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.
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.
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).
2024 Mississippi Military Star Schools
2023 Mississippi Military Star Schools
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.
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
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC)