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Schools across Aiken County celebrate the Month of the Military Child each April to honor the sacrifices of Military-connected students.
Sondra Thomas, the District’s Military Community Liaison, coordinated events in 2021 to honor of Military-connected students and families during April such as “Purple Up” Day and the "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" Walk-a-Thon.
On Purple Up Day all Aiken County Public School students and employees were encouraged to wear the color purple which is a combination of Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue, in a way to demonstrate our support for military families.
Each school was also challenged to "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" by participating in a walk-a-thon where they would collaborate to log at least 589 miles during the month of April to represent the 589 military-connected students. Many Physical Education teachers including students walking a mile during class in April to achieve the goal. Across the District, students and staff logged more than 20,000 miles!
Being the state’s first Purple Star School District we know it is important to recognize our Military children especially when they struggle with academic and social challenges attributed to frequent changes, deployment, injury or loss of a parent.
Students at Cyril B. Busbee Elementary School embrace Military Community Liaison Sondra Thomas with hugs, thanking her for setting up the "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" Walk-a-Thon.
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The North Augusta High Student 2 Student Team was named the MCEC's National High School Team of the Year! Dr. Jill Biden made a virtual appearance at the school to share this exciting announcement with students and staff. Click HERE to watch the annoucement and see the students reaction to this great honor!
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Mihya Martin, a student at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School was chosen to attend the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colorado! Watch the video HERE to learn more about this exciting opportunity thorugh the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC).
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Military Student Ambassadors Training To Better Support Peer Transition To Their New Schools
Jose Hernandez was a happy “first day” student, and the smile on his face showed it.
The person sent to greet him on his first day at a new school had done so quite warmly, being sure to make eye contact with him. Although the person had plenty of friends in the hallway they never took their focus away from him, which was impressive. Jose felt welcomed and valued on his very first day at his new school, which was the goal of the exercise.
Jose, who is a Military Student Ambassador from Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle School, had just participated in a Junior Student-2-Student (JS2S) role-playing training held for student ambassadors from all 11 middle schools in Aiken County Public Schools. Led by trainers from the Military Child Education Coalition, it is part of the District’s Purple Star School District initiative and a continuing focus on support of military families in our community.
“It was so encouraging to see our students take this training and make it their own,” stated ACPSD Military Community Liaison Sondra Thomas. “I am excited to see the different student-led programs that will take place across the district. I am also very proud of the overall response of our students and their commitment to ensuring that every incoming student is accepted into their school community.”
Click here to read the full press release.
