Fulton Independent earns ‘Purple Star’ designation

by Benita Fuzzell
FULTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 'PURPLE STAR DESIGNATION' SHINES LIGHT ON SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES -- Brigadier General Steve Bullard was the guest speaker for Fulton Independent Schools' official designation as a Purple Star School April 25. Representatives of the student body, as well as FIS Superintendent Dr. DeAnna Miller and Principal Nathan Castleman and staff were on hand to celebrate the recognition and achievement. A Purple Star School is a public or charter school that has committed to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children, and the designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. (Photo by Benita Fuzzell.)
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During an impressive ceremony on Monday morning, which included the presentation of the flag by members of the Graves County ROTC, Fulton Independent Schools was presented with the Purple Star designation, which recognizes schools that show a major commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.

To earn the Purple Star Award, a school must commit to designating at least one school staff as a military youth liaison.

For Fulton Independent Schools, Social Worker Cayce Batts was designated for the Carr Elementary campus, and for the Fulton Independent Middle/High School, John Dilliard was designated.
The liaison receives training in military culture and as well as risk factors and other stressors associated with being a member of a military family. The school must also host at least one military recognition event per school year and post military resources on its webpage.

FIS Director of Pupil Personnel Kent Green welcomed those in attendance, and recognized the occasion of the award as the first time in two years, because of Covid related restrictions, the district had coordinated an assembly featuring an outside speaker. Green also shared that customarily the district had facilitated a program to honor local Veterans on Veterans Day, however restrictions did not allow the typical program for the past two years. Green said he did hope to bring back the Veterans Day program this year, to honor the local men and women who have served, or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
“A supportive school environment can have a significant impact on our military-connected students by promoting community resiliency. Purple Star Award schools provide our children and families with resources they need to be successful. We’re honored to see Kentucky schools support their important work by providing such excellent programs and services,” said Brigadier General (U.S. Air Force, Retired) Steve Bullard, Executive Director, and Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs and Purple Star Program Advisory Board Co-Chair.

Brigadier General Bullard was the keynote speaker for the presentation held in the Fulton High School gym, with representation of students from Carr Elementary, Fulton Independent Middle and High Schools, in attendance.

A Purple Star School is a public or charter school that has committed to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children, and the Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
In its inaugural year, 2019-2020, schools in 10 districts and four charter schools across the state earned the Purple Star recognition for the 2019-20 school year.

The program’s vision is listed as: Every military-connected child is college-, work-, and life-ready, with a mission to support all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle.

The enduring strategic goals that the Military Child Education Coalition seeks are: Military-connected children’s academic, social and emotional needs are recognized, supported and appropriate responses provided.

Parents, and other supporting adults, are empowered with the knowledge to ensure military-connected children are college, workforce and life-ready; and a strong community of partners is committed to support an environment where military-connected children thrive.