Grove City High School – The Purple Star designation, from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. This week, Grove City High School was named one of nearly 200 schools statewide to receive the prestigious honor.
At the center of Grove City High School’s military-connected programming is the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) under the direction of Commander Dustin Martin (Senior Naval Science Instructor) and Chief Anthony Christie (Naval Science Instructor). Throughout the school year NJROTC cadets support and host a number of engagement events dedicated to essential programmatic values of ‘honor, courage, and commitment’ in building a foundation of trust and leadership within their school and community.
“Grove City High School has a long tradition of supporting military excellence, military-connected youth, and service-oriented work in the community,” said principal Bryan O’Shea. “As we know, our NJROTC cadets long have lead that charge on this type of programming, but their leadership and efforts are embodied in many efforts across our school. From military appreciation nights with athletics to countless service projects, our hope is that students, families, and community members know there is framework of support here and that they are always welcome here at Grove City High School.”
In order to be considered for award eligibility, prospective schools must meet the following criteria:
- Host a dedicated military family resource page on the school’s website
- Alot time for professional development activities completed by the school’s military family liaison
- The school must have a staff point-of-contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school.
- The liaison completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families under federal law. The liaison can complete any professional development they chose to fulfill this requirement. A variety of online learning options are available:
- Hold a number of school engagement or appreication activities that demonstrate the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected youth and their families
- Create and identify processes that communicate how the school identifies and informs staff of military-connected students
- Provide the number of military-connected students currently enrolled
- Identify how the staff connects with military-connected students
- Create school plans and strategies for supporting military-connected students
On behalf of South-Western City Schools, we commend Grove City High School and their NJROTC program for spearheading military engagement opportunities in both the school and community.
SW Insider 