HAMLET — Fairview Heights Elementary School, Hamlet Middle School and Richmond Senior High School have been awarded the Purple Star Designation from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Richmond County Schools has more than 250 military-connected students.
“We’re very proud of each of these schools for earning the Purple Star designation. Our hope is for all military students and families to feel supported by Richmond County Schools,” said Dr. Joe Ferrell, Superintendent of Richmond County Schools.
NCDPI established the Purple Star Award in 2019 to recognize the state’s strong military presence and its support of military families. Military students face unique challenges during their academic career due to the frequent moves of their military connected family member. The Department of Defense estimates military children attend six to nine new schools during their academic careers.
Schools earning the Purple Star Award are required to have a designated staff member at each school and at the central office to serve as a point of contact for military students and families. Additionally, Purple Star schools provide annual training to all school staff on the special circumstances of military students and families.
Richmond County Schools will be hosting their first ‘Purple Up for Military Kids’ Day on April 15 to show their continued support of military families. Purple signifies the color of joint service operations, a fusion of Army Green, Air Force Blue, Space Force Blue, Coast Guard Blue, Marine Red, and Navy Blue — a symbol of unity across all branches.
