Purple Up! for Military Students
The Month of the Military Child, celebrated each April, honors the resilience and sacrifices of military-connected children. A key event during this month is "Purple Up! Day," where communities show support by wearing purple—a color symbolizing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Wilson Hall’s Purple Up! is on April 23rd when students and faculty will show support to the nearly 20% of the students who have parents associated with the military.
Military Student Support
In collaboration with the PTO, Wilson Hall provides support and appreciation to our military families and, especially, our students. Mrs. Day Caughman, School Counselor, is the faculty point of contact for military students and families.
Support and Resources
-Provide individual, group, and family counseling as helpful.
-Provide a list of resources for military families to access locally and nationally.
Month of the Military Child (April)
-Honor Military Children during April “Month of the Military Child” with a Purple Up day where students wear purple on the national day (notes, emails, announcements, photos and posters).
-Provide purple ribbons to faculty and students on purple up day.
-Produce art projects during lower school art class honoring military children and bulletin board displays.
-Posters around school during April.
-Highlight in the Whole Baron Newsletter with resources.
-Send ideas to teachers to incorporate in their classrooms as appropriate.
-Maps with push pins on which students indicate where they have lived.
Deployed Family Support
-Bi-monthly updated record of students with deployed parents. Teachers and school are informed of these families as appropriate and offered support by both teachers and faculty/support staff.
-PTO sponsored goodie bags for students with deployed parents.
Peer Connection and Support
-Create a system with students who volunteer as peer mentors as needed. Allow students to volunteer as mentors, at least one in lower, middle and high school.
-Provide opportunities for mentors to meet with students for support.
Military Appreciation
Each fall a varsity football game is designated for Military Appreciation.
PTO Representation
The Military Representative serves a one-year term on the PTO Board of Directors.
Military Family Resources
Military OneSource: Military OneSource is by your side with support and resources for every step of your parenting journey. This comprehensive website provides guides, benefits, resources, products, articles, and access to expert guidance for military families. Follow the link for more information: Military One Source
Shaw Air Force Base / Military Family Support Center: Military OneSource provides specific resources to Shaw Air Force Base. Follow the link for more information: Shaw Air Force Base
Military Child Education Coalition: MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. This website extensively addresses education related topics for military children. Follow the link for more information: Military Child
Tudor.com for US Military and Their Families: No cost, online tutoring and homework help 24/7. Follow the link for more information: Military Tutor
Military Support / City of Sumter: Access local resources, partnerships, and guides local to our Sumter Community. Follow the link for more information: Sumter Military Support
Force Support / 20th FSS / Welcome to Shaw: Force Support provides for the physical, cultural, and social needs and general well-being of military members and their families, providing community support systems that make Air Force bases hometowns for a mobile military population. Follow the link for more information: Force Support