Ten Delaware schools have earned the Purple Star School designation, recognizing them for their commitment to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children.

The 2025 recipients are Caesar Rodney School District’s Allen Frear Elementary, David E. Robinson Elementary, Major George S. Welch Elementary, Nellie Stokes Elementary and Star Hill Elementary as well as Lake Forest School District’s Lake Forest Central Elementary, Lake Forest East Elementary, Lake Forest North Elementary, Lake Forest South Elementary and W.T. Chipman Middle.

The schools will be honored this afternoon when Governor Matt Meyer also signs a proclamation recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child. The Month of the Military Child is a national recognition of the sacrifices military-connected children make so their families can serve our country.

Jennifer Davis, Delaware commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, said, “Military members’ children make sacrifices just like their parents and caregivers, missing time with their loved ones when they are deployed overseas and sometimes making frequent school transitions when their families’ military stations change.

“These children face challenges and have needs unique to their non-military peers. I thank these schools for recognizing the hardships and seeking ways to better support these students,” Davis said.

For example, at Frear Elementary School, a school counselor facilitates specialized peer-to-peer support groups designed to assist students coping with parental deployment or adjusting to new environments.

“These groups provide a safe space for students to share experiences, develop coping strategies, and build supportive peer relationships,” the school said in its application.

W.T. Chipman Middle said in its application that by implementing structured transition programs, peer mentorship, dedicated staff support, and ongoing professional development, Chipman creates a school culture that values and understands the needs of military-connected families.

“Through targeted resources, personalized outreach, and active family engagement, W.T. Chipman is dedicated to easing transitions, promoting stability, and ensuring that every military-connected student feels a sense of belonging,” the school said.

To be designated as a Purple Star School, the school must designate a staff member to serve as a military liaison to: identify military-connected youth, serve as a contact between the school and their families, determine appropriate school services for the children and help coordinate school programs relevant to military-connected youth. In addition to participating in training on how to support the military-connected families with the specific challenges they face, the liaison also must conduct school-wide professional development to inform all staff of the unique needs of military-connected students and available resources.

Delaware Purple Star Schools also must have designated web pages with resources and information relevant to military-connected families and establish a transition program for youth. The school also must show support for military-connected children and their families through a recognition event or other support programs.

Delaware’s Purple Star designation is valid for three years.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

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