State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder spoke at Friday’s Purple Up Day for Military Kids celebration at Freedom Elementary in Cheyenne. Purple Up Day is celebrated in April during the Month of the Military Child (MOMC) to recognize the important role military children and their families play in keeping our country free and safe.
“We live in the greatest country in the world because of devoted servicemen and women and their families who make the sacrifice to serve. I am grateful for the efforts of our Wyoming schools, especially our Purple Star Schools, that ensure successful transitions and support for all military-connected students,” said Degenfelder.
Freedom Elementary Principal Chad Delbridge opened the event, and Colonel Galbert, 90th Missile Wing Commander, U.S. Air Force, spoke to the students and families gathered. Participants of the student-led elementary Student 2 Student program (eS2S) that welcomes and helps incoming students transition in a safe and positive environment were recognized for their work. During the celebration, students who won the MOMC essay contest were recognized, and the crowd enjoyed performances of their school song.
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is celebrating MOMC all month long. Staff arranged for an official proclamation from Governor Mark Gordon to declare April as MOMC in Wyoming. WDE staff, educators, and military-connected families attended the signing, which was also livestreamed on Facebook. The Cheyenne Central High School Color Guard held a Presentation of Colors and performed the National Anthem in front of the Wyoming State Capitol following the proclamation signing ceremony.
The Wyoming Purple Star School Program offers comprehensive benefits designed to ensure the educational and emotional needs of military-connected students experience a smooth transition into new educational environments and they experience a smooth transition into new educational environments.
Wyoming is also a member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which eases interstate education transition challenges encountered by the children of active duty service members, such as enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation.
Superintendent Degenfelder, wearing purple, kneels down to speak with children at Freedom Elementary in Cheyenne during a Purple Up Day for Military Kids Celebration.
Superintendent Degenfelder laughs with Principal Chad Delbridge during a Purple Up Day for Military Kids Celebration at Freedom Elementary in Cheyenne.
