Imagine serving your country thousands of miles away, wondering if your children are safe, supported, and understood at school. If they attend a Purple Star School, there is no need to worry.
Dozens of Alpine schools were among schools across the state recognized with the Purple Star Schools designation during a ceremony in Lehi, hosted by Alpine School District.
“These schools have stepped up to show commitment and support not only for the military-connected students they serve, but for the military members in our community,” said Rich Stowell, director of communications for Alpine School District. “It makes us a stronger community and a better school district when we recognize their service and unique challenges."
See the complete list of Purple Star Schools in Alpine School District here.
What is the Purple Star School Designation?
Purple Star Schools are those that demonstrate a high commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. It is a designation awarded by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) based on the following five criteria:
Schools must designate a point of contact for military-connected students.
Schools must have a public webpageCreate a specialized web page featuring military family resources.
Schools must implement a student-led transition program.
Schools must provide professional development for staff regarding special considerations for military students.
Schools must hold a military-connected event.
“Our community is very supportive of the military and military families,” said Stowell, who also serves as the district’s Purple Star Schools liaison. “Most of our schools are already doing the things required to earn the Purple Star designation.”
Last year, the Alpine School District Board of Education passed a resolution publicizing support for military families and the Purple Star School program.
“Our board is committed to supporting students with a military connection,” said Rob Smith, superintendent of Alpine School District, and also a retired Army officer. “I am grateful to our board for recognizing the opportunity to be leaders in the effort to strengthen our schools, families, and communities through this program.”
Utah has adopted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3), which helps remove barriers to educational success caused by frequent moves and parental deployment. The recognition of Purple Star Schools is part of broader efforts to support smoother transitions for military-connected students.
Inside the Numbers: Alpine School District’s Milestone
Last year eight schools in Alpine earned the designation. Thirty-seven more joined their ranks this year.
“We first joined the Purple Star Schools effort last spring,” said Stowell. “Several of our schools earned the designation and gave us a wonderful start to a districtwide effort this year.”
Stowell, an active reservist and combat veteran, has been pleased by the growth of the program in Alpine.
45 total schools across the district have earned the distinction.
37 new schools achieved the status this year.
8 renewal schools maintained their status from the previous year.
“In the military, we acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments, then we get back to work,” said Smith. “In Alpine School District, that means celebrating our schools and leaders with deep gratitude and appreciation, then continuing the work to make sure every military-connected student and family knows where they can get support in times of need.”
Leadership Perspective: Why It’s Personal
Representatives from more than 60 schools up and down the Wasatch Front attended the ceremony to receive their plaques. Also in attendance were members of the state school board, state legislators, Utah National Guard leaders, and representatives from Hill Air Force Base.
Smith spoke to the audience about his experiences as a deployed soldier.
“The Purple Star program and recognition is a statement of commitment that says to our military families we will care for and about you,” he said. “It may be as simple as having a friend to talk to at one of our schools. It’s about a culture of ‘you matter to us here.’”
There is currently no way to know how many military-connected students are in Alpine School District, according to Stowell. This year, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a proclamation recognizing April as Month of the Military Child and put the statewide figure at 15,000.
“One of our priorities is to develop a way to identify military-connected students in our schools,” said Stowell. “A child of a military member isn’t always going to raise their hand and let their teachers know.”
Still, leaders said that they are in every school.
“This program helps us raise awareness, so we can be in a better position to support all students,” said Smith.