The Indiana Department of Education announced that four new elementary schools in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township are among the schools receiving the 2023 Purple Star Designation, awarded for their commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to the nation’s military.
According to MSDLT, those schools are Crestview Elementary School, Mary Castle Elementary School, Oaklandon Elementary School and Sunnyside Elementary School.
Schools in Lawrence Township that renewed their designation in 2023 are Belzer Middle School, Skiles Test Elementary and Winding Ridge Elementary School.
According to the Indiana Department of Education website, the Purple Star School Designation is valid for three years.
Requirements to be considered for the Purple Star School program are:
- There is a designated staff member at the school who serves as the liaison for service members, veterans, and students and families.
- The assigned staff member has completed required grade-level training
- The school has a dedicated webpage to provide recognition and resources for service members, veterans, and students and families
- The school hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture
- The school has a display recognizing service members, veterans, and/or students and families
- The school board has approved a resolution representing school support for military students and families
- Military service members and their immediate family members who meet the minimum qualifications for job openings within the school are guaranteed a job interview
Applications to be considered for the program in 2024 are available in April. For more, visit in.gov/doe/educators/purple-star-school-applications.
