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For the fourth straight year, Tryon Elementary has been recognized for its support of students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Tryon Elementary has again been awarded Purple Star designation, one of 336 schools across North Carolina honored for its commitment to military-friendly practices.

Schools across the state applied for the special designation, and those deemed as Purple Star schools completed several required activities, plus an optional activity, aimed at ensuring strong support for students of military families.

Schools earning the Purple Star Award were required to have a staff member as a designated point of contact for military students and families, a designated central administration staff member supporting the point of contact in the school and also the provision of annual professional development addressing special considerations for military students and families.

Purple Star schools also provide a dedicated page on their websites for military family resources or links to the district’s web page with military family resources as well as a transition program to support inbound and outbound military students and families, along with a checklist for their use.

“These Purple Star awardees have gone beyond the standard call of duty to ensure their school and classroom environments accommodate military-connected students,” said State Superintendent Catherine Truitt. “Their dedication to these students allows them to be seen, heard, and valued in their new school and feel supported as they adjust to their new surroundings. The growth this program has seen in its few short years of existence is incredibly promising and something I am especially grateful for.”

The North Carolina Purple Star designation started during the 2019-2020 academic year. North Carolina, long a home to a large population of active duty, guard, reserve, and veteran armed service members, is one of 43 states across the country to have the Purple Star recognition.

While each state sets its own criteria, military families and school communities recognize this award as a valuable asset with the frequent moves and other unique needs of our military-connected population. In fact, it is not uncommon for a family to ask if a school is a Purple Star school when looking for housing near military installations. That is because North Carolina’s designation recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.