In the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District, our identity is deeply rooted in strong community partnerships, civic pride, and an unwavering commitment to every student who walks through our doors. Among the most vital relationships we hold is our close connection to the men and women serving at the 185th Air Refueling Wing.
The 185th is not just a neighbor down the road; they are an essential part of the fabric of Sergeant Bluff and the greater Siouxland area. The service members stationed at the base are our neighbors, coaches, volunteers, and parents. Their children fill our classrooms, light up our school events, and enrich our school culture with resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
Why Supporting Our Military Families Matters
Military life brings unique challenges that many civilian families may never experience. Relocations, mid-year school transitions, and the emotional weight of temporary deployments or training exercises require incredible strength, not just from the service members, but from their spouses and children.
As a school district, we believe it is our civic and educational responsibility to ensure that when a service member is focused on protecting our nation, they can rest assured that their children are wrapped in support, understanding, and care at school.
To meet this commitment head-on, SBL is committed to becoming a Purple Star School, a dedicated framework recognized by the state of Iowa designed to support military-connected students.
Comprehensive Support & Dedicated Resources
Through our Purple Star Initiative, we have implemented key structural supports across our district:
Dedicated Point of Contact: Ms. Ashely Sweatt is the designated military liaison who is especially trained to assist military families during enrollment, mid-year transitions, and deployment phases.
Streamlined Academic Transitions: Proactive support to ensure credit transfers, course placement, and graduation requirements align seamlessly for incoming students.
Staff Training: This fall, certified staff learned about the challenges of military-connected students and how we can support them.
Centralized Information Hub: Families can access specialized resources, community links, and district contacts anytime on our website on the Parent Resources tab (https://www.sblschools.com/
Year-Round Activities and Engagement
Support isn't just about policies and webpages, it’s about visible community culture. Throughout the upcoming school year, SBL will host a series of intentional activities and events to celebrate, honor, and engage our military-connected families (see the website for activities).
Moving Forward Together
When SBL and the 185th Air Refueling Wing work together, our entire community grows stronger. We encourage all families, military and civilian alike, to visit our Purple Star page to learn more about these resources and find ways to get involved in upcoming community events.
Thank you to the airmen, officers, and families of the 185th for your service and for enriching the Sergeant Bluff-Luton school community every single day.
-Superintendent Janzen
Strengthen-Build-Lead