Jefferson City News

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Missouri Purple Star designation. This recognition is part of a statewide program aimed at honoring school districts and individual schools that support military families.

The designated school districts for 2024 are Crocker R-II School District and Warren Co. R-III School District. Additionally, nine schools have been recognized: Black Hawk Middle School, Blair Oaks Middle School, Daniel Boone Elementary School, Rebecca Boone Elementary School, Eureka Senior High School, Hopewell Academy Early Childhood Center, Smith-Cotton High School, Warrenton High School, and Warrior Ridge Elementary School.

Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven commented on the significance of this initiative: “This program is just one way to reiterate our state’s commitment to our service members. As we kick off April as the Month of the Military Child, it is an honor to award these Purple Star designations. Each of the schools and districts works to support service members and their families in their local community, while also ensuring military children are prepared for success later in life.”

Those awarded with the Purple Star designation will be recognized at an event on April 2, 2024. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda and is hosted by the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission along with DESE.

The Purple Star designation acknowledges military-friendly local education agencies (LEAs) that show significant dedication to students and families associated with active duty personnel, National Guard or Reserve members, and military veterans. Schools earning this distinction will receive a special recognition to display both onsite and on their websites.

Further details about the criteria for obtaining this designation can be found on DESE’s Missouri Purple Star Schools webpage.