DENVER ~ In a special ceremony held on Thursday, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova and Governor Jared Polis recognized 27 schools from eight school districts and the Charter School Institute with the state's first-ever Purple Star School designation. This prestigious award acknowledges the efforts of these schools in supporting military-connected students and their families.

Governor Polis expressed his pride in Colorado's strong military and veteran community, stating that it is only fitting for schools to be recognized for their dedication to supporting military families and their children. He also commended the awarded schools for setting an example for the rest of the state.

Joining Commissioner Córdova and Governor Polis at the ceremony were members of the State Board of Education, representatives from the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, and military school liaisons from the United States Army, Air Force, and Space Force.

Commissioner Córdova emphasized the sacrifices made by military families in service to their country. She acknowledged that frequent moves and long separations from loved ones can present unique challenges for military-connected students. The Purple Star Schools being honored have gone above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging regardless of where their family is stationed.

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The Purple Star Program was created through House Bill 24-1076, signed into law by Governor Polis last spring. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Bob Marshall (D-Douglas County) and Mike Weissman (D-Adams/Araphaoe) as well as Sens. Rhonda Fields (D-Adams/Arapahoe) and Bob Gardner (R-El Paso/Teller). Its purpose is to recognize schools that assist military-connected students in navigating academic and social-emotional challenges that come with frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adjusting to new school communities.

To receive the Purple Star designation, schools must meet specific criteria, including offering dedicated programs and resources for military-connected students and their families. More information about the Purple Star Program can be found on the Colorado Department of Education's website.

The following schools were awarded the Purple Star designation:

- Douglass Valley Elementary School, Eagleview Middle School, and Ranch Creek Elementary School from Academy School District 20

- Edna and John Mosley P-8 School from Aurora Public Schools

- Jenkins Middle School James, Irwin Elementary School - Howard, and McAuliffe Elementary School from Colorado Springs School District 11

- Colorado Military Academy from Charter School Institute

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- Bennett Ranch Elementary School and Falcon Middle School from District 49

- Ellicott Elementary School from Ellicott School District 22

- Abrams Elementary School, Aragon Elementary School, Eagleside Elementary School, Jordahl Elementary School, Mesa Elementary School, Mountainside Elementary School, Patriot Elementary School, Weikel Elementary School, Welte Education Center, Carson Middle School, Fountain Middle school, and Fountain-Fort Carson High school from Fountain-Fort Carson school district 8

- James Irwin Charter Middle school and James Irwin elementary school-Astrozon from Harrison school district 2

- Grand Mountain school and Widefield High school from Widefield school district 3

The Colorado Department of Education's vision is to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado thrive. Their role is to improve student outcomes and ensure that all students and families in Colorado have access to high-quality schools by serving, guiding, and elevating the state's 178 school districts and BOCES.

In conclusion, the Purple Star Schools being honored have shown exceptional dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed as they set an example for other schools in the state to follow. The Colorado Department of Education continues to strive towards creating a more equitable education system for all students in the state.

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