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In December 2019, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction launched the Purple Star program to recognize individual public and charter schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and their families. Schools that earn the award are identified by the Purple Star icon on their N.C. School Report Card and Purple Star banners displayed on their campuses. The award is designed to assist military families identify military friendly schools as they transition into North Carolina.
Moore County Schools has 20 schools that have been awarded the Purple Star distinction. As part of the application process, schools had to demonstrate military cultural awareness through annual professional development for all staff, support system for transitioning students, an understanding of the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunity for Military Children, and online resources for military families. Each school also had to complete an optional activity that focused on a school-wide military activity such as a Veterans Day Recognition or a Month of the Military Child event.
Rollie Sampson, MCS District Military Liaison shared, “All of our military-impacted schools qualified for the award. Compared to other school districts, we were well ahead of meeting the requirements since our schools already had systems in place such as New Student Orientations and Student 2 Student programs designed to support our military-connected students. Our goal for next school year is to have 100% of our campuses receive the award.”
The following schools received the Purple Star Award:
- Aberdeen Elementary
- Aberdeen Primary
- Cameron Elementary
- Carthage Elementary
- Community Learning Center at Pinckney
- Crain's Creek Middle
- Highfalls Elementary
- McDeeds Creek Elementary
- New Century Middle
- Pinecrest High School
- Pinehurst Elementary
- Sandhills Farm Life
- Southern Middle
- Southern Pines Elementary
- Southern Pines Primary
- Union Pines High School
- Vass-Lakeview Elementary
- West End Elementary
- West Pine Elementary
- West Pine Middle
This is the first year for the Purple Star Award Designation, which honors North Carolina schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.For more information about the Purple Star program and application process, visit NCDPI.