Ten Prince William schools designated Purple Star Schools

The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children are recognizing ten Prince William County Schools among 123 schools designated as “Purple Star” schools. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.

Prince William schools recognized were: Alexander Henderson Elementary, Forest Park High, Frannie W. Fitzgerald Elementary, Gainesville Middle School for the Arts & Sciences, John F. Pattie Elementary, Kyle R. Wilson Elementary, Louise A. Benton Middle, Parkside Middle, Springwoods Elementary and Woodbridge Senior High

To qualify for a Purple Star, schools must have a staff member designated as the point of contact for military students and families. The point of contact serves as the primary link between the military family and the school. Schools must also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of military students by providing resources and programming on issues important to military families, such as academic planning and transitions between schools, districts and states.

“Anticipating and preparing to meet the unique needs of military-connected students should be part of every school’s plan to provide equitable instructional and support services to all students,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “I congratulate all of these schools for the support they provide for Virginia’s military students and their families.”