Purple Star Schools Program | Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Welcome

Greetings parents, educators, and school leaders! Welcome to Utah's Purple Star Schools program which recognizes and supports the unique challenges of military families and their children. The Purple Star designation distinguishes Utah schools that create welcoming and supportive environments to ease these transitions for military students. These schools commit to providing resources, programs, and a culture of understanding to address the specific needs of military-connected children, ensuring a smoother and more positive educational experience.

Whether you are a parent seeking a supportive school for your child, a teacher looking for best practices in serving military students, or a school leader aiming to enhance your school's support systems, this page provides valuable information and resources.

Thank you for your dedication to the well-being and academic success of our military-connected students – your partnership is invaluable.

About Purple Star Schools

The Purple Star Schools program is a nationwide initiative dedicated to supporting military-connected children as they transition between schools due to their parents' military service. Recognizing the unique challenges these students encounter, such as frequent relocations, diverse academic standards, and the social-emotional adjustments of new environments, the program designates and supports schools demonstrating a strong commitment to military families. These designated schools enact specific practices and programs to simplify transitions, provide academic assistance, and cultivate a sense of belonging. The ultimate aim is to ensure these mobile students maintain academic progress and receive robust social and emotional support throughout their education.

The Utah State Board of Education oversees the designation of Purple Star Schools within the state, while the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs actively champions and supports this vital program. Further strengthening its commitment, Utah has adopted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This underscores the state's dedication to providing consistent and seamless educational experiences for military students transferring into or out of Utah.

Through the Purple Star Schools program and its adoption of the Interstate Compact, Utah strives to establish a welcoming and supportive educational landscape for military-connected children. By recognizing and supporting schools that go above and beyond, the state ensures that military families arriving in Utah find schools prepared to understand and address the specific challenges their children may face. This commitment not only champions the well-being and academic success of these students but also reinforces the valuable connection between Utah's communities and the military families who contribute so much to our nation.

Utah’s Purple Star Schools:

Apply to become a PSS

To apply to become a Purple Star School in Utah, schools should follow these steps:

1. Review the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the criteria outlined by the Utah State Board of Education. These generally include:

- Designating a staff point of contact for military students and families.
- Maintaining a dedicated page on the school website with information and resources for military families.
- Establishing a student-led transition program to help new military-connected students integrate.
- Providing training for staff on the unique needs of military students and their families.
- Meeting at least one additional criterion, such as:
  - Partnering with a school liaison officer from a nearby military installation.
  - Holding a school-wide military recognition event.
  - Passing a resolution by the school's governing board publicizing support for military students and families.

2. Complete the Application: Fill out the official Purple Star Designation online application form provided by the Utah State Board of Education during the application window (February 1 to March 31st each year).

3. Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect any evidence or documentation that supports your school's efforts in meeting the Purple Star School criteria. This might include website links, descriptions of programs, professional development records, or a copy of the school board resolution. Please submit pictures or other evidence your school's activities in support of military families to [email protected]

Apply for PSS Designation

Upon submitting your application to become a Purple Star School, the Utah State Board of Education will reach out to confirm receipt and begin the review process. The Board will notify you of your application's approval or provide assistance and guidance for any questions or needed adjustments.

Once a school has been awarded the Utah Purple Star School designation, an annual report is required to be submitted. The report is a simple one-page document that asks about key conditions of being a designated school:

Who is the primary contact for military families, including their contact information?
The school’s military family website.
If the school has maintained an active student-led transition program.
The date of the school’s last staff training on the rights and needs of military children.
The date of the school’s last recognition event.
If a military-affiliated event was not held in the last year, how did the school meet the requirements of the Board Rule R277-929-4(4)(e)?

Renew PSS

Maintaining your Purple Star School designation in Utah is an annual process that allows your school to continue its recognized commitment to military-connected students. Each year, designated schools will need to reaffirm their ongoing support by submitting an annual report to the Utah State Board of Education. Annual reports are submitted via an online form and supporting documentation can be sent to [email protected].

Renew Purple Star School Designation - Annual Report

Student & Parent Resources

The Utah Military Support Teams (MSTs) are dedicated to supporting military-connected students and their families throughout Utah. These teams provide crucial assistance to help students navigate the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent relocations, academic disruptions, and social adjustments.

MST professionals serve as frontline advocates, offering new student orientation, resource facilitation, beneficial intervention, support, and advocacy. They also work to strengthen partnerships between local schools and military installations and provide training to school staff on military culture and programs like the Purple Star Program.

Initially established in the Davis County School District, the success of their MST program led to expanded funding in 2024 to include Ogden, Weber, and Tooele County School Districts, ensuring broader support for military-connected children across the region. The MSTs aim to build stronger foundations for military youth, one move at a time. Connect with the various teams through their district websites.

Davis School District – https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/o/dsd/page/military-support-team

Weber School District – https://sites.google.com/wsd.net/militaryfamilysupport/home

Ogden School District – https://www.ogdensd.org/page/purple-star-schools-for-military-families

Tooele (Dugway) School District - https://dugwayschools.tooeleschools.org/parents/purple-star-information-for-military-families

School Liaison (SLs) are the primary point of contact for all PreK-12 engagements, challenges/concerns, and education programming components, including special education, state-level representation, and education community partnerships. School Liaisons form a Joint Service network to help you connect to services within your specific location. This ensures that all military-connected families are in contact with subject matter experts from their unique areas.

They serve Department of Defense (DoD) Total Force members, including DoD Civilians, Retirees, Guard/Reserve, and eligible family members, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Public Health Service, foreign national employees, and contractors assigned to a Department of the Air Force installation.

Utah Liaison Experts
- Janet Seachris
  DSN: 775-5959 COMM: (801) 775-5959
  CELL: (801) 674-4751
  [email protected]
- Matthew Mason
  DSN: 775-5960
  COMM: (801) 775-5960
  [email protected]
- School Liaison Program Manager
  5837 D Avenue
  Military & Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 150
  Hill AFB, UT 84056
  [email protected]
  https://dafchildandyouth.com/school-liaison-program/

This section of the U.S. Department of Education website serves as a comprehensive hub for educational resources, programs, and initiatives specifically designed to support military families and veterans. It provides information on financial aid, school transitions, higher education opportunities, and other crucial topics to ensure military-connected individuals can achieve their academic and career goals. https://www.ed.gov/veterans-and-military-families

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that offers a wide array of free resources and support to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members, their families, and survivors. It provides confidential non-medical counseling, financial and legal assistance, tax services, and information on relocation, education, and health and wellness to enhance their quality of life. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

MFLCs, accessible through Military OneSource, provide confidential, short-term, non-medical counseling to military service members and their families facing challenges related to military life. These counselors offer support on issues such as communication, stress management, deployment, and reintegration, helping families build resilience and cope with unique military stressors. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-medical-counseling/military-and-family-life-counseling/

MCEC is a non-profit organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and other military life challenges. They provide research-based resources, professional development for educators, and direct support to military families to navigate educational transitions and promote academic success and well-being. https://militarychild.org/for-families/

This initiative from Sesame Workshop creates engaging and age-appropriate content specifically tailored to help young military children understand and cope with the challenges of military life, such as deployments, homecomings, and injuries. Through beloved characters, it offers comforting stories, activities, and strategies to support children's emotional resilience and family communication. https://sesameworkshop.org/our-work/what-we-do/military-families/

This local chapter of Blue Star Families is dedicated to supporting military families in Utah by connecting them with their civilian neighbors and fostering vibrant communities of mutual support. They aim to empower military families to thrive as they serve, offering events, resources, and opportunities to build connections and address the unique challenges of military life within the state. https://bluestarfam.org/chapters/utah/

School Staff Resources

The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) provides resources and guidance to states on addressing the educational challenges faced by military children due to frequent relocations. This site offers comprehensive information about the compact's articles, helping ensure consistent and equitable treatment for military students in areas like enrollment, placement, attendance, and graduation requirements across state lines. https://mic3.net/

This section of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) website offers practical toolkits specifically designed to help schools and families understand and implement the provisions of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3). These toolkits provide valuable resources and actionable steps to facilitate smoother transitions and educational consistency for military-connected students. https://www.dodea.edu/education/partnership-and-resources/military-interstate-compact

This page from the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) highlights the Purple Star School program, an initiative recognizing schools that are committed to supporting military-connected students and their families. It outlines the criteria for becoming a Purple Star School and emphasizes the importance of providing tailored resources and a welcoming environment for military children. https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/purple-star-schools/

Designed specifically for education professionals, this MCEC resource provides comprehensive information and tools to help educators better understand and support military children in their classrooms. It offers insights into the unique challenges military students face and provides strategies for creating inclusive learning environments that promote their academic and social-emotional well-being. https://militarychild.org/for-education-professionals

Utah Veterans & Military Resources

The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) is a dedicated resource for Utah's military community and their families. We offer comprehensive support, connecting you with valuable state and federal benefits, resources for education and employment, assistance with claims, and information on community programs. Whether you are an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a family member, UDVMA is here to serve you. Explore the wealth of information and support available by visiting us online at military.utah.gov or veterans.utah.gov.

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information, resources, and confidential help to active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members, their families, and survivors worldwide. You can find support for a wide range of needs, including financial and legal assistance, mental health counseling, education and career guidance, parenting and relationship advice, and much more. Learn more at www.militaryonesource.mil.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide array of crucial benefits and services to eligible veterans, their families, and survivors. This includes comprehensive healthcare services, disability compensation, pension programs, educational opportunities through the GI Bill, home loan assistance, life insurance, and burial and memorial benefits. The VA is committed to supporting those who have served our nation. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the full spectrum of resources available, please visit the official VA website at va.gov.

News/ Updates

Stay informed about the amazing things Utah's Purple Star Schools are doing to support our military families! Here you'll find the latest announcements, inspiring stories, and snapshots of events and initiatives happening at designated schools across the state. See how schools are creating welcoming and supportive environments for military-connected students and celebrating their contributions.

Recent News:
Fall in: Davis High School seeking alums-turned-vets
Syracuse students honor ‘silent heroes’ of Korean War with eulogies
Davis School District celebrates 27 additional schools achieving Purple Star School status

Contacts

For any inquiries regarding the Purple Star School designation in Utah, please feel free to reach out to our primary point of contact at the Utah State Board of Education:

Cassie Hays
Utah State Board of Education
Parent Liaison and Engagement Specialist
Utah Purple Star School Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-538-7845

Ben Rasmussen
Utah State Board of Education
Utah Military Interstate Children's Compact (MIC3) Commissioner
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-538-7835

For questions regarding other military family resources, please contact the Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs:

Website: Military.utah.gov or Veterans.utah.gov
Phone: 801-326-2372
Email: [email protected]

Michael M. Miller
Family Programs Manager, UDVMA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 435-600-1609