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Richardson Middle earns Purple Star for service to military families
(RICHARDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL -- Oct. 5, 2021) — TEA awarded Richardson Middle School the Purple Star Campus Designation for the 2021-22 school year in recognition of the campus’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.
Richardson is among the 43 Purple Star Campuses designated by TEA this school year. The designation is for two years. EPISD campuses designated Purple Star Campuses in 2020-21 are: Chapin and Austin high schools; Ross Middle; and Bliss, Nixon, Logan, Hughey, Powell and Milam elementary schools.
“Overall, 10 EPISD schools have earned the Purple Star designation since the program started last year,” said Alan Weirnicki, chief quality officer and EPISD’s liaison to Fort Bliss. “This important recognition from the State of Texas is a validation of our District’s long-standing commitment to our military students and families.”
The Purple Star Campus designation recognizes Texas district and charter schools that qualify based on the following criteria: having a military liaison on campus; creating a website with information specific to military students; and providing a campus transition program. The campus also must include one of the following initiatives: a resolution that shows support for military-connected students; participation in Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month; and/or establishing a partnership with a school liaison officer to encourage and provide opportunities for active duty military members.
“Richardson Middle School has a robust program of military support that includes a dedicated military family liaison, a comprehensive transition program for students, and a rich partnership with Fort Bliss,” Weirnicki said. “All of this is critical since one in five of the enrolled students at Richardson Middle School is military connected.”