Glacier High School is one of the first schools in Montana to earn Purple Star status for its commitment to supporting military families.

This is the first year Montana has instituted the Purple Star recognition, which is a national program of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3).

The designation is given to schools that go “above and beyond to provide inclusive environments for active military families,” according to a press release from the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

To receive the three-year designation, these “military-friendly” schools must designate a staff member to serve as a point of contact, who acts as a liaison between schools and families; provide professional development for staff on special considerations for military students and either dedicate a page on its website or space in a school newsletter that lists the resources available to military families.

The school-aged children of active U.S. service members have to adapt to being the “new kid” usually every two to three years, which can be challenging, according to MIC3. The Purple Star designation shows a school’s commitment to ensuring the transition is successful and that the student receives academic, social and emotional support.

The interstate compact works to remove educational barriers for children of mobile military families to create consistency between states and schools in areas such as eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation, according to https://mic3.net/.

Glacier submitted an application outlining its efforts in order to be considered for the designation.

“We’re supporting them while they’re here to be successful and well-grounded, so if they move again they will not be far behind,” Glacier Principal Joel Auers said.

He said the Purple Star program lets military families know the school strives to provide the extra support “... to get involved and feel a part of Glacier High School.”

Auers said this includes getting students involved in sports, clubs and activities, as well as academics.

Other Montana schools receiving the special designation are Loy Elementary, North Middle School, and CMR High School, all in Great Falls, and Valley Christian School in Missoula.

For more information visit https://mic3.net/. Free staff training is available through the Military Child Education Coalition at https://www.militarychild.org/ or by calling (859) 244-8000.

Reporter Hilary Matheson She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].