and schools. In addition, our district hosts various special events throughout the year to connect these families with one another and the Big Walnut community. Purple Star families are encouraged to contact the military liaison for their child's school with any questions.
Big Walnut Military School Liaisons
Each building has a military liaison that serves as the direct point of contact for their military-connected families. Please contact the building military liaison with any questions regarding Big Walnut Purple Star Families and the support that can be provided.
Purple Star Committee: 2023-2024
Building | Administrator | Building Rep | Building Rep |
BWHS | Kelley Bloomer | Michelle Sherbourne | Kellie Brooks |
BWMS | Josh Frame | Matt Cox | Koby Donohue |
BWI | Sarah Sandrock | Danielle Lyons | Mike Wion |
BWE | Nick Powell | Becky Pyles | Caleigh Moats |
GRE | Ginna Crawford | Kristin Giraud | Sarah Burke |
PRE | Kim Castiglione | Sarah Nealon | Heather Smith |
SOU | Amanda Statler | Amy Mix | Casandra Nigl |
ELC | Jessica Shelton | Lauren Marter | Sarah Myers |
Purple Star Family Identification Form
Is someone in your immediate family active in the military or reserves? If so, please complete the Purple Star Family Identification Form. Your building liaison will be in touch to tell you all the ways Big Walnut Local Schools can and will support your family.
Purple Star Events: 2023 - 2024
General Resources
Family Resources
Ohio Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program- a resource to help families grow and succeed from experiences unique to the military culture and a platform to meet and relate to other Service Members and Families.
Military One Source- your central hub and the go-to place for the military community to prepare for deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement, and more.
Delaware County Veterans Services- provides services for qualified veterans including, assistance in benefits application, emergency financial assistance, guidance in obtaining aid from federal, state, and local organizations, benefits application upon the death of a veteran, and referrals to other agencies for assistance.
ODE Supporting Ohio’s Military Families- Ohio offers a number of programs to assist Ohio’s military families during frequent moves and family separations during deployment as well as reintegration.
American Red Cross- provides emergency communication for military families, financial assistance, referral services, deployment support, and services.
Veterans Crisis Line #1-800-273-8255- connects veterans and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline #1-800-273-8255, online chat, or text 838255.
Real Warriors- a multimedia public awareness campaign designed to encourage help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans, and military families coping with invisible wounds.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)- the “go to” source for administration officials, members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families as we stand behind those who serve.
All Connect - State-by-state military discount guide for active service members and veterans
Resources for Children
Our Military Kids- a nonprofit organization created to provide support and recognition to military children, 3 years through the 12 grade, through grants that pay for fees associated with athletic, fine arts, and tutoring programs.
Ohio Military Kids Events 2023- Visit this website for a list of events for Military Kids, including camps and activities, from June 2023 to December 2023. Registration is expected to be up in the spring.
Sesame Workshop- provides much-needed support and practical education for the youngest members of our military families with “Talk, Listen, Connect”, an outreach initiative to help kids through deployment, combat-related injuries, and the death of a loved one.
Ohio Military Kids- supports the youth of military families by educating the public on the impact of deployment on service members’ children, families, and communities through awareness building and educational training with schools and community organizations.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission- uses a comprehensive approach to address key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation.
Educational Resources
Ohio Higher Education for Veterans- the University System of Ohio has taken proactive steps to better serve those who have served our country by helping veterans, service members, and their families achieve college degrees.
Military Impacted Schools Association- useful links for military families and educator resources
Folds of Honor- provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.
Top Military-Friendly Colleges
Best Scholarships for Current Military and Veterans
Best Scholarships for Military Dependents
Employment Resources
Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)- promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.
Pet Resources
Pets for Vets: “Healing vets and saving pets- connects military veterans with rescued animals and creates second chances and new beginnings.
365 Pet Insurance- Website for pet parents in the military or military veterans.
Miscellaneous Resources
MYMOVE.COM