Indiana Department of Education awards Heights elementary & middle schools with ‘Purple Star’ status

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced last week newly designated and/or redesignated Purple Star schools.

These schools are awarded for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans, and students and families connected to our nation’s military. Hamilton Heights Elementary School and Hamilton Heights Middle School have been designated as Indiana Purple Star Schools.

This designation lets military parents know, whether they are on Active Duty, in the National Guard, Reserves, or no longer actively serving, that a school is dedicated to helping their child gain the educational skills necessary to be college-, work- and life-ready. It additionally indicates that a school supports the social and emotional wellbeing of military kids adjusting to new schools and the absence of a parent during deployment.

Hamilton Heights Elementary and Middle schools met the identified criteria through their outstanding commitment to supporting military-connected students and families through dedicated programs, resources, and initiatives.

Schools receiving the Purple Star designation must meet the following criteria:

• Have an assigned point of contact for military families
• Meet all grade-level training requirements for point of contact
• Have a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans and students and families
• Host an annual military program (e.g., Veterans Day, 9/11, etc.)
• Have a public military display recognizing service members
• Submit a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families
• Ensure military service members and their immediate family members meeting minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview.

“HHES is honored to be awarded this special recognition for our efforts to honor our local veterans through a variety of programs and activities; from our Veterans Day program and veteran readers for younger students, to K-Kids serving at the local Veterans Day breakfast and special projects supporting Honor Flights,” said Special Education Teacher Tracy Zachary, who helped lead the charge toward the designation. “As a school we are proud to provide our younger students with meaningful experiences. These events teach the importance of service and help students understand what it truly means to be a hero. We are truly blessed for the partnership our school has with our veterans in the Heights community.”

Schools that earn this designation are awarded for a period of three years. More information can be found at in.gov/doe/educators/purple-star-school-applications.