Equip Your Classrooms

Grab ready tools to earn Purple Star status, celebrate Month of the Military Child, and back Guard-connected students all year.

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Purple Star Schools

A quick primer for Iowa educators

The Iowa Department of Education awards Purple Star status to schools that commit to supporting military-connected students. Here are the essentials before you dive into the full guidance.

Designation checklist

Appoint a staff member to serve as the military liaison for students and families.
Maintain a public-facing page with resources for military-connected households.
Offer awareness programs and supports tailored to military-connected students.
Provide staff training on transitions, deployment, and related challenges.

Visit the state overview Schedule a planning call

Month of the Military Child

Purple Up with your school community

Each April we spotlight Guard-connected youth across Iowa. Use these ideas to recognize students, invite families in, and create consistent moments of celebration.

Families dancing together at the Military Family Ball

Three easy ways to join in

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April 25 · Military Family Ball

Formal dinner, dancing, and surprises for every age group. Reserve your spot before seats run out.
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April 10 · Purple Up Friday

Wear purple and share a photo with #IApurpleup to shout out Guard-connected youth statewide.
All

All April · Share support

Update your social media profile picture, host hallway displays, and invite Guard families to speak in your classrooms.

Email your highlights

Spotlight resources

High-impact tools for your classrooms

Share these links when families ask for academic support, enrichment, or financial help—they’re all vetted and ready to use.

Tutor.com (Military)

24/7 online tutoring, test prep, and homework help for military families.

Share with a family

BGCA Mission Youth Outreach

After-school programming designed for military-connected youth statewide, with free or reduced rates for military families.

Refer a family

Scholarship Database

Curated listings of scholarships for Iowa military-connected students.

Open the spreadsheet

Lemonade Stand Builder

Kid-friendly web app that guides young entrepreneurs through launching a Lemonade Boss stand.

Explore Lemonade Boss

Need a custom game plan?

We’re happy to host planning sessions, tailor messaging to your district, or connect you with mentor schools.

Schedule a strategy call