Glenkirk Elementary School recognized as military-friendly school community

The Virginia Department of Education has awarded Glenkirk Elementary School its first Virginia Purple Star Designation, recognizing the school’s efforts to support military-connected students and families and build an inclusive school community. The designation brings the total number of PWCS schools that have received a Purple Star Designation to 51. 

Matthew Meyer, Glenkirk Elementary’s principal, said the designation reflects the school’s commitment to helping military families navigate the unique challenges and transitions that come with service. “This designation is a tremendous honor for Glenkirk and a reflection of our commitment to supporting military-connected students and families,” Meyer said. 

Meyer also wants every family at Glenkirk to feel that same level of support and commitment, regardless of military status. “We want every family to feel welcomed, respected, and like they belong,” he said, adding, “My hope is that every Golden Knight and their family feels proud to be part of the Glenkirk family and the special community we have built together.” 

For students who have moved repeatedly because of military service, that welcome can make a lasting difference. Ava, a fifth grader and military-connected child, said she has lived in Hawaii, Georgia, Colorado, and Virginia. At Glenkirk, she said, students welcomed her quickly. 

“They always come and play with me,” Ava said. “I'm just surprised that they made me feel welcome, just like that.” She also praised her teacher, Miss Gillette, and other staff members for helping her adjust. “What I like most about the school is how the community goes together and how they play with each other and how they welcome people,” she said. 

Zuri, another fifth-grade military-connected student, said both of her parents served in the military. She has lived in New Mexico and England and said Glenkirk’s people and activities help students feel included. 

“I think Glenkirk makes people feel very welcome. I think it’s just like the people and the things that we do here,” Zuri said, citing the school’s No Place for Hate activities. 

Andrea Angulo, Glenkirk’s administrative assistant and registrar, is a retired U.S. Army spouse who said she was excited to help military families learn about the school community. She shared that Glenkirk has provided welcome bags and hosted events for military families while staff and students make an effort to greet newcomers and show them around. 

“I know that it was very hard for [my children] whenever they left the school that they were used to and the friends that they had,” Angulo said. “So, it's always nice when we got to the new school and they had welcoming faces, someone to show them around. And I know that the same thing happens here at Glenkirk. I've seen it already.” 

View Principal Meyer’s Purple Star Designation surprise announcement to students.