Kentucky schools are encouraged to apply to become a Purple Star school before the application deadline next month. The program helps create supportive environments for military-connected youth and families within Kentucky schools and communities. The initiative was launched in 2022, and today, it includes over 130 schools in the Commonwealth.
Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the many hardships military-connected students face. He said the goal of the initiative is to lighten these students’ load in terms of school-related challenges.
“The Purple Star school program is designed to help teachers and staff respond to the educational and social challenges that military children face during their transition to a new school. It will help keep them on track for graduation, so they have all the resources they need to create a bright future,” said Beshear.
Matt Johnson, a Family Resource Center Coordinator in Franklin County, said the connection between military families and Westridge Elementary School students has helped the students become more active members of their community.
“We believe that our military-connected students can not only learn what it means to be a better leader and a better citizen but that they can also teach our current students what it means to be a better leader and a better citizen,” said Johnson.
Johnson credited the families involved in the program with helping to expand students’ worldviews. He said the children are learning what their place is in the world and how they can contribute to society.
To be eligible, schools must designate a Purple Star Liaison who works in the school and create a resources page on their website for military families. Other requirements include hosting at least one military recognition event and attending a training called Military Youth in Kentucky. The next round of applications closes on February 15.
The application to become a Purple Star school can be found at kypurplestar.org.