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DoDEA Observes Month of the Military Child

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) joins the Department of Defense and military communities worldwide in celebrating April as Month of the Military Child.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they overcome. The observance is part of the legacy left by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger who established the Defense Department commemoration in 1986.

"We should all take notice of the unique role that military children, some of the most deserving youth in America, play in our society," said Dr. Shirley A. Miles, DoDEA Director. "They assume some special responsibilities that deserve our understanding and recognition. Growing up as a military child, I can appreciate what military children experience, the sacrifices they make, and the challenges they often face."

Miles knows the importance of DoDEA schools to military families around the world.

"DoDEA teachers and staff members are uniquely positioned to understand, nurture, and educate military children," she said. "Our mission is to ensure highest student achievement for all of our students and to prepare them for success in life. DoDEA schools are an important element of stability in welcoming students wherever their skills and talents are, advancing them to the next level, and preparing them for their future."

Throughout the month, DoDEA will encourage schools to plan special events to honor military children and have administrators and principals incorporate the themes of this month into their every day duties and responsibilities. These efforts and special events will stress the importance of providing children with quality services and support to help them succeed in the mobile military lifestyle.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten - 12th grade education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, the United States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families

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