Purple Star Schools Meeting the Unique Needs of Military Children

CONCORD, NH — Fourteen schools are now designated as Purple Star Schools throughout New Hampshire, meaning they have committed to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of military children. 

Following Gov. Chris Sununu proclaiming November as Military Family Month, the New Hampshire Department of Education is pleased to announce its joint initiative with the New Hampshire National Guard, the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Joint Military Task Force and the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services to assist Purple Star Schools throughout the state. 

“This project was formally approved last year, but this is our first year of implementation. I am extremely excited to launch this effort, work with NHDOE, support the schools and, most importantly, give assistance to the military children who have had so many transitions throughout their academic careers,” said Staff Sgt. Rick Frost of the New Hampshire National Guard. 

Purple Star Schools offer student-led programs that create social connections for military children and provide professional development to help educators in supporting military children’s entry into new academic environments.  

“There are many New Hampshire military families experiencing frequent deployments or training exercises that can disrupt traditional childhood experiences and their educational progress as they adjust to a new school,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education. “Having resources available to aid students with these stressors will go a long way in connecting them to their school communities and creating a strong foundation to their academic studies and overall wellness.”

Some of the schools currently participating in the program are located in Bow, Concord, Dover, Henniker, Hudson, Londonderry, Portsmouth, Salem and more. Any school interested in the Purple Star initiative should contact Rick Frost at Richard.d.frost.mil@army.mil.

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