State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria recently announced the newest schools across Ohio that received the coveted Purple Star Award this school year. Dennis Elementary is one of the newest schools to be recognized as a Purple Star recipient by the Ohio Department of Education.
The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a major commitment to serving students and families connected to the United States Armed Forces. “Several of our Elementary students (2nd – 5th grade) have a family member who currently serves, or has served, in the United States Military,” said Terrah Hunter, Principal at Dennis Elementary. “Some of these students will attend six (6) to nine (9) different schools from kindergarten through high school, and our staff is looking to provide help for these students throughout their education.”
Springboro Schools’ Board of Education will be recognizing this honor at its October 27th meeting (6:00pm – Springboro High School) by reading a proclamation to various community members in attendance, including Mayor John Agenbroad and the Springboro High School Junior ROTC. “Springboro Schools recognizes that military families face unique challenges, and our district strives to do all that is possible to help our students and their families throughout the school year. We're here to help,” said Superintendent of Springboro Schools Larry Hook.
Among the requirements Dennis Elementary had to meet to receive the Purple Star Award was designating a staff member to serve as a liaison between military-connected students, their families, and the school. The liaison is to inform teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
Dennis Elementary also had to establish a webpage for military families, which provided resources necessary for attending public school. Two (2) of Springboro Schools’ other buildings, Springboro Intermediate and Five Points Elementary, plan on taking similar steps to apply for a Purple Star designation the following school year. Springboro High School, Springboro Junior High, and Clearcreek Elementary have already received the Purple Star designation from the State of Ohio.
The Purple Star Advisory Board — formed by the Ohio departments of Education, Higher Education, Veterans Services and Adjutant General — helps determine school eligibility.
“We are grateful for the individuals who serve in our nation’s armed forces, and we recognize the unique challenges students of military families face during their learning journeys. Our school communities are in a unique position to offer essential supports to ensure these students are prepared for success and their families are cared for and appreciated,” said Paolo DeMaria, State Superintendent of Instruction. “Today we recognize the schools showcasing these supports and inspiring all of us by their commitment to our military families.”
Approximately 35,000 Ohio students, including the children of active duty, reserve, and Ohio National Guard families, have one or more parents serving in the military.