Governor DeSantis announced on November 15th, 2022 114 Schools in 10 Florida Counties have been declared Purple Star Schools. These schools received the designation for their efforts to help military families.
Efforts continue to be made in the State of Florida to help veterans become teachers in Florida Schools, building upon legislation signed into law earlier in 2022.
Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Walton, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, will be implementing a “first of its kind” program at Purple Star Schools to help veterans get their teaching certificate. The program will also help educators learn how to best work with military families.
“Purple Star schools have the tools and knowledgeable faculty needed to help children of military families succeed regardless of the obstacles they face,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We also recognize that no one can better relate to these children than those who have served, which is why we are encouraging our veterans to teach at these schools and across the state.”
“Congratulations to the schools that have been designated as Purple Star Schools of Distinction,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under Governor DeSantis, Florida has raised the bar for military-friendly education initiatives. The Purple Star program is another leap forward in ensuring that military families and students receive the support they need to be successful and the schools that serve them are recognized.”
For a School to be considered a Purple Star School, it must meet the following requirements:
Designating a faculty member as the military liaison to directly support families;
Updating the school website with resources for military students and families;
Offering a student-led transition program to assist military students in acclimating into a school;
Expanding staff professional development training opportunities on issues relating to military students; and
Reserving controlled, open enrollment seats for military-connected students to utilize to ensure school choice opportunities are available to them, regardless of the time of year their military transfer takes place.
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