In April 2022, Bethel High School was designated as a Purple Star School by the Ohio Department of Education. The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a commitment to military-connected students and families, and is a part of the ODE's strategic plan for education, Each Child, Our Future. This plan acknowledges the importance of supporting the whole needs of children. As military-connected youth transition between school settings, it is important to support their unique needs, whether they be academic, emotional, or social.

High School Principal Barrett Swope says, "We have quite a few students here at Bethel whose families are serving, or have served in the military. We have a desire to do as much as possible to guarantee that these students have a smooth transition when they arrive at Bethel and that they have a great high school experience while they are here."

Bethel Local Schools is proud of the work being done by High School Principal Barrett Swope and Guidance Counselors Molly Weideman and Kathrine Bourelle to support our military-connected students and families!

For more information on the Purple Star Designation, and to see the list of Purple Star Schools, please visit the ODE Website.