6 WCPSS schools receive Purple Star Award

Six WCPSS schools have received the Purple Star Award from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

NCDPI established the Purple Star Award Designation initiative in 2019 to recognize the state’s strong military presence and its support for military families. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

The WCPSS schools are:

Alston Ridge Elementary
Bugg Magnet Elementary
Fuquay-Varina Elementary
Willow Springs Elementary
Durant Road Middle
Millbrook High

Schools across the state applied for the special designation, and schools deemed as Purple Star Schools are those that completed several required activities, plus an optional activity, aimed at ensuring strong support for students of military families.

Schools earning the Purple Star Award were required to have a staff member as a designated point of contact for military students and families, a designated central administration staff member supporting the point of contact in the school and also the provision of annual professional development addressing special considerations for military students and families.

In addition, Purple Star schools provide a dedicated page on their websites for military family resources or links to the district’s webpage with military family resources as well as a transition program to support inbound and outbound military students and families, along with a checklist for their use.