Carl Junction receives Missouri Purple Star designation

Carl Junction was named one of seven school districts across the state to receive the 2023 Missouri Purple Star designation by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly local education agencies that "demonstrate a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military." The designation is valid for three years. 

Carl Junction, along with Blair Oaks R-II, De Soto 73, Hickory Co. R-1, Knob Noster R-VIII, St. Clair R-XIII, and Warrensburg R-VI, will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display at the school and on the district's website. 

“This program is just one way to reiterate our state’s commitment to our service members,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “As we continue to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child, it is an honor to award these seven school districts and four schools with the Purple Star designation. Each district and school works to support our service members and their families throughout the community while also ensuring these children are prepared to find their path to success in Missouri.”

The Purple Star School designation is awarded to military-friendly local education agencies (LEAs), demonstrating a significant commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military — including active duty, National Guard or Reserve members, and military veterans. LEAs that earn this designation will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite and on the school district (or individual school building) website.

To apply for the recognition, a school district must offer districtwide professional development regarding considerations for military students and families, have an assigned point of contact for military families, require that individual undergo specific training, host an annual military program, have a dedicated webpage, and adopt a resolution publicizing support for military students and families.

“Carl Junction Schools was already doing many of these things,” said Dr. David Pyle, assistant superintendent of schools.  “Our Veterans Day assembly for junior high and high school students has involved area veterans and students for many years. We have always valued individuals and families who have served our country. We want to support all students and families, especially those with a military connection. The Purple Star designation is a way to demonstrate to military families and students that we support them.”

Carl Junction Schools doesn’t have many military families in the district compared to schools near a military base. Pyle continues, “The goal is to ensure that if we have a student who is transferring here because of a change in service of a family member, or if they’re already here and they have a parent who is going to be deployed, that we’re aware of that and we’re intentional about providing those additional supports.”

Check out the CJ Purple Star Military Resources website at https://www.cjr1.org/domain/640

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