Eleven additional Escambia County Public Schools have been recognized by the Florida Department of Education as Purple Star Schools of Distinction during the 2023-2024 school year.
The most recent schools to achieve this honor include:
Bellview Elementary School
Beulah Elementary School
Booker T. Washington High School
Brown-Barge Middle School
Ernest Ward Middle School
Hellen Caro Elementary School
J. H. Workman Middle School
J. M. Tate High School
Lipscomb Elementary School
Pine Forest High School
Pleasant Grove Elementary
There are now 20 Escambia County schools recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction including nine earning the distinction last school year.
Bailey Middle
Beulah Academy of Science
Blue Angels Elementary
Escambia High School
Global Learning Academy
Jim Allen Elementary
N.B. Cook Elementary
Pine Meadow Elementary
West Florida High School
“It was a privilege to guide the schools through the application process as the district’s military point of contact,” said Monica Willis, Military Liaison for the Escambia County Public Schools. “There are amazing things happening in our schools to support military families on a daily basis.”
The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. The program was established by the Florida Legislature (House Bill 429) and signed into law in June 2021.
To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, schools are required to maintain the following:
* A school military point of contact to serve as the central liaison for military families.
* A school webpage for military students and families that includes resources like academic planning, transition planning, and educational opportunities.
* A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school.
* Staff professional development to identify and respond to the needs of military families.
* Five (5) percent open enrollment seats for military students and families.
* Three additional activities to support military families such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or offering a JROTC program, among others.