Latest news with #BlueStarFamilies
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Growing Ranks of Military Homeschoolers Get Defense Department Support
Last week, the Department of Defense ordered a review of the support it offers to military families that homeschool their children. DIY education is very popular among military personnel, who have long chosen homeschooling at roughly double the rate of the general population: 12 percent by the latest figures. They favor it for all the reasons parents have increasingly turned to directing their children's education, including academic quality, philosophy, flexibility, and safety concerns. For families subject to frequent relocation, homeschooling also provides kids with continuity. They may also see it as an effective way to escape fruitless battles over school policy and curricula. "The Department is currently reviewing options to support expanding educational choice for military-connected families, as directed by [Executive Order] 14191," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in a May memorandum. "Homeschooling offers an individualized approach for students and highlights the significant role parents play in the educational process. I hereby direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to conduct a Department-wide review of its current support for homeschooling military-connected families, as well as best practices, including the feasibility of providing facilities or access to other resources for those students." The January 29 executive order from President Trump that Hegseth referenced directed him to "review any available mechanisms under which military-connected families may use funds from the Department of Defense to attend schools of their choice, including private, faith-based, or public charter schools." In that order and elsewhere, the Trump administration signaled its commitment to school choice across the country. But choice is especially important to military families which, on average, relocate every two to three years. With traditional public schools and even private schools, that can entail a lot of social disruption as well as switching among classrooms teaching at different paces, with varying styles, and drawing from mismatched materials. "To provide their children with more stability, military families are choosing to homeschool their children more frequently," Sarah Sicard of Task & Purpose, which serves the military community, reported of the results of the Blue Star Families annual lifestyle survey in 2015. "Of those polled with school-aged children, 7% indicate their children are homeschooled—more than double the number of children homeschooled among the general U.S. population." By 2021, those figures had risen, with the Blue Star Families survey noting, "only 8% of active-duty family respondents with children eligible for K-12 education reported they homeschooled their oldest child during the 2019-2020 school year, but this number jumped to 13% who homeschooled their oldest child in the 2020-2021 school year." Of course, 2020–2021 was the year of COVID-19, and homeschooling rose across the country—to as high as 11 percent among the general population, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. Homeschooling levels declined as pandemic worries faded, but stabilized at 6 percent, or roughly double the pre–COVID rate. Military families remain even more devoted to DIY education. "In 2023-2024, around 6% of U.S. families homeschooled a child compared to 12% of active-duty military families," Angela Watson wrote in March of this year for the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Homeschooling Hub, of which she is director. "Frequent moves or family separation are driving factors in choosing homeschooling to stabilize and prioritize their family life." Watson noted that on-base Department of Defense schools are generally considered to offer better education quality than most public schools—"however, the threat of frequent moves may offset the potential benefit of schools on military bases for some families." But it can't all be about fears of the disruptions that come with relocation. Members of the National Guard and the reserves aren't subject to the same frequent transfers as active-duty military personnel, but they are also big fans of school choice. "Homeschool participation rates among reserve and National Guard members rival their active-duty military peers," Watson added. "For example, while around 12% of active-duty military families reported homeschooling in 2023, so did 11% of their reserve and National Guard peers." Watson didn't speculate about why National Guard and reserve families share active-duty families' taste for homeschooling despite having fewer worries about relocation and family separation. But it's likely that military personnel of all sorts share some common values and concerns that might drive them to make similar choices. Around the country in recent years, public schools have been consumed by battles between parents, teachers, and bureaucrats over politicized curriculum, public health policies, gender identity, and culture-war concerns. "It feels as if every stakeholder—from school leaders to teachers, to parents, to students, to policymakers—is at odds," Lauraine Langreo commented last August for Education Week. I've written before that school choice in general, and homeschooling in particular, provides an offramp for parents tired of fighting over what and how their kids should be taught. Why fight when you can pick what works for you and go your own way? "When parents can choose where and how their children will be educated, they're no longer at the mercy of politicians and bureaucrats," the Cato Institute's Colleen Hroncich wrote in 2022. "That means they don't have to rely on political battles when it comes to education." Military families are probably more likely than the general population to be at odds with ideological classroom trends and in shared ways. So, it's not surprising to see different segments of the military population taking an offramp from curriculum and cultural battles in favor of deciding their own children's educational paths. Which is to say that military families probably exercise school choice options, especially homeschooling, for the same reasons as everybody else—just more so. They want good quality education in a stable environment, and they don't want to have to argue about it with people who have different views. The post Growing Ranks of Military Homeschoolers Get Defense Department Support appeared first on
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Blue Star Families Celebrates America's Sea Services During Fleet Week New York at Hard Rock Cafe, Nasdaq, Broadway, and NYSE
New York, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Star Families (BSF) is excited to host a series of Fleet Week New York events from May 21–23, 2025, honoring the sea services and their families. Throughout Fleet Week New York, BSF will spotlight the connections between the military community and local leaders, emphasizing the critical need of support for service members and their families. The events will bolster recruitment and retention efforts through engagement and experiences, including Broadway tickets courtesy of the Theatre Development Fund. Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony Details: Blue Star Families joins CSX to ring the Nasdaq opening bell at Times Square, welcoming service members to New York during Fleet Week and celebrating military families. Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet will be accompanied on stage by CSX President and CEO Joseph R. Hinrichs and active-duty members of the sea services. This event underscores the company's commitment to empowering military members and their families by fostering vibrant communities of support. NYSE Opening Bell Details: In a significant show of support for military families, area military leadership will join Blue Star Families at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell during Fleet Week New York. This event symbolizes the strong community bonds and mutual support between civilians and military families. Rock the Fleet at Hard Rock Cafe Concert Details: The Craig Newmark New York Tri-State Chapter of Blue Star Families, delivered by CSX, celebrates Fleet Week with a festive concert at the Hard Rock Cafe for more than 500 service members, sponsored by T-Mobile. Hosted by Ashley Gutermuth, comedian and Air Force veteran spouse, the evening includes performances by American folk rock band The Last Real Circus and singer-songwriter Sadie Bass. MEDIA REQUESTS: All media interested in covering these events should submit credential requests to [email protected]. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A 'blue star family' is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here. Media Relations Blue Star Families (844) 202-7827, ext. 4 [email protected]
Business Upturn
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Blue Star Families Brings the Joy of Disney Books to Military Families in Hawaii
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 13, 2025, 23:15 IST Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, HI, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will host a family event on May 16, 2025, as part of Blue Star Families' Blue Star Books Program in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. This event, organized by Blue Star Families in partnership with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), invites U.S. military children and their families on Oahu to attend and receive free Disney books, as well as participate in other Disney-themed activities, including storytelling by military leadership and Disney VoluntEARS from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Blue Star Families is the largest nonprofit serving military and veteran families, empowering them to thrive as they serve through a vast network of in-person and virtual programming. Guest speakers and readers at the event include: Dylan Rodgers, 2025-2026 Aulani Ambassador CAPT Samuel White, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Meredith Terrian, Vice President of Chapter Impact, Blue Star Families The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey reported one-third (32%) of active-duty family respondents completed a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move within the 12 months preceding the survey fielding. 'Moving all the time is tough for military families, making it hard to keep friends and feel like you belong in a new place. But Blue Star Books helps military kids grow and feel special, no matter where they go! This event brings families together, and when they're connected, everyone wins!' said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. To date, Disney Publishing has contributed more than 300,000 books to the Blue Star Books program at events around the globe and donations to base libraries, Department of Defense schools, and military-impacted public schools and libraries. 'The Walt Disney Company is incredibly proud of our ongoing work with Blue Star Families, supporting and celebrating military families for over a decade. Our enduring respect for the U.S. Armed Forces started with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I,' said Jessica Moore, Vice President of Government Relations, The Walt Disney Company. 'We are thrilled to continue their legacy through this collaboration, sharing the magic of our stories to inspire these military children to become the next generation of storytellers.' Onsite Media Contact:Jhewel Felipe, Community Relations Outreach ManagerJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HawaiiPublic Affairs Office [email protected] (808) 371-5189 Deadline for Media RSVP: End of business day, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A 'blue star family' is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here. About The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Entertainment, Sports and Experiences.. Being a good corporate citizen is a time-honored Disney tradition. Through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts, and volunteering, Disney helps to brighten the lives of kids and families in need and strengthen communities around the world. For more information, visit or . About Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) As one of the Navy's N92 Fleet Readiness programs, MWR supports the quality-of-life needs of service members and their family members. MWR's mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness, and quality of life. For more information on MWR at JBPHH, please visit . Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blue Star Families Brings the Joy of Disney Books to Military Families in Hawaii
The Walt Disney Company Builds on Its Commitment to Celebrating Military Families Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, HI, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will host a family event on May 16, 2025, as part of Blue Star Families' Blue Star Books Program in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. This event, organized by Blue Star Families in partnership with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), invites U.S. military children and their families on Oahu to attend and receive free Disney books, as well as participate in other Disney-themed activities, including storytelling by military leadership and Disney VoluntEARS from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Blue Star Families is the largest nonprofit serving military and veteran families, empowering them to thrive as they serve through a vast network of in-person and virtual programming. Guest speakers and readers at the event include: Dylan Rodgers, 2025-2026 Aulani Ambassador CAPT Samuel White, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Meredith Terrian, Vice President of Chapter Impact, Blue Star Families The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey reported one-third (32%) of active-duty family respondents completed a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move within the 12 months preceding the survey fielding."Moving all the time is tough for military families, making it hard to keep friends and feel like you belong in a new place. But Blue Star Books helps military kids grow and feel special, no matter where they go! This event brings families together, and when they're connected, everyone wins!" said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. To date, Disney Publishing has contributed more than 300,000 books to the Blue Star Books program at events around the globe and donations to base libraries, Department of Defense schools, and military-impacted public schools and libraries.'The Walt Disney Company is incredibly proud of our ongoing work with Blue Star Families, supporting and celebrating military families for over a decade. Our enduring respect for the U.S. Armed Forces started with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I,' said Jessica Moore, Vice President of Government Relations, The Walt Disney Company. 'We are thrilled to continue their legacy through this collaboration, sharing the magic of our stories to inspire these military children to become the next generation of storytellers.' Onsite Media Contact:Jhewel Felipe, Community Relations Outreach ManagerJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HawaiiPublic Affairs OfficeJBPHHCOMREL@ 371-5189Deadline for Media RSVP: End of business day, Tuesday, May 13, 2025About Blue Star FamiliesBlue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A 'blue star family' is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here. About The Walt Disney CompanyThe Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Entertainment, Sports and Experiences.. Being a good corporate citizen is a time-honored Disney tradition. Through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts, and volunteering, Disney helps to brighten the lives of kids and families in need and strengthen communities around the world. For more information, visit or About Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR)As one of the Navy's N92 Fleet Readiness programs, MWR supports the quality-of-life needs of service members and their family members. MWR's mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness, and quality of life. For more information on MWR at JBPHH, please visit CONTACT: Media Relations Blue Star Families (844) 202-7827, ext. 4 media@
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gold Star Mothers memorial unveiled in Cayuga County
TOWN OF BRUTUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Families memorial was unveiled during Friday's ceremony in Cayuga County. Gold Star Mothers can now celebrate the lives of their sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice at a new memorial. 'A lot of the Gold Star mothers, their children are interred in Washington. So they have no local place to come. So now they do have a place where they may come that's closer to their home,' said Dr. Linda Townsend, organizer for the Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee. The monument stands just a few feet away from the Veterans Memorial at Aqueduct Park in the town of Brutus, close to Gold Star Mom Tammy Bell of Auburn. 'To have this in Cayuga County, it's amazing,' said Bell. Bell lost her son, Jerry, in 2008. He was killed on September 19 in Afghanistan, while serving as a Sergeant with the First Division United States Marine Corps. 'He was a great man. A great son, good kid. Good dad, loved being in the Marines, he loved his family,' said Bell. 'Too often times we forget there's another side of not just losing a soldier, but it's the family that's left behind,' said Townsend. The monument also tells the story of Blue Star Families. 'Our monument here has turned into a sign of reflection and gatherings and celebrations of life for many people across the county and people across New York State that do stop by here,' said Townsend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
