Back to School, Back to Belonging: How We Can Support Military Kids and Families This Fall

(NewsUSA) - For most kids, the back-to-school season means catching up with friends, shopping for  supplies, and falling back into familiar routines – military kids face a different reality. They’re often walking into yet another new school, in yet another new city.

Military kids typically attend 6-9 different schools before they graduate high school. Every time their parent receives orders for a change of station, the whole family is once again transplanted into a new community. And these moves aren’t from one base to another – 70% of military families live in civilian neighborhoods, not on military installations. Despite living alongside their civilian neighbors, only 39% of military families feel connected to them, according to the 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey.  

For military kids, this means the start of school can feel lonely and overwhelming, with frequent moves disrupting everything that helps kids thrive: their friendships, extracurricular activities, and academic progress. That's why the way military children are welcomed into their new schools and communities matters so much. It can make the difference between facing yet another difficult transition and a fresh start filled with exciting possibilities.  

This year, communities across the country have a chance to make that difference. The sixth annual Blue Star Welcome Week (September 27–October 5, 2025), presented by Blue Star Families, is a nationwide effort to turn the back-to-school season into a time of belonging for the 600,000 military families who move each year.

This nationwide call to action encourages neighbors, schools, and local businesses to create meaningful connections with the military families in their neighborhoods. 

“Imagine you are a military kid on your sixth move, gearing up for your seventh new school – it’s tough,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet of Blue Star Families. “That’s one reason we developed Blue Star Welcome Week – to help schools, libraries, businesses, and neighbors ease the way for these kids and their families. It takes a village to support our military families, and Welcome Week is an easy and fun way for anyone to do their part. Help us welcome military families to your neighborhood and build a stronger, more united America at the same time!”

Here are five simple ways Blue Star Families encourages you to  Do Your Part to welcome military families and help kids feel at home in your community during Welcome Week and beyond:

• Welcome Military Kids. Meeting classmates, exploring new places, and joining community activities helps them feel they belong. With free access to parks and cultural attractions through Blue Star Outdoors  and Blue Star Museums, you can turn small gestures like an invitation or shared meal into lasting connections.
• Attend or Host a Community Gathering.Organize or join a neighborhood coffee, block party, outdoor movie, or potluck to help military families meet new neighbors and begin building local connections.
• Support Military Spouses and Parents.Consider hiring a military spouse, connect them to professional networks, or volunteer at a military-impacted school to bridge the military-civilian divide.
• Learn About Military Families’ Lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey shows that frequent relocations often create significant financial strain, with many families taking months – or even longer – to recover from the costs of a move. Taking time to understand these challenges is the first step toward meaningful support and building stronger, more connected communities. 
• Every Little Bit Helps. Make a gift to Blue Star Families to strengthen programs that connect, support, and empower military families. Your donation can fuel initiatives and research that drive lasting change – ensuring families feel a true sense of belonging in their communities.

Blue Star Welcome Week is more than an event – it’s a movement to ensure every military child and family feels valued, supported, and truly at home.

Join the movement September 27–October 5, 2025. Learn more at bluestarwelcomeweek.org.