It's Blue Star Welcome Week and what a perfect time for us to launch our monthly Purple Star Bulletin! You may be wondering what a BLUE star has to do with St. Louis School's PURPLE star. Blue Star Welcome Week is a national campaign that takes place the last week of September to welcome military families to local communities. As a Purple Star school, St. Louis is recognized for our commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military, so naturally the two stars go hand-in-hand for our school community.

SEPTEMBER 2023

What is a Purple Star School?

The Purple Star School designation is given to schools that support military-connected children and their families as they transition to or from a school due to a parent's change in duty station.

St. Louis has been named a Purple Star School since the program's inception in the state of Virginia in 2018. We are proud of this designation and are excited about the activities we have planned for the upcoming year. Whether you are a military-connected family or not, we invite you to get involved. Read on for more information on upcoming events and activities in which you and your family can participate.

Purple Star Project (Grades 6-8)

We are excited to announce a new program for our military-connected students in grades 6-8. The "Purple Start Project" will offer the opportunity to participate in three service projects throughout the year that will enhance and enrich the St. Louis School community on military topics. This group will meet monthly during the middle school lunch period to plan, prepare, and assist with our military outreach initiatives. If your child is interested in participating, please sign up below by October 6th.

PURPLE STAR PROJECT SIGN-UP

Adopt-a-Soldier

This year, we're bringing back the "Adopt-a-Soldier" program. Perhaps you know a young soldier or someone who is deployed, or deploying who could benefit from prayers, letters, or a care package from our students. All St. Louis families can refer a service member - whether it be a family member, friend, or neighbor in your community that you feel would benefit from our love and support. Please submit by October 6th.

ADOPT-A-SOLDIER REFERRAL FORM

Wall of Honor Submissions

As you walk down the hall outside the cafeteria you may have noticed our Military Wall of Honor. Our school community is full of parents and family members who have served our country, and we are proud to honor their service here at St. Louis. If you or a loved one served and would like to be included, please submit this FORM and a 4x6 photo by October 20th. Submissions may be sent in with your child to the attention of Mrs. Colleen Ferguson.

Military Family Survey

Military families, we invite you to take our STL Military Family Survey. We look forward to learning more about you and your families and how we can support you. You enrich our community in so many ways, and we are thankful for your service.

SURVEY

Oct. 6

Adopt-a-Soldier Referrals Due

Oct. 20

Wall of Honor Submissions Due

Oct. 25

Coffee & Connections with author Vicki Cody

Nov. 8

Veterans Day Mass

Vet Tix: tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation.

MCEC Parent Resources

Purple Star Coffee & Connections:

October 25, 8:15am

Meet Author and Army Wife Mrs. Vicki Cody

All St. Louis School & Preschool families are invited to Purple Star Coffee & Connections. Whether you are a military-connected family, or just want to learn more to support a friend or neighbor, please plan to join us for this insightful talk.

Vicki Cody grew up in Burlington, Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in education. She has since been a devout Army wife, supporting her husband in his career. While raising their two sons and moving all over the U.S. and overseas, she served as a coach and mentor for other Army spouses and as an advocate for Army families. She has penned two award-winning books - Army Wife and Fly Safe - that help tell the story of what she and millions of Army spouses and parents face when their loved ones go off to serve their country thousands of miles away.