Hoover Elementary named Purple Star School

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today announced 102 newly-designated and/or re-designated Purple Star schools - the largest group since the award was created in 2020. Schools receiving the Purple Star designation are awarded for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to our nation’s military.

“The daily sacrifices of our service members and their families are beyond what many of us can comprehend,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Honoring their selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms as Americans is a priority for our state, on Veterans Day and every day of the year. It is an honor to award the Purple Star designation to these Indiana schools for their recognition, celebration and support of our military families, as well as our students who may be considering a future in military service.”

Principal Marci Galinowski said, “I am proud of the extra effort our staff and students make to recognize and honor our servicemen and women. Year after year, there are tears of pride in the eyes of many who participate in our annual Veterans Day program. The sacrifice of our service men and women, and their families is just incredible.”

One of the designation requirements is for the school to have an appointed school contact supporting military families. Trisha Whicker, Hoover 4th grade teacher, went through an IDOE course on how schools can best support families. In addition, the course informs about the unique stressors that they face, from frequent moves, interruptions in education, uncertainty when loved ones are deployed, and maintaining regular employment for spouses. While families are always very excited when loved ones return from a deployment, it is another adjustment for families that they sometimes need assistance working through. The school’s designated contact is able to assist these families with connecting with local resources that can assist them.

Galinowski said, “This designation is personal for many of our staff members and students. Several CCSC employees have served, as well as, spouses, parents, and grandparents of students, faculty, and staff. As a school we see the education of the importance of our military as essential. The fourth and fifth grade social studies curriculum is focused on the founding of the United States and the sacrifices made by Americans to secure and maintain our freedom and independence.”

This year’s designation includes 64 newly-awarded Purple Star schools. The designation is valid for three years. For a complete list, visit the IDOE website.

In Indiana, schools receiving the Purple Star designation must meet the following criteria:
• Have an assigned point of contact for military families,
• Meet all grade-level training requirements for point of contact,
• Have a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans
• Host an annual military program,
• Have a public military display recognizing service members,
• Submit a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families, and
• Ensure military service members and their immediate family members meeting minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview.