Flathead High School was recently awarded a Purple Star designation for its commitment to supporting children of military families.

The Purple Star School program is a national initiative of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3).

Purple Star recognition is awarded to schools that go above and beyond to provide inclusive environments for active 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.

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.

Other Montana schools receiving the special designation are Ben Steele Middle School in Billings, Townsend School District in Townsend, and in Great Falls, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Morningside Elementary School and Great Falls Central Catholic High School.

This is the second year MIC3 and the Office of Public Instruction has recognized Montana schools through the Purple Star School program.

Glacier High School was named a Purple Star School in 2021.

MIC3 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/.

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 may be reached at 406-758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.