The Arkansas Purple Star School award recognizes schools at
the campus level that have gone the extra mile to create a school climate
supportive of children of military families.
The program is operated by the Arkansas Council for Military Children.
Purple Star awardees receive a special Purple Star
recognition banner to display in their building and are recognized on the
Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
website.
HOW TO QUALIFY
Schools must fulfill all the required activities, plus one
optional activity, listed below.
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
1. The school must designate a School Military Education
Liaison (SMEC) to serve as a point of contact for military-connected students
and families. The SMEC serves as the primary liaison between them and the
school. The SMEC could be a counselor, administrator, teacher or another staff
member;
2. The SMEC completes training on special considerations for
military-connected students and families similar to training provided for
District Military Education Coordinators under ACA 6-4-309. The SMEC may register for the professional
development at this link: Register for District Military Education Coordinator Training;
3. The SMEC identifies and informs teachers of the
military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations
military-connected students and families should receive;
4. The district school board passes a resolution of the
school or district’s support for military-connected students and families. A sample school board resolution is attached
to this memo; and
5. The school keeps a dedicated page on its website
featuring resources for military families.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. The SMEC coordinates professional development on
federally identified special considerations for military-connected students and
families in the areas of a) records and enrollment, b) placement and
attendance, c) eligibility, and d) graduation; or
2. The SMEC coordinates awareness training for
military-connected family members; or
3. The school hosts a military recognition event to
demonstrate a military-friendly culture at the school.
HOW TO APPLY
Application is made online at this link Purple Star School Application Form: Applications may be submitted at any time
Applications will be reviewed by the Arkansas Council of the Military
Interstate Children’s Compact Commission during the next meeting of the
Council.
RECOGNITION
Schools to be awarded Purple Star status will be
announced within thirty (30) days following approval by the Council. Each
school awarded the distinction of Purple Star School will receive a banner to
display on campus. A list of current Purple Star Schools will be posted on the
Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
website.
RENEWAL
Each Purple Star school holds its designation as
long as it continues to meet the requirements stated above. The SMEC shall
submit a letter or e-mail verifying compliance to the Council chair annually by
September 1.
DISTRICT RECOGNITION
Public school districts in which all
schools have achieved the Arkansas Purple Star School award shall be designated
as Purple Star Districts and may use this designation on their websites.