10 schools honored with Purple Star recognition for supporting military families

Ten schools across Delaware have been awarded the Purple Star School designation for 2025, a recognition of their exceptional efforts to support students from military families.

The honored schools span two districts: Caesar Rodney School District’s Allen Frear Elementary, David E. Robinson Elementary, Major George S. Welch Elementary, Nellie Stokes Elementary, and Star Hill Elementary, and Lake Forest School District’s Lake Forest Central Elementary, East Elementary, North Elementary, South Elementary, and W.T. Chipman Middle School.

The schools will be officially recognized this afternoon during a ceremony where Governor Matt Meyer will also proclaim April as the Month of the Military Child—a national observance highlighting the challenges faced by children whose families serve in the armed forces.

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Military members’ children make sacrifices just like their parents and caregivers, missing time with their loved ones when they are deployed overseas and sometimes making frequent school transitions when their families’ military stations change.

“These children face challenges and have needs unique to their non-military peers. I thank these schools for recognizing the hardships and seeking ways to better support these students,” said Jennifer Davis, Delaware commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. “Military members’ children make sacrifices just like their parents and caregivers—missing time with loved ones and often changing schools. I thank these schools for recognizing the hardships and seeking ways to better support these students.”

Schools that receive the Purple Star designation must meet several criteria, including appointing a dedicated military liaison, offering school-wide training for staff, providing online resources for military families, and implementing transition programs and peer support systems.

At Allen Frear Elementary, for example, students with deployed parents or those adjusting to new environments can participate in peer-to-peer support groups facilitated by the school counselor.

These groups provide a space for children to connect, share experiences, and build resilience.

W.T. Chipman Middle School cited its comprehensive approach—including structured transition programs, mentorship opportunities, and family engagement efforts—as key to creating a welcoming environment for military-connected students.

Delaware’s Purple Star designation remains valid for three years.

As part of the ongoing commitment, schools must continue to demonstrate support for military families through programming, training, and community engagement.