Staff members at Papillion La Vista South High School dedicated a portion of their professional development day to strengthening their capacity to support military-connected students and families, a significant demographic within the district's educational community given the school's proximity to military installations in the region. The professional development session featured Board Member Skip Bailey, who brought a uniquely valuable perspective by sharing his personal experiences as both a military parent and an education advocate.

The timing of this professional development aligns with the beginning of April's Month of the Military Child, a nationally recognized observance dedicated to highlighting the important role military children play in the armed forces community and the challenges they overcome. Throughout April, schools across the Papillion La Vista Community Schools district will host various activities and educational programs celebrating military-connected students and raising awareness about their experiences.

Papillion La Vista South High School's commitment to supporting military families has been formally recognized through its designation as a Purple Star School, a distinction it first received in 2021. This designation acknowledges schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military through specific actions, policies, and procedures designed to address their unique needs. All schools within Papillion La Vista Community Schools now hold this important designation.

Bailey's presentation carries particular credibility given his extensive military background. Currently serving as the Flight Training Coordinator for the Aviation Institute at University of Nebraska at Omaha, he previously completed a distinguished 25-year career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May 2016. His service included logging over 5,200 flight hours in various aircraft including the KC-135, EC-135, KC-10, and E-4B.