The
Purple
Star
Designation
is
awarded
to
military-friendly
schools
that
have
demonstrated
major
commitment
to
students
and
families
connected
to
our
nation's
military.
This
year,
the
Virginia
Department
of
Education
(VDOE)
and
the
Virginia
Council
on
the
Interstate
Compact
on
the
Educational
Opportunity
of
Military
Children
(The
Council)
recognized
four
Prince
William
County
Public
Schools
as
2021
Purple
Star
schools.
The
four
schools
receiving
this
designation
are
Ashland
and
Tyler
Elementary
Schools,
Parkside
Middle
School
and
Porter
Traditional
School.
These
four
schools
join
a
group
of
schools
in
PWCS
that
have
previously
earned
the
Purple
Star
designation.
View
the
list
of
PWCS
Purple
Star
schools.Ashland Elementary, Parkside Middle, and Porter Traditional have the unique distinction of being the first three schools in the Division to receive the award for the second time since the program's inception in Virginia in 2018-19.
Anna Houseworth, principal at Ashland Elementary is proud of everything the school is doing to help ensure military students stay connected to their families, even when deployed, on temporary duty travel, or on a permanent change of station. "Our entire Ashland staff goes above and beyond to ensure our military children and families feel connected and supported. I am proud to serve such a dedicated group of teachers and staff who always go the extra mile to make a positive impact on our children's lives."
This sentiment is echoed by fellow principal, Kaitlyn Engelmeier-Foor on Porter Traditional's accomplishment of receiving the Purple Star designation for the second time. "We are so proud of our military students and families and are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to have the best educational experience!"
Dan Dunham, military student and family specialist for the VDOE applauded each school for their "continued commitment in supporting military connected students and their families."