From Stafford County Schools:
The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children has awarded Anthony Burns Elementary School 2020 Purple Star Designation. The Virginia Purple Star Designation applies to military friendly schools that demonstrate a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military.
“Many of our families have parents working not only at MCB Quantico, Fort Belvoir, and NSF Dahlgren, but also at other major installations in the National Capital Region,” said SCPS Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner. “I am proud that 11 of our schools hold Purple Star Designation, reinforcing our commitment to these military families.”
To earn Purple Star recognition, the school must have a primary point of contact who completes Interstate Compact Training, applies on behalf of the school for designation, and conducts school-wide training covering the unique needs of military learners. The school’s website must link to a division-wide page dedicated to military student and family support or maintain a special military families section that includes information for families arriving to the school, the enrollment and registration process, departing from the school, defines academic and advanced academic programs, lists graduation requirements, posts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, provides information on Special Education services and parental rights to include parental consent, and lists other matters of importance for military families.
“We are so excited about our partnership with the military,” said ABES Principal Caroline Goddard. “Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Marines from Quantico were coming into PE classes on Fridays, reading to our classes, or helping our students learn. We look forward to continuing these activities hopefully next year.”
Purple Star Designation is valid for three years. Schools must continue to demonstrate a commitment to the military community and reapply for designation.
The following Stafford County Public Schools hold Purple Star Designation: Anthony Burns, Conway, Hampton Oaks, Kate Waller Barrett, Park Ridge, Rockhill, Rocky Run, Widewater, and Winding Creek Elementary Schools, Stafford Middle School, and Colonial Forge High School.
