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Canton Local Schools

Home of the Wildcats

Resources for Military Families

Military Liaison

Dr. Dale Rush
Director of Pupil Personnel 
600 Faircrest St SE
Canton OH 44707
330-484-8010 ext 4051
dale.rush@cantonlocal.org

We proudly support the families of those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Whether an active-duty member, a veteran, or a family connected to the military, we recognize the unique challenges you face and are committed to helping you and your student(s) thrive in our schools.
 

Our Commitment

  • A designated liaison is ready to assist with enrollment, transitions, and school life.
  • Staff trained in supporting military-connected children and their families.
  • Celebrations and recognition events for military-connected students and families throughout the year.

 

Saluting Those Who Serve

Canton Local Schools wants to honor the students and family members of active-duty military personnel and veterans. Our mission is to strive for excellence and to assist the children of military families to be successful at school and in the community. With the challenges that come with being in a military family, we want to extend our hands out to assist you in any way possible. Below you will find helpful links to several military family resources. 

Thank you for your service!

Link below to a slideshow of our district veterans.

Honoring Our Veterans

 

A purple outline of Ohio with a white star and a yellow banner reading "PURPLE STAR".

Purple Star Award
Faircrest Memorial Elementary School was awarded the Purple Star designation by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in 2024.

Ohio’s Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the military. Ohio currently has 839 active Purple Star schools including 304 newly named or renewed members in the Class of 2026.

The designation lasts for three years, after which schools can apply for renewal.
 

  • Originally awarded to the campus when it operated as Faircrest Memorial Middle School (notable for its highly attended, long-running community Veterans Day programs), the school continues to honor military families under its current configuration as a PreK–5 elementary school. 
  • The "3 Es" Mission: The award directly aligns with the district's core mission to prepare every graduate to find their "E" upon graduation: Enrolled (college/trades), Employed (workforce), or Enlisted (serving the nation in the military). 
  • Compliance Standards: To maintain its Purple Star status, Faircrest Memorial Elementary fulfills state requirements including a dedicated staff military liaison, specialized staff training to support highly mobile military youth, and targeted school resources for military families. 

Military Family Resources

  • This website has a wide variety of information for parents and educators. MCEC is widely known as a reliable source of current information. The advantage for parents using this website is the opportunities for involvement for students and families.

    Military Children on the Move

    This military-operated website designed to help Military Connected Families in every aspect of their life. This is a site that can help families in a variety of aspects other than just education. There is a wealth of information intended to assist the military family.

    • Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission - Ohio is one of 50 states involved in the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunities for Military Children, which is working to ensure that military children are properly enrolled in schools, have eligibility for school activities and have assistance in meeting graduation requirements. Learn about the compact on this website. For for additional information, contact ODE staff members Pete Lupiba, the council’s state commissioner, at Pete.Lupiba@education.ohio.gov |
       
    • House Bill 488 - Revised Code to require state institutions of higher education to award credit for military training, to increase penalties for certain theft, deception, and identity fraud offenses when the victim is an active duty service member, to allow for a civil action for victims of identity fraud, to make other changes regarding state support and benefits for veterans and their spouses, and to clarify membership in the State Teachers Retirement System.
       
    • Health Care Licensing for Military Members and Spouses - If you or your spouse is a current or retired member of the armed forces of the United States, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard, the following information is provided to help you in obtaining licensure or certification by the Ohio Board of Nursing.  
       
    • Ohio National Guard’s Family Readiness Program - This program provides information and tools for Ohio families, including educational resources, youth camps, and recreational opportunities. 
       
    • Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) - The Military Child Education Coalition’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation and transition. | Voice for the Military Child: a newsletter for friends of the MCEC
       
    • Ohio Inter-service Family Assistance Coalition (ISFAC) - The ISFAC serves as a statewide “safety net” in support of Ohio military families. The ISFAC connects military families with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support services. 
       
    • Army OneSource - Army OneSource, Army Child, Youth and School (CYS) Services works with parents, students and schools to mitigate the challenges resulting from children switching school systems because of family relocation or deployment of a parent. 
       
    • Sesame Street for military families Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF) is designed to enhance the well-being of military families using practical tools and knowledge. It’s a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website providing parenting resources and emotional support for military families and their children. The site offers research-based videos, articles, printable activities, and digital materials that help families navigate everyday routines and major transitions. From coping strategies for children of deployed parents to support for multiple separations, injuries, grief, and caregiving, SS4MF empowers families to manage change, develop preparedness skills, foster strong family bonds, and feel proud of their journey. Military families can rely on SS4MF to feel seen, supported, and never alone.