Military Star School Program

The Military Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready. Military-connected refers to children of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves. The program awards public schools a Military Star designation if they have certain resources in place to accommodate children of a current or former member of the military. There are 31 states that have passed/issued legislation, executive order, or similar. Gov. Tate Reeves, signed Executive Order NO. 1561- Military Star School Program on February 21, 2022.

 

Apply to Become a Mississippi Military Star School

The Mississippi Department of Education administers the Military Star School Program.  To apply, schools must complete and submit the Military Star School Application along with their Compact Training Certificate to militarystarschool@mdek12.org.

 

What is MIC3 Compact Training?

Schools must meet specific requirements designed to support the unique needs facing military students and families. One requirement to qualify for the Mississippi Military Star School Program designation is that a school counselor, teacher, principal, or assistant principal who serves as the School Military Point of Contact (SMPOC) complete the MIC3 Compact Training. SMPOCs must choose from one of two types of training below based upon the school’s application status (NEW Applicant OR Re-certifying).

  • MIC3 Compact 101 Training is for schools seeking Military Star School status for the first time OR if the School Military Point of Contact (SMPOC) has changed since the initial application. These trainings are offered virtually through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission monthly through December 2024. To register go to https://mic3.net/events-calendar/.  Applicants should submit a copy of the MIC3 Compact 101 Training certificate as part of their application to become a Military Star School.
  • MIC3 Compact 201 Training is for returning SMPOCs and schools seeking recertification of their Military Star School status after two years.  This training will consist of a hybrid version of Compact 101 and the Compact 201 training which is an interactive session focused on discussing case studies, compact gray areas, and best practices.  Training sessions are offered twice monthly from October through February. Returning SMPOCs will only need to register for and attend one training session. To register for this training, please visit https://mic3.net/mississippi-military-star-school-training/ . Applicants should submit a copy of the MIC3 Compact 201 Training certificate as part of their application to become a Military Star School.

 

Military Star School logo

Military Star School logo

2024 Mississippi Military Star Schools
2023 Mississippi Military Star Schools

 

School Liaisons

School liaisons are located at each installation and are the main contact for military families, local school systems and installation leadership for school-related matters pre-K through grade 12. School liaisons are experienced professionals who support, advise and build partnerships with the civilian and military community to help address common education challenges of military families. School liaison support is available at no cost and open to all Defense Department identification card holders, educators who serve military students and community partners involved with pre-K-12 education.

 

School Liaison Contacts

Larry Mullins, NAS Meridian
MeridianSL@us.navy.mil
Office: 601-679-2473
Cell: 601-479-2025

Mona Odom, NCBC Gulfport
Mona.odom.naf@us.navy.mil
Office: 228-871-2117
Cell: 228-323-6105

Joni L. Nalley, Columbus AFB
slo2@us.af.mil
Office: 662-434-2792
Cell: 662-352-6456

Gerald Cross, Keesler AFB
gerald.cross.1@us.af.mil
Office 228-376-8505

 

Resource

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC)

 

Document
 
  • Mississippi Department of Education
    359 N. West St.
    P.O. Box 771
    Jackson, MS 39205-0771
    Educator Licensure: 601-359-3483
    General Information: 601-359-3513
    Copyright 2024-2025
 
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