![\"Military](\"\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-images\/news_20230320_picture1_1.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE<\/strong> <\/p>\n For Immediate Release: March 20, 2023<\/p>\n JACKSON, Miss. \u2013 The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has named 61 schools the state\u2019s first Military Star Schools. This designation recognizes schools that have made a significant commitment to supporting military families and children of service members.<\/p>\n Gov. Tate Reeves established the Military Star School program in February 2022 through Executive Order 1561<\/u><\/a>, making Mississippi one of 31 states with a formal program to recognize schools that support military families.<\/p>\n Military Star Schools<\/u><\/a> must meet specific requirements that address the unique needs of military students and families. These include appointing a dedicated school liaison for military families, providing student-led transition services and peer support, ensuring professional development for staff to respond to the needs of military students and families, and publicly recognizing service members and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a member of a military family, I understand the crucial role our schools play in supporting military-connected students,\u201d said Dr. Robert Taylor, state superintendent of education. \u201cThe teachers, staff and leaders of Mississippi\u2019s Military Star Schools have demonstrated their commitment to their students and our nation. I am incredibly proud of the work they do every day to support the children of service members.\u201d<\/p>\n The Military Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce and life-ready. Military-connected refers to children of service members on active duty and in the National Guard and Reserves.<\/p>\n The Military Star School designation remains in effect for two years. Schools can reapply to maintain the designation. New schools can apply to receive the designation in 2024.<\/p>\n Gov. Reeves and Dr. Taylor will honor Mississippi\u2019s inaugural Military Star Schools during a recognition ceremony at Brandon High School on April 18.<\/p>\n To see a list of schools go to Mississippi\u2019s Military Star Schools<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n