Empowering Military Families: The Rise of Purple Star Schools in Fort Worth

In a commendable initiative to support military families, principals Krystle Green and Jenn Stark have taken significant steps to ensure that their schools within Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD are centered around the unique needs of military-connected families. With a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, these educators are transforming their campuses into havens of support and understanding.

The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD has recently celebrated the achievement of four campuses, including Green's Chisholm Ridge Elementary and Stark's Creekview Middle School, by earning the prestigious Purple Star designation from the Texas Education Agency for the 2024-25 school year. This designation recognizes schools that actively demonstrate their commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.

What Makes a School a Purple Star Campus?

The Purple Star designation is not merely a badge of honor; it signifies a school’s dedication to addressing the distinct challenges faced by military families. To qualify, campuses must meet specific criteria, including:

• Show support for military-connected students and families, including partnerships with liaisons to assist active-duty military members.
• Designate a campus-based military liaison.
• Provide a dedicated webpage with essential information for military-connected students and their families.
• Establish a campus transition program to help introduce new students to the school environment, including hosting events and tours.

At Chisholm Ridge Elementary, Principal Green has initiated training programs for teachers to cultivate a school culture that fosters belonging among students. This focus is especially crucial for military-connected students, who often face challenges in adapting to new environments.

In addition to enhancing teacher training, the school has implemented a mentorship program that pairs newcomers with peers from military families who are already established within the school. Green emphasizes that building relationships is key to helping these students feel welcomed and valued.

Addressing Middle School Challenges

The transition to middle school can present unique hurdles for military-connected students, as noted by Principal Stark. These students often arrive mid-year, missing out on extracurricular activities and sports tryouts. Rather than turning them away, Stark ensures they have opportunities to participate, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encourages engagement.

Middle school also serves as a crucial time for students to explore potential career pathways, including military careers. Stark believes it’s essential for students to gain a realistic understanding of what a military career entails, moving beyond the simplistic notions often held during childhood.

A Vision for the Future

With a strategic goal of having all 29 schools in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD achieve the Purple Star designation, the district is particularly well-situated due to its proximity to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. This alignment with the military community reinforces the school district's commitment to serving those who serve our country.

John Fahey, the district’s director of college, career, and military readiness, describes the Purple Star designation as a guiding light for the community, stating, “It would be an injustice if we weren’t serving our military families like we could.”

List of Purple Star Schools in Fort Worth

The following are the Purple Star schools in the Fort Worth area:

• Boswell High School, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
• Chisholm Ridge Elementary, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
• Creekview Middle School, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
• Wayside Middle School, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
• Burton Hill Elementary, Fort Worth ISD

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring military families feel supported and valued within the educational system, paving the way for a brighter future.

What do you think?

• Should more schools pursue the Purple Star designation to better support military families?
• Do you think the efforts of these schools are enough to meet the needs of military-connected students?
• What additional measures could schools implement to improve inclusion for all students?
• How can communities better support transitioning military families beyond the school system?