Hero Hike
Our annual Hero Hike teaches students about the importance of our military and also serves local veterans through effort and action. In honor of Veteran’s Day, students stuff their backpacks with food and clothing donations, then carry them around the school track – just like a traditional military-style hike! Service members and local veterans wait at the finish line to accept the donations from the students.
In the weeks leading up to the Hero Hike, student classrooms also have the opportunity to compete against one another with online fundraising for 23rd Veteran. The team at 23rd Veteran works with military members and veterans who are living with trauma. Over the past 4 years, Rootstown School District has raised nearly $40,000 for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country!
Helpful Links for Military Families
The Purple Star Award:
The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.
A Military Family’s Guide to School Transitions:
A helpful guide for military families moving to a new school district.
Military Education Guide:
Learn everything you need to know about military education, including tuition requirements, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid information.
GI Bill Guide:
A guide to the GI Bill, which helps qualifying veterans and their families pay for college, graduate school, and vocational training programs.
Military Scholarships:
Military scholarships are offered to veterans, enlisted soldiers, and high school and college students aspiring to careers in the military.
Portage County Veterans Services:
This organization helps complete applications for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), emergency financial assistance and information, and guidance in obtaining aid from various federal, state and local organizations.
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC):
MCEC ensures inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments, and family separation.
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission:
This organization provides information that addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation.
Ohio Military Youth and Family Events Calendar:
A listing of Ohio military youth activities and camps.
Ohio Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program:
These programs are designed to teach Ohio’s Service Members and Families to be “good fishermen” – knowledgeable, aware of resources, adaptable, and networked to succeed and grow from the experiences unique to military culture.
Military One Source:
A central hub and go-to place for the military community. Provides information about military benefits, deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement, and more.
Ohio Military Kids:
A support network for military youth who experience a loved one’s deployment. Provides recreational, social, and educational programs for military youth in civilian communities geographically dispersed throughout the state.
ODE - Supporting Ohio's Military Families
Information on a number of Ohio programs to assist military families.
American Red Cross:
Emergency communication for military families, financial assistance, referral services, deployment support and services.
Veterans Crisis Line:
Connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
March2Success:
Online study materials to help improve scores on standardized tests such as state exit exams, college entrance exams, military entrance exam (ASVAB), and others. Content includes self-paced study programs in Math, English and Science, with a focus on materials for grades 8-12.
Pets for Vets:
Pairs veterans with shelter dogs that are specially selected to match the veterans’ personality.
Our Military Kids:
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to provide support and recognition to military children. Grants pay for participation in activities that help children cope with stress and anxiety while their parents are recovering or absent.
Sesame Workshop:
Provides much-needed support and practical education through Talk, Listen, Connect, a multiphase outreach initiative to help young kids through deployments, combat-related injuries, and the death of a loved one.
Ohio Higher Education for Veterans:
Information and resources related to higher education for veterans, service members, and their families.
Ohio Means Jobs:
This site helps employers find the right employees and job seekers to find great careers.
Mesothelioma & Veterans:
Veterans account for 30% of mesothelioma claims filed annually. Veterans who served in certain military occupations between 1930 and 1980 have a high risk of developing mesothelioma because nearly every branch of the military relied on asbestos. Veterans with mesothelioma can file for VA benefits.
Disability Calculator:
This calculator provides a disability rating and estimated VA monthly payments for veterans with disabilities.