Monthly Lunch Bunch Meetings: we still meet monthly as our Military Lunch Bunch. For the first two years we were able to meet, share a meal and do some fun activity. There were many times when the kids just wanted to discuss what was going on in their lives and compare stories or experiences. The kids are really a support group for one another. Unfortunately, last year during the shut down due to the COVID19 Pandemic, we were unable to meet in person. When our district moved to remote learning, our Military Lunch Bunch moved to zoom meetings. We still met monthly and were able to share stories, experiences and the kids were able to be there for each other. Some activities our group was able to complete while in person were:

• Seasonal decorations for the dining facility at the 179th Airlift Wing.

• Letters or packages sent to deployed family members

• Planning Veteran’s Day activities

Month of the Military Child: At our school we celebrate our military connected youth during April, Month of the Military Child. During the month, we have “meet the military family morning shout out” on the morning announcement. This is when the students get to talk over the announcements and tell what their favorite thing about being a military kid is. Another thing our school does well is supporting families when loved ones are deployed by wearing red on Fridays during their deployment.Currently, our building has been wearing red since the beginning of March. Our school also takes part in the Statewide MOTMC Spirit Week and this year we are excited to be able to do it during in-person learning!

Community Connections: In the year 2019 our military connected youth wanted to have more of a presence in our community and our group thought it would be great to start walking in the 4th of July Parade. Bellville's Purple Star families walked in the parade wearing their Purple Star shirts and waving their American flags. That was the same year that two of the dads from our group did a fly over in C130s out of the 179th Airlift Wing. We are already planning for the 2021, 4th of July Parade now that we will get to celebrate again together in our Village.

Veteran's Celebrations: In the past few years our school has been able to host Veteran's Breakfast in a way to serve and thank of local Veterans. Our students have enjoyed the opportunity to read, share poems, sing songs and just show our support and gratitude. In 2020, with the COVID19 Pandemic, we had to switch up our plans and find a new way to thank our Veterans. In a collaborative effort between all four Clear Fork buildings along with the Bellville Sons of the American Legion Post #535 we were able to schedule a full drive through Veteran's Parade! The Veterans stayed safely in their cars as they drove through the route while being thanked by signs, songs waves and many smiling faces! Our hope it to start our Veteran's Breakfasts once it is safe again. Until then, our Veteran's Parades will be GREAT!