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Five HCS schools earn Virginia Purple Star Award
The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, has recognized five Hampton City schools as "Purple Star" schools for the 2024-2025 school year. The schools honored with this designation are Andrews PreK-8 School, Barron Fundamental Elementary School, Kilgore Gifted Center, Tarrant Middle School, and Phoebus High School. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate strong support for military-connected students and their families.
To achieve the Purple Star status, schools must appoint a dedicated staff member to serve as the primary point of contact for military families, helping to facilitate communication and support. Additionally, these schools provide programs and resources tailored to the unique challenges military families face, such as academic planning and school transitions.
Hampton City Schools now boasts a total of 16 Purple Star-designated schools. Each awarded school receives a Virginia Purple Star commemorative coin for display and is listed on the Virginia Department of Education website. The designation lasts for three years, after which schools must reapply.
Dr. Raymond L. Haynes, superintendent of Hampton City Schools, remarked, “We are honored that the Virginia Department of Education has recognized the dedication of our five additional Purple Star schools. These schools reflect our commitment to serving military families, who make tremendous sacrifices for our country. We want these families to choose Hampton as we offer a welcoming and supportive environment for their children.”
Virginia is home to several major military installations and serves over 80,000 military-connected students, including children of active duty, reserve, and Virginia National Guard members.
Founded in 2009, the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children ensures the successful implementation of the compact, which is designed to remove barriers to educational success for military children across participating states.