Burgaw, NC - 19 Pender County Schools have received the 2021-22 Purple Star Award, given by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and show commitment to military students and families.
Additionally, as a district Pender County Schools will receive the State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Award.
“Pender County has long been home to a large number of service members.” Said Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill. “Many of our students have parents or siblings who are either active, reserve or veteran armed service members. We strive to do our best to serve the families of those who serve our country.”
Schools that received the award will be honored at a ceremony in the spring.
“As a mother of three public school students and a military spouse, I am all too familiar with the challenges military families face in education,” said State Superintendent Catherine Truitt. “It’s absolutely incredible to see almost 300 North Carolina Public Schools earn the Purple Star designation and a testament to our state’s commitment to serving every student and family. These schools are going above and beyond to meet the needs of military students and families, and I know firsthand how much it means to them.”
Schools earning the Purple Star Award were required to have a staff member as a designated point of contact for military students and families, a designated central administration staff member supporting the point of contact in the school and also the provision of annual professional development addressing special considerations for military students and families.