March 29, 2010

Dear Educator:

I am writing this letter to announce that April is the Month of the Military Child. April is designated as the month when the children of our warriors are acknowledged and appreciated for their sacrifices as their father or mother spend months, perhaps years, away from home fighting for our country.

During this time of war many military children throughout the state of Rhode Island are enduring separation, due to the deployment of one or both parents. Often these children suffer in silence bearing the burden of this dreadful disconnection on their own. In addition to the effects of deployment, military children tolerate the constant moving and relocation that is part of the military lifestyle. The efforts they must make to develop new friendships, fit in, and adapt to a new school culture and a new community often go unnoticed. Military children need to be supported for the strength they exemplify.

In the month of April, I urge you to make every effort to acknowledge the military children in your school. It is important that they know their sacrifices are valued and that they are supported by their school community.

You may gather more information and download posters and certificates at the following website: http://old.armymwr.com/portal/family/childandyouth/momc.asp#download .

Very Respectfully,

Janet Kelly McCarthy M.Ed.

Naval Station Newport

School Liaison Officer

janet.mccarthy@navy.mil

Office: 401-841-7126

Fax: 401-841-7698