Created by the 86th Texas Legislature, this special honor was awarded to 106 schools for the first time this year. A special seal was created by the TEA for campuses receiving the Purple Star Designation.
The Fort Sam Houston Independent School District was created as a special purpose district in 1951 and is located entirely on the Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston. FSHISD is a Texas public school district that operates one elementary school and one middle/high school.
“We exist to serve the military child,” shared Dr. Gary Bates, superintendent of schools. “It is an honor to support our students and families in all ways possible.”
To qualify for the award, each campus had to meet specific standards documenting ways campus-based personnel support students and their families through special programs, transition supports and services, training for staff, webpage supports on registration, enrollment, academic planning, and counseling services as well as the establishment of programs with student leaders or ambassadors.
Fort Sam Houston Elementary School serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. “Faculty and staff offer a variety of programs and activities that support our military-connected students,” shares campus military-liaison team member and counselor Linda Reed. “We layer the support through Student Ambassador and the Elementary Student2Student programs, hosting family events, and sharing our pride with Month of the Military activities.”
TEA announced that campuses receiving the recognition are eligible to recertify the designation every two years.
“Cole students and faculty were among the first in the nation to launch a Student2Student program to support the transition of military-connected students,” stated Cole campus military-liaison team member and student services coordinator Cristina DeHoyos. “The campus also supports a New Kids Camp and after school activities to connect students with their new community.” Robert G. Cole Middle and High School serves students in sixth through twelfth grade.