At a ceremony held at the on Friday , May 9, at the NC National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, 453 North Carolina public schools were recognized as Purple Star Award recipients, marking an increase of 59 schools from last year. In total, 31 districts across the state received the distinction, with 65 schools honored for the first time.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction established the Purple Star Award Designation in 2019 to acknowledge schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Clement Elementary, Midway Middle and Midway High schools received the Purple Star designation this year. Sampson County Schools was also named a Purple Star district.
“The district is proud to support this initiative as a way to honor the schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and show commitment to military students and families,” said Sampson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jamie King.
To earn the Purple Star designation, schools must complete several required activities, including:
Appointing a staff member as a designated point of contact for military students and families.
Assigning a central office staff member to support the school-based contact.
Providing annual professional development for staff on the unique needs of military students and families.
Offering a dedicated webpage with resources for military families or linking to the district’s military family resources.
Implementing a transition program and checklist to support students and families as they move in or out of the school due to military assignments.
Schools may also complete an optional activity to further demonstrate their commitment. Awarded schools display the Purple Star icon on their premises and on the North Carolina School Report Card.
The Purple Star initiative reflects North Carolina’s recognition of its strong military presence and ongoing support for military families in the state.
