April is the Month of the Military Child , and Great Falls Public Schools is celebrating the hundreds of students who are children of military personnel in our community.
"Purple Up Week" is a nationwide celebration that honors military students and families. Loy Elementary School usually takes the month of April to celebrate their students, with about 96% of them being from military families at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Since students have been out of school, they had to cancel other events they normally do every year. But principal Kim Ray says that hasn’t stopped them from celebrating: “It’s different because they aren’t here. Everybody misses their students. You talk to any principal and it’s so different in the building.”
Loy teachers and staff created a slideshow for their students to say thank you and show off their purple.
Faculty will also be tying a purple ribbon on the fence at the school to honor students and families.
The Great Falls community is encouraged to join in as well to recognize military families and children the week of April 20-24th and share it on your social media or add it to GFPS Facebook Page .
Here is the schedule of activities for the week:
MONDAY: Salute our Military at 4:30 PM: listen for “Retreat” from Malmstrom or sing the National Anthem outside or in your home!
TUESDAY: Check our FB Page for photos of Military families
WEDNESDAY: Support local businesses that offer a Military discount ~ Double Barrel, Smoked BBQ, Tracy’s Diner, Great Harvest, Teriyaki Madness, Arby’s, Applebee’s & Fire Pizza
THURSDAY: Highlight teachers / staff employed by GFPS in the Military
FRIDAY: WEAR PURPLE from head to toe!
