By Mark McQueen, Bay District Schools Superintendent
As April unfolds—a month filled with meaningful observances—I am especially focused on celebrating the Month of the Military Child. This tribute is deeply personal to me as the Superintendent of Bay District Schools, a former military child myself, and a proud father of two remarkable military children.
This year, our celebration is even more significant as Bay District Schools has achieved an incredible milestone—100% of our schools are now Purple Star Schools! This distinction makes us one of only five districts in the entire state to earn the prestigious title of Purple Star School District, a recognition that underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Purple Star designation signifies that our schools go above and beyond to ensure military children feel supported, valued, and included in every aspect of their educational journey. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication of our educators, administrators, and community partners who work tirelessly to provide stability and encouragement for students navigating the unique challenges of military life.
As we prepare to honor our military students throughout April, I encourage our entire community to take part in #PurpleUp Day on April 15 by wearing purple as a visible sign of support for these young heroes. Wearing purple is a simple yet powerful way to recognize the resilience and sacrifices of military children, and I look forward to seeing our schools, businesses, and community members come together in solidarity. Be sure to share your photos on social media using the hashtags #PurpleUp and #BDSPurple so we can showcase our district’s pride and appreciation.
Throughout the month, our schools will host special events to celebrate military students and their families. These activities provide an opportunity for our school communities to come together, express gratitude, and ensure that every military child feels seen and supported. I look forward to attending as many of these celebrations as possible and personally recognizing these incredible students and their families.
Additionally, in early April, we will welcome command staff from Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and the U.S. Coast Guard to a special board meeting, where we will present a resolution in support of military children. This event will further solidify the strong partnership between Bay District Schools and our military community.
I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, Tyndall Federal Credit Union and Gulf Coast State College, for their unwavering support of our Month of the Military Child activities. Their generosity and commitment allow us to make this celebration truly special for the students and families who give so much in service to our country.
At Bay District Schools, we take immense pride in being a military-friendly district. Our military children demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and courage in the face of frequent relocations, new schools, and long periods of separation from loved ones. It is our privilege to recognize and support them, and I am grateful to our entire community for joining us in this effort.
Thank you in advance for celebrating the Month of the Military Child with us and for showing your appreciation for these extraordinary young individuals. Let’s make April a month to remember for our military families!
