Marion School Named Purple Star School of Distinction

Marion School Named Purple Star of Distinction School
Posted on 12/18/2024
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DECEMBER 18, 2024 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations

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MARION COUNTY SCHOOL EARNS

PURPLE STAR DESIGNATION

 

MARION COUNTY – Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School, located in and named for Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, has been named a 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction.

The honor comes from the Florida Department of Education following a lengthy and detailed application process completed by school leaders.

The Purple Star School of Distinction designation, established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law in June 2021, recognizes schools that support the unique needs of military families. This program supports students as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station.

A Purple Star School of Distinction supports military families and must maintain:

  • a military point-of-contact to serves as a liaison for military families;
  • a school webpage for military students and families that includes specifically-focused resources like academic and transition planning, and educational opportunities;
  • a student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school;
  • professional development training for staff to identify and respond to the needs of military families;
  • 5% open-enrollment seats for military students and families; and
  • three elective opportunities to further support military families, such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or providing opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school, among others.

Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary opened in 2006 and is located in Southwest Marion County. The school enrolls 1,042 students. As a Purple Star School of Distinction, Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary must reapply after three years to maintain its designation.

This is Marion County’s first Purple Star of Distinction school. Florida has nearly 400 Purple Star Schools. For more information, visit www.fldoe.org.

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