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National Veterans and Military Families Month Recognized by INGAS

Community & Social
Military woman hugging a little girl

National Veterans and Military Families Month serves as a reminder that the strength of our military is not only built on the courage of those who serve but on the unwavering support and dedication of their families. It is a time for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by military families and the crucial role they play in the defense of our nation.

Military families face unique challenges—such as frequent relocations, the stress of deployments and the need for a strong, supportive community. These families not only cope with the absence of a loved one during deployments but face the emotional, physical and financial stressors that come with military life. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the organizations, schools and programs working to offer resources and assistance to help these families navigate their circumstances.

As a community, we come together to show appreciation for their sacrifices and ensure that military families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Whether through education, healthcare, mental health services or simply offering a helping hand, it’s crucial that we reflect on how we can do more to meet their needs.

Making a Difference for Military Families and Veterans

Organizations such as the Indiana Gateway Alternative School (INGAS) are making a significant impact by offering an essential resource for students in military families who are working to recover credits and earn their high school diplomas. As an online institution powered by K12, INGAS is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who face frequent relocations due to military commitments.

Alternative schools focus on offering alternative schedules and smaller class sizes to accommodate students’ varying needs. The flexible online learning model allows students to continue their education seamlessly, no matter where their family is stationed, ensuring that they stay on track toward graduation despite the challenges posed by frequent moves, unpredictable schedules and other disruptions.

The online format of INGAS offers a consistent curriculum that meets state educational standards, where students receive a high-quality education that is personalized to their individual learning needs. This approach helps military-connected students stay focused on earning their diplomas, regardless of the obstacles they face, and provides them with the necessary support to move forward in life—whether they’re pursuing higher education, entering the workforce or taking the next step in their career journey.

To further support military families, INGAS offers dedicated services that help students and parents navigate the challenges of credit recovery and diploma completion. Students connect with other military families and Learning Coaches around the country for advice, inspiration and support in a secure online environment. This support structure helps students feel connected to a school community that understands their experiences, while also fostering a sense of belonging and stability.

By offering these resources, INGAS ensures that military families have the tools and support they need to successfully recover credits and earn their diplomas, paving the way for future success.

National Veterans and Military Families Month Support in Real Life

By participating in National Veterans and Military Families Month, INGAS not only honors the contributions of service members and their families but also plays an active role in supporting their well-being in earning a diploma or credit recovery. Through flexible educational solutions and dedicated resources, INGAS helps ensure that military children receive the quality education they deserve. This commitment empowers students to succeed both academically and personally, providing the stability and support they need to overcome the challenges of military life.

“At INGAS, we balance two incredibly important concepts as we strive to bring our students across the finish line and earn a High School Diploma,” said Luke Grim, 1SG (p), US Army, retired, Assistant Principal, Indiana Gateway Alternative School. “First, we value hard work and achievement. As our students complete our courses, their confidence grows and they turn the idea of motivation (like all emotions, this goes up and down) into discipline (doing what has to be done, even when not desirable). Second, we understand that many challenges brought our students to us. Instead of focusing on the past, we aim to provide grace and options to remind our students they are worth our time, and we can truly achieve incredible things when just given the opportunity. Hard work and merit, when paired with opportunity, continue to yield incredible results at INGAS!”

As we celebrate this month, it’s essential to recognize the important role that educational institutions such as INGAS play in supporting our military families, providing them a supportive environment with the stability and resources they need to succeed at their own pace.

Alternative schools focus on offering alternative schedules and smaller class sizes to accommodate students’ varying needs. INGAS offers individualized learning plans and access to licensed Indiana teachers, ensuring that each student receives the attention and support they need. In addition, INGAS supports online engagement activities, including school art competitions, STEM events, student associations and online clubs to unite students as they unwind, have fun and explore shared passions.

About Indiana Gateway Alternative School

INGAS is a statewide virtual school program that uses innovative technology and a rich curriculum from K12. INGAS virtual academy has designed educational supports that both enhance the learning experience and provide each student with strategies and techniques to help meet their unique needs including credit recovery and a diploma.

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