April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize children from military families for their contributions and sacrifices. We recognize that children serve too! 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth in our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. The nationwide commemoration was established in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Superintendent Reid Celebrates Military-Connected Youth

In this video, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid honors the resilience, character, and contributions of military-connected students. Dr. Reid highlights the unique challenges these children face, the strengths they bring to school communities, and how FCPS Purple Star Schools foster belonging and support, while encouraging families and schools to celebrate military children throughout the month and on Purple Up Day.

Meet FCPS Students and Their Military Families

Military-connected students face unique challenges and show a lot of resilience and strength. We would like to say thank you for your service to all members of these families.

Salute to Our Military Youth

This video features military families sharing personal stories of resilience, pride, and connection, highlighting how FCPS supports and celebrates military children and the strength they bring to their school communities.

View more FCPS military-connected youth videos

Slideshow Round-Up of FCPS Military Families

Click on the first image to enlarge the slideshow, and the photos will change automatically. 

Purple Up! on April 15, 2026

To show our support for military-connected youth, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

We extend our appreciation for the service of all children from military families and celebrate them by wearing purple in an effort to say “Thank You!” Whether or not you know any military-connected youth, please take a moment to recognize and honor them by wearing purple on April 15 

Post your picture and tag #PurpleUpFCPS!. Let’s Purple Up! for military kids!

Purple Star Schools

Virginia's Purple Star Designation Program

Virginia’s Purple Star Designation program recognizes schools for excelling in their support of military-connected students. “When a family member serves in the military, everyone in the family serves,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid has established a goal for FCPS to become a Purple Star Division by the 2026-27 school year. Virginia school districts are awarded Purple Star Division status with 100% of their schools earning and/or maintaining their Purple Star Designation. FCPS currently has 145 Purple Star Schools!

The Impact of Purple Star Schools in FCPS (video)

Calendar of Activities 

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a calendar of weekday activities for April 2026.

• April 1 (Wednesday) -  School Holiday : Spring Break
• April 2 (Thursday) -  School Holiday : Spring Break
• April 3 (Friday) -  School Holiday : Spring Break
• April 6 (Monday) -  Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
• April 7 (Tuesday) - As a military-connected parent or caregiver, send your child a letter thanking them for their service.
• April 8 (Wednesday) - Last chance to  register for the  Military Family Field Day on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at Annandale High School!
• April 9 (Thursday) - Attend the FCPS School Board Meeting at 7 pm at Jackson Middle School to support the recognition of military-connected youth. Register  here to speak at the meeting.
• April 10 (Friday) - RED Friday, Wear RED to “Remember Everyone Deployed”
• April 13 (Monday) - Sign up for the Military Families FCPS  News You Choose to receive information on events, news, and other topics regarding military-connected families.
• April 14 (Tuesday) - There are approximately 14,000 military-connected youth in FCPS! Visit the  FCPS YouTube channel to hear from our military-connected youth!
• April 15 (Wednesday) -  Purple Up! Day ; Wear purple to show your support for military-connected youth! Purple represents military youth because purple combines all the colors of the military branches.
• April 16 (Thursday) - Dandelions are a symbol for military kids because, like the flower, they can take root and bloom anywhere! Take a picture with a dandelion and share on social media.
• April 17 (Friday) - RED Friday, Wear RED to “Remember Everyone Deployed”
• April 20 (Monday) - Create a “10 Things You Should Know About Our School” list for new students and families at your school and share with your school’s Family Liaison.
• April 21 (Tuesday) - There are 145  Purple Star Schools in FCPS! Ask your school about pursuing the Purple Star Designation.
• April 22 (Wednesday) - Military kids move, on average, every two to three years, and making new friends can be hard. Invite a military family to your next gathering at school or in your community.
• April 23 (Thursday) - Did you know there are 6 branches of the military? Ask your librarian for a book on the military branches!
• April 24 (Friday) - RED Friday, Wear RED to “Remember Everyone Deployed”
• April 27 (Monday) - The military uses a special alphabet when spelling to avoid misunderstandings. Ask an adult to search for the military alphabet and then spell your name or other fun words.
• April 28 (Tuesday) - Visit the FCPS  Family Resource Center webpage for resources for military families.
• April 29 (Wednesday) - Ask a military-connected friend about the best place they’ve lived.
• April 30 (Thursday) - Visit the  FCPS Military Families webpage for resources and guides for military families.

Access a printable copy of the calendar activities below: