The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Ohio is committed to serving military members and their families. Ohio’s schools and districts can welcome and support military-connected students and their families by properly identifying them as members of the school community. The Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires districts to identify and report these students who have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of the Armed Forces or National Guard each year.

Washington High School received their Purple Star designation in the Fall class of 2018.

Military Family Point of Contact Information for WHS

Renee Parr

330-830-3901 ext. 51142

rparr@massillonschools.org

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024 STUDENTS THAT HAVE ENROLLED IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

Cody Fair - Navy

Taylor Liegl - Air Force

Austin Hicks - Ohio Army National Guard

Weston Filler - Ohio Army National Guard

Bringing military life into our classrooms.

SSG Dawley gave our students an experience with MRE's (Meal, Ready-to-Eat). MRE's are used by American service members in combat or field conditions where other food is not available.

The Beef Ravioli in Meat Sauce was not a favorite!

Mr. Thornsberry, CTE Principal, enjoyed his time checking out the Army Utility vehicles. Mr. Reiter opened up his Auto Tech classroom for his students to view these vehicles.

SSG Dawley proudly brought in Army Utility vehicles with WHS Army recruit Austin Hicks, for our Auto Tech students to see.

SSG Kyle Dawley, Ohio Army National Guard, was invited by our Gourmet Foods class to bring other soldiers with him for a feast prepared by the students in that class.

The students in Mrs. Vensel's Gourmet class took great pride in preparing a meal to thank these soldiers for their service.

Mr. Thornsberry, principal of CTE, assisted in making it possible to create a main dish of rosemary steak and parmesan crusted chicken.

Our dessert bakers were proud of their accomplishment.

Veterans Day Assembly

November 11, 2024

As part of the plaza renovation at WHS, a new flag pole was added as a focal point. Plaques were added to each side of the base of the flag pole to commemorate the branches of our military. Nov. 11, 2024 gave us the opportunity to dedicate the plaques and bring more awareness to our students on the meaning of Veterans Day.

WHS American History classes received instruction on the meaning of Veterans Day and then each student was given a flag to place in the front plaza.

The flags used by our American History classes were donated by Terry Roan, commander of Massillon's VFW Post 3124.

The flags were an impressive addition to our front plaza for Veterans Day.

Mr. Brown, custodian at WHS, created a stunning look to our front plaza with his choice of the light display.

Click to view the assembly.

POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony

A special chair was secured inside Paul Brown Tiger Stadium as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIA’s still unaccounted for from all the wars involving the United States.

Military Night - Sept. 13, 2024 - Paul Brown Tiger Stadium

Are you interested in enlisting?

Military Family Resources

Educational Resources for Military Connected Youth booklet

The purpose of this brochure is to inform schools of the educational resources and programs available to a group of students that many had no idea existed.

Blue Star Families

Committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support.

Social and Emotional Assistance

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission

Provides uniform treatment as military children transfer between school districts.

Military One Source

Offers referrals to professional counselors for non-medical counseling.

Activities and Programs

MCEC Student 2 Student

Established in 2004, Student 2 Student (S2S) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and ease transitions.

Anchored4Life

The club provides opportunities for peers to enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, build character, improve self-esteem, and integrate into their community. Youth will learn these change and resiliency skills using the Club features.

BLOOM Empowering the Military Teen

Bloom is proud to be the leading organization dedicated to elevating the authentic voices of military teens. Through content creation, advocacy, and community, we are here to empower, inspire, and connect our peers.

4-H Ohio Military Youth

Ohio 4-H Youth Development to assist military children. Offers activities, resources and scholarship opportunities.

Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support Programs- Youth Support

To empower and support the social, emotional and academic needs of Ohio National Guard Youth. (Events, newsletters, benefits)

Military Child Education Coalition

Provides resources, programs and trainings to ensure that every military-connected child is college, workforce and life-ready.

Ohio Department of Veterans Services

Job and education opportunities.

Instructional Assistance

Military Support @Tutor.com

Provides 24 hour free tutoring and homework help for military connected youth.

March 2 Success

Provides and online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests.

First Book

Provides access to get brand new books and resources at low cost or for free.

Resources for Military Families with Special Needs

Military One Source - Special Needs

Offers consultants to families for assistance with questions and concerns regarding the care and education of a family member with special needs.

Scholarship Opportunities

Ohio War Orphans Scholarship

Awards tuition assistance to children of fallen or severely disabled veterans who served during a period of declared conflict or war.

Military Discounts Guide

Provides a list of Military and Veterans discounts.