Military Connection

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Military Connection

Supporting Military-Connected Students & Families

Who Are Military-Connected Youth?

Military-Connected Youth are students who have an immediate family member currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces — including Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve components. These students are part of our school community, though many do not self-identify as military-connected.

Why Identification Matters

Supporting Military-Connected Youth starts with knowing who they are. Families may not always realize there are programs and services available to support their child’s academic, social, and emotional well-being. Rocky River City Schools may identify Military-Connected Youth through:

  • Enrollment forms or surveys

  • Emergency Medical Forms

  • Participation in Veterans Day and other school activities

  • Clubs, class meetings, newsletters, and school announcements

Unique Needs of Military-Connected Students

Students with military families may face:

  • Frequent school moves (active-duty families often change schools 6–9 times during K–12)

  • A parent or guardian deployed or away for long periods

  • Missing important family milestones or events

  • Social and emotional challenges related to military life

Rocky River City Schools is committed to supporting these students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them feel connected to their school community.

  • Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission — Benefits, emergency financial assistance, advocacy for veterans and dependents
    cuyahogavets.org | Phone: 216-698-2600

  • Help2Veterans (United Way of Greater Cleveland) — Referrals for employment, housing, utilities, legal support, and family assistance
    unitedwaycleveland.org

  • FrontLine Service – Supportive Services for Veteran Families — Assistance for families at risk of homelessness or with other urgent needs
    frontlineservice.org

  • Tri-C Veterans and Military-Connected Services — Education support, scholarships, and resources for students and family members
    tri-c.edu

  • NAMI Greater Cleveland – Military Family Support — Peer-led support groups and educational programs for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families
    namigreatercleveland.org

Military Family Liaison

Beach School: 
Brian Smith
440-356-6000

Goldwood Primary School
Erin Pontikos
440-356-6720

Kensington Intermediate School
Scott Raiff
440-356-6770

Rocky River Middle School
Ben Purdy
440-356-6870

Rocky River High School
Michael Millard
440-356-6800
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