GRAFTON — All schools within Midview Local Schools have once again earned Purple Star designation status from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, renewing the district’s recognition through 2029.
The Purple Star program recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. Midview High School, Midview Middle School, East Intermediate, West Elementary and North Elementary all received renewal status this year, marking the third time every school in the district has earned the honor.
The designation was originally launched in Ohio and has since expanded to schools in 44 states.
Supporting Military Families
To receive Purple Star recognition, schools must meet state requirements designed to support military families during transitions and deployments. Schools are required to designate trained military family liaisons, provide resources for military-connected students and maintain support systems tailored to the unique challenges military families often face.
Renewal status requires schools to go beyond the initial standards by demonstrating continued professional development, student engagement efforts and social-emotional support programs.
Across the district, Midview officials say those efforts are reflected through several ongoing programs and activities.
At Midview High School, members of the Key Club deliver handmade cards and custom yard signs to more than 50 veterans throughout the community each year. The cards are created by students at North and West Elementary schools.
East Intermediate hosts an annual Veterans Day Assembly featuring patriotic performances, student-led presentations and guest speakers. The program also includes participation from Midview High School American Sign Language students and the school’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
Each April, North and West Elementary schools host a Purple Up! Breakfast honoring military-connected students and their families with breakfast, crafts and student tributes. Teachers throughout the district also encourage students to write letters and notes of appreciation to active service members.
Recognition Reflects Ongoing Commitment
“At Midview Local Schools, we are honored to support our military families and students in any way that we can,” Interim Superintendent Meredith Udris said in a statement. “Achieving and maintaining Purple Star status across all of our buildings reflects our district’s deep commitment to this important work.”
The Purple Star designation will remain in place across all Midview schools through 2029.
