Indian River County, Florida– 12.19.2024– The Florida Department of Education has announced that three schools in the School District of Indian River County have earned the prestigious 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction designation. Congratulations to Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River High School, and Sebastian River Middle School for their recognition as exemplary institutions supporting the unique needs of military families.
The Purple Star School of Distinction designation, established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law in June 2021, honors schools that provide outstanding services to military-connected students. This designation reinforces Florida's commitment to being the most military-friendly state in the nation by ensuring that military families receive the support they need when relocating due to a parent's change in duty station.
"On behalf of the Sebastian Elementary School team, we are honored by the recognition as a 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction. This recognition demonstrates our dedication to supporting military-connected students and families through specialized resources and programs aimed at ensuring smooth transitions and academic success," said Letitia Whitfield-Hart, Principal of Sebastian Elementary School of the Arts.
“Earning the 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction designation is a testament to the incredible work of our students, families, staff, and the community. Our community is deeply committed to supporting military families and ensuring their children thrive in our schools. Offering a K-12 pathway across an elementary, middle, and high school allows us to meet the unique needs of military-connected students,” said Mr. Chris Cummings, Principal of Sebastian River High School.
"We are incredibly honored to receive the Purple Star School of Distinction award, which recognizes our commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, students, and community to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. At Sebastian River Middle School, we strive to ensure that every child feels valued and supported, especially those who face the unique challenges of being part of a military family. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to serve our students with care, respect, and dedication," said Mr. Robert Riskin, Principal of Sebastian River Middle School.
Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools, expressed his pride in the schools' achievements: "We are incredibly proud to have three schools in our district recognized with the Purple Star School of Distinction designation. This honor reflects the collective efforts of our educators, staff, students, and the entire community to ensure military-connected families feel supported and valued. We remain committed to providing an environment where all students can thrive academically and emotionally."
The Department of Education recognizes and applauds the commitment made by the School District of Indian River County and its schools to ensure that military-connected families are supported. As part of this recognition, each school will maintain their Purple Star School of Distinction designation for three (3) school years. After this period, schools must reapply to retain the designation.
The recognition reflects the schools' ongoing efforts to integrate military-related initiatives into their educational environments. These activities include:
· Highlighting annual military recognition events such as Month of the Military Child, Month of the Military Family, Purple-Up! for Military Kids, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day.
· Publicizing and fostering support for military students and families.
· Providing opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school.
· Engaging in service projects that connect the school with the broader military community.
· Offering the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program to enhance leadership and citizenship development among students.
The Florida Department of Education’s Purple Star Schools program continues to strengthen connections between schools and military families, ensuring that students who face the challenges of relocation are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. This honor highlights the efforts of Sebastian Elementary, Sebastian River High, and Sebastian River Middle as they lead the way in military family support within the School District of Indian River County.
For more information on the Purple Star School of Distinction program, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website at https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml