TEA Recognizes 27 Central Texas Schools as Purple Star Campuses

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced the designation of 179 Texas public schools as Purple Star campuses for the 2022-2023 school year. Twenty-seven of the schools recognized are from the geographic area of Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12. Region 12 encompasses 12 area counties with 77 school districts.

Copperas Cove ISD and Killeen ISD campuses were among those recognized by TEA. 

The Purple Star schools within Copperas Cove ISD are: Martin Walker Elementary School, Copperas Cove High School, Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, J L Williams/Lovett Ledger Elementary School, Hettie Halstead Elementary School, Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School, Copperas Cove Junior High School, C R Clements/Hollie Parsons Elementary School, and House Creek Elementary School. 

Killeen ISD Purple Star schools are: Roy J Smith Middle School, Killeen High School, Killeen ISD Career Center, Mountain View Elementary School, Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary School, Eastern Hills Middle School, Dr Joseph A Fowler Elementary School, Harker Heights High School, Charles E Patterson Middle School, Skipcha Elementary School, Meadows Elementary School, Union Grove Middle School, Liberty Hill Middle School, Clarke Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Palo Alto Middle School, Audie Murphy Middle School, and Venable Village Elementary School.

“I am extremely proud of the work these schools are doing to meet the needs of students and families that have sacrificed an incredible amount in service to our country,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “We recognize the challenges military-connected students often face when transitioning schools. However, these campuses are committed to maximizing the availability of high-quality supports to make that transition easier and to help set these students up for success.”

The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas school districts and charter schools that show their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. 

Every fall, the Texas Education Agency awards the Purple Star designation to campuses that respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges of military-connected students. Campuses must have a military liaison to support students and families, maintain easily accessible information via their webpage, have a campus transition program, and other high-quality support. 

The transition program should include introductions to the school environment and processes, student ambassador leaders, hosting newcomer social events, facilitating guided campus tours, and accompanying new students to lunch for the first week of school. 

Applicants for the award are accepted annually, and designation lasts for two years. The recipients are awarded each fall. For more information regarding award criteria, visit the Purple Star Designation webpage. 

View the TEA release, TEA Announces 2022-23 Purple Star Campus Designations.

Photos courtesy of Copperas Cove ISD and Killeen ISD.