Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Stephanie Siddens recently announced the newest schools across Ohio that received the coveted Purple Star Award this school year. Five Points Elementary is one of the newest schools to be recognized as a Purple Star recipient by the Ohio Department of Education.
The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a major commitment to serving students and families connected to the United States Armed Forces. “Becoming a Purple Star school was important to us because it is one more way that we can support our military-connected students, both in and outside of the classroom, from a social-emotional perspective,” said Alisha Jung, Principal at Five Points Elementary. “Our Ohio military families make so many sacrifices, so it is another way for us to recognize these families and provide as much support as possible to military children that transition into our school."
Springboro Schools’ Board of Education will be recognizing this honor at its April 27th meeting (6:00pm – Springboro High School) by reading a proclamation to various community members in attendance, including Mayor John Agenbroad and the Springboro High School Junior ROTC. “Springboro Schools recognizes that military families face unique challenges, and our district strives to do all that is possible to help our students and their families throughout the school year. We're here to help,” said Superintendent of Springboro Schools Larry Hook.
Among the requirements Five Points Elementary had to meet to receive the Purple Star Award was designating a staff member to serve as a liaison between military-connected students, their families, and the school. The liaison is to inform teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
Five Points Elementary also had to establish a webpage for military families, which provided resources necessary for attending public school. Springboro High School, Springboro Junior High, Dennis Elementary, and Clearcreek Elementary have already received the Purple Star designation from the State of Ohio. Springboro Intermediate plans on taking similar steps to apply for a Purple Star designation the following school year.
The Purple Star Advisory Board — formed by the Ohio departments of Education, Higher Education, Veterans Services and Adjutant General — helps determine school eligibility.
“Congratulations on earning the Purple Star designation and thank you for your continuous support of Ohio’s families,” said Dr. Stephanie Siddens, Interim State Superintendent of Instruction. “I applaud and appreciate your commitment to serving military-connected students and families.”
Approximately 35,000 Ohio students, including the children of active duty, reserve, and Ohio National Guard families, have one or more parents serving in the military.
Original source can be found here.
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