Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Arkansas Purple Star School Award

Memo Information

Memo Number
COM-22-018
Memo Date
7/26/2021
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Communications
Regulatory Authority
None
Response Required
NO
Attention
Superintendents; Assistant Superintendent; Principals; School Counselors

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

Memo Text

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.

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