Thank You to NC Community Schools Recognized as Purple Star Schools

Congratulations to the NC Community Schools recently recognized through NCDPI’s Purple Star Award designation:

P.W. Moore Elementary, Elizabeth City Middle, and Northeastern High in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools; Club Boulevard Elementary, Fayetteville Street Elementary, George L. Carrington Middle, and Brogden Middle in Durham Public Schools; Central Elementary in Orange County Schools; Roseboro Elementary, Salemburg Elementary, Roseboro-Salemburg Middle, and Lakewood High in Sampson County Schools; Douglas Byrd High in Cumberland County Schools; Dunn Elementary in Harnett County Schools; Upchurch Elementary in Hoke County Schools; W.B. Wicker Elementary in Lee County Schools; Washington Street Elementary in Richmond County Schools; Rex-Rennert Elementary in Robeson County Schools; Spring Hill Middle in Scotland County Schools; and Central Middle in Whiteville City Schools.

The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a strong commitment to military-connected students and families. Launched by NCDPI in 2019, the initiative honors schools across North Carolina that create supportive environments for military families, including students navigating relocation, deployment, new school transitions, and the unique rhythms of military life. For the 2025-26 school year, NCDPI recognized 598 schools across 34 districts.

For military-connected families, school is often one of the first places where a new community begins to feel like home. A Purple Star designation signals that a school is prepared to welcome students and families with intention. It reflects practices such as maintaining military family resources, identifying staff points of contact, supporting transitions, and helping educators better understand the experiences of military-connected children.

To the recognized NC Community Schools: thank you for helping students and families feel welcomed, seen, and supported. Thank you for strengthening the connection between schools, families, and communities. And thank you for showing what it means to serve the whole child in a state where military life is woven into the fabric of public education.