Module 3: Arizona's Purple Star School Program

MODULE 3: ARIZONA'S PURPLE STAR SCHOOL AWARD

 

 

The Arizona Department of Education takes great pride in managing and supporting the esteemed Arizona Purple Star School (ASPSS) program. This program is a testament to a school's unwavering dedication to supporting students and families connected to our nation's armed forces. Schools that earn the AZPSS designation understand and are prepared to address the unique challenges military families may face during a change of duty assignment or deployment. They are committed to providing additional support to our military-connected students, making a significant impact in their lives.

AZPSS Designation requires:

  1. Each School must complete the ADE - AZPSS application.

  2. All public, charter, or private schools can apply for an AZPSS designation.

  3. Provide professional development (PD) to at least 70% of school staff, including administration, covering the unique needs of highly mobile military-connected students. The initial (PD) training must be in person. Subsequent (PD) training for new employees and annual continuing education training may be provided virtually or electronically. A school may accept in-kind donations of materials, equipment, or services for this required training from others, including the DoD (Department of Defense) or MCEC (Military Child Education Coalition). All training must be politically neutral.

  4. Designate an employee as the primary Point of Contact (POC), preferably with a military background, such as a veteran, military spouse, or individual with other relevant experience who understands the unique needs of a military family. The employee may be a counselor, administrator, teacher, or other support staff.

  5. The Liaison/Primary Point of Contact (POC) shall:

a. Complete the Arizona Purple Star School Professional Development (PD) provided by ADE. 

b. Oversee your school's Arizona Purple Star Peer Mentorship program.

i. School administrators shall select students as mentors for the school mentorship program.  

ii. The POC will provide the necessary support and training to help student mentors assist military students transitioning into the school.

c. Coordinate with school administrators to ensure that at least seventy percent (70%) of the school's staff meet professional development (PD) requirements as stated above.

d. Organize a patriotic event to be held at least once per school year, that both:

i. Recognizes military members' and their families' service and commitment, and

ii. Educates attendees about military service in the United States and the state of Arizona.

e. Create a unique website or update the school's preexisting website with information about the Arizona Purple Star School's (AZPSS) program as often as needed but at least once during the school year.

Suggested information should include:

i. AZPSS Liaison/point of contact contact information

ii. Available military resources, including but not limited to: MIC3, Military One Source, Arizona Coalition for Military Families, and AZPSS

iii. Information about the AZPSS Peer Mentorship Program and how to participate

iv. Patriotic assemblies or events

v. Other relevant information to assist the transition of military-connected students

f. Foster partnerships with Arizona's military and DoD personnel, including school liaisons assigned to military installations, about opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer or other ways military parents can get involved in your school community.

Think

  • How does being designated a Purple Star School help military-connected children and families?
  • Why would a school apply for the Purple Star School Award?
  • What could a required annual activity look like at your school?

 

Additional Resources:

 

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