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Purple Star School Program

The Purple Star program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and personal challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready. To learn more about the ongoing impact of the Purple Star program, click here.


Why should my school seek designation?

2020 Columbia University/MCEC study found that the Purple Star designation can help schools by:


Designation Guide

Below are the requirements and recommendations for Components.

Requirement:

The role serves in the following:

  • Identifying military-connected students enrolled on campus
     
  • Serving as the point of contact between the campus and military-connected students and their families
     
  • Determining appropriate campus service available to military-connected students
     
  • Assisting in coordinating campus programs relevant to military-connected students

Recommendations:

The best liaisons:

  • Are trained in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
     
  • Have a passion for and knowledge about the military lifestyle
     
  • Have time to commit to the position
     
  • Are accessible to families 12 months of the year

Requirement:

Website must include the following information:

  • Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at and transferring records to the campus
     
  • Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available on the campus
     
  • Counseling and other support services are available for military-connected students enrolled at the campus
     
  • The military liaison and his or her duties

Recommendations:

Solicit family feedback to determine which resources are most relevant for inclusion

  • Set routines that prompt regular updates to the page
     
  • Leverage and link to social media channels on your page
     
  • For detailed guidance on resources to include, access the CPRL/MCES Report

Requirement:

Transition program led by students when appropriate.

New student transition programs help incoming students acclimate to their new campus and community, spurring ongoing connections in the school.

Recommendations:

Keep programming simple and empower students to guide activities.

  • Train Student Ambassadors
     
  • Encourage ongoing relationships between students
     
  • Find ways to involve parents

Requirement:

Professional development for all staff helps familiarize administrators and faculty with the Compact, cultivates awareness of and empathy for military-connected students and equips staff to support families and students.

Recommendations:

  • Train all staff and faculty annually, especially if there is high turnover at the school
     
  • Customize training content for the military populations in your areas

Requirement:

1. A resolution showing support for military-connected students and their families

2. Recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant events hosted by the campus

3. A partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer at the campus, speak at an assembly or host a field trip.

Recommendations:

Recognize all members of the community - not only active-duty personnel but also reserve personnel, veterans military-connected students, and spouses.


How Does My School Apply?

Application Timeline

  • Fall 2024: August 1 - September 30 
  • Spring 2025: January 1 - February 28

Application Information

To receive an application or additional support, please email Christi Sturgeon, Comprehensive School Counseling Program Manager for the Office of Student Development: christi.sturgeon@sde.ok.gov

Districts that meet the necessary criteria and are ready to apply can submit applications during the phase one time window. Districts that need additional time to ensure their programming aligns with the necessary criteria can submit applications during the phase two time window.


Oklahoma Purple Star Honorees

  • Altus Public Schools
  • Cache Public Schools
  • Enid Public Schools
  • Lawton Public Schools
  • Mid-Del Public Schools
  • Tipton Public Schools
  • Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
  • Bishop Public Schools
  • Oklahoma Connections Academy
  • Epic Charter Schools
  • Navajo Public Schools
  • Chisolm Public Schools
Last Modified on Feb 21, 2025
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