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Four Autauga County Schools Recognized for Commitment to Military Students, Families as 2024 Purple Star Schools

FROM AUTAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS

The Alabama Department of Education recognized several Autauga County schools as 2024 Purple Star Schools recipients or renewals. This year’s recipients are among nearly 250 schools state-wide earning this designation for their commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. 

2024 Purple Star School Recipient 
Pine Level Elementary School

2024 Purple Star School Renewals
Daniel Pratt Elementary
Prattville High School
Prattville Junior High School

“We want to ensure every student who moves to Alabama is given every opportunity for academic growth and achievement – and the Purple Star School Program helps families identify military-friendly schools and helps local schools become more prepared to address the challenges facing these students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Eric G. Mackey.

The Alabama Purple Star Schools program was established by the state legislature in 2021 and recognizes the efforts of K-12 schools that are committed to supporting military students, and their families, as they transition to new homes and schools. For schools to qualify, they must have the following activities:

  • The school must have a staff point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school.
  • The liaison completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families.
  • The liaison identifies and informs teachers of the military-connected students in their schools and the special considerations military families and students should receive.
  • The school maintains a dedicated page for the Purple Star Program on its website featuring resources for military families.
  • The school must maintain a student-led transition program with a faculty or staff advisor. This program should provide peer support for newly enrolled and transitioning students.

“Growing up in a military family typically means six to eight moves during a child’s school career,” said Rebecca Thomas, communications coordinator for Autauga County Schools. “It is our privilege to partner with these families to assist them with transitions to and from the River Region area with services such as Student-to-Student programs in our Purple Star-designated schools, school-based military advocates, and dynamic partnerships with the military-affiliated organizations in our community.”

The 2024 Purple Star School recipients and renewals join Marbury High School, Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, Prattville Kindergarten School, and Prattville Primary School in affirming their commitment to the district’s military-connected students and families. 

About Autauga County Schools

Autauga County Schools (ACS) is a 14-campus public school system in Autauga County, Alabama, dedicated to fostering the whole student in an academically rigorous environment where everyone is known and valued by creating pathways designed for success. Learn more at acboe.net