Distinguished Purple Star Schools

FCPS is Committed to Supporting our Military-Connected Students and Families

Fairfax County Public Schools is honored to participate in the Purple Star Designation Program!

Purple Star Schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children for demonstrating their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. These schools actively support our military-connected families in a variety of ways.

award winners

To be recognized as a Purple Star School, the schools must meet the requirements in each of these areas:

Point of Contact

The school must have a Point of Contact (POC) for its military students and families. This POC can be a teacher, counselor, administrator, or any other staff member. As POC, this individual must have completed VDOE Modules pertaining to supporting military-connected students and families.

Student Ambassador Program

Schools must offer a student-led transition program to include a student transition team coordinator. This program should provide peer support for newly enrolled and withdrawing students to include those that are military-connected. This program provides our new students with a friendly face that eases their transition during their first days at their new school.

For more information on these programs within FCPS, please visit Student Ambassadors.

Military Family Webpage

The school must have a website or links to a division-wide web page specifically dedicated to support for military families and students. These websites must include information regarding:

Military Families: Planning your Arrival
Military Families: Preparing your Move
Academic Planning for Military Families
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children
Special Needs Navigation and Parental Rights

It is also recommended to include information such as extracurricular activities, parent organizations, and/or an events calendar.

Professional Development

At least 70 percent of the school’s staff personnel must complete professional development regarding special considerations for military students and families and an introduction to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Division-Wide Activities

The division provides at least one of the following:

Opportunities for professional development pertaining to supporting military students and families
Recognition events honoring our military students and families
School board passes a resolution publicizing the school division’s support for military students and families

Central Office Staff Member

FCPS provides a central office staff member to be the contact for the school-based liaison and military families. Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist, proudly serves in this role.

If your school is interested in applying for their Purple Star Designation, email Family and School Partnerships or contact Family and School Partnerships staff members:

Meredith Ayala - [email protected], Family Partnerships Specialist – Military-Connected Youth & Families

Katie Server, [email protected], Military Outreach Liaison

Each of the following schools continues to support our military-connected families in a variety of unique ways. These schools are building comradery, understanding, and fellowship within their community that benefits all students and families, with military kids’ clubs, Veteran’s Day breakfasts, advisory panels, and exceptional Student Ambassador Programs.

Dad and daughter

military family