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School Requirements

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CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PURPLE STAR SCHOOLS WITH MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

  1. Military Point of Contact (MPOC): Schools must designate a building MPOC to act as the primary point of contact for military-connected students and their families. The MPOC can be any school employee; an ideal candidate is someone who works regularly with military-connected students and families and is familiar with the needs of highly mobile students. Because military families frequently experience transitions during peak Permanent Change of Station (PCS) months, particularly in June and July, schools should ensure families have access to the MPOC or designated support throughout the year to help facilitate successful transitions and connections to resources.

  2. Professional Development: The following trainings are required for the school’s Military Point of Contact (MPOC) and at least one building administrator. Certificates of completion must be uploaded with the school’s Purple Star application.

    In addition to completing the required trainings, schools are encouraged to provide annual training for all employees, particularly in schools with high staff turnover, and to tailor the content to the military populations represented in their communities. Possible topics may include, but are not limited to:

    • military culture to include mitigating the effects of high mobility
    • deployments and family separations (near installations with high deployments)
    • the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, as specified in Chapter 11, Article 8B, NMSA 1978
    • supporting students connected to veterans
    • supporting students with a parent or guardian in the national guard or reserve
    • the physical and mental effects of military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other physical injuries, and supporting students with a parent or guardian who has fallen in the line of duty

  3. A dedicated Military Family Resources Webpage: Schools must maintain a dedicated page on the school website that provides military-connected students and families with accessible information, resources, and support. The webpage should include contact information for the school’s MPOC, along with resources related to enrollment, academic and student support services, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, special education and Section 504 services, and opportunities for family engagement.

  4. Advanced Enrollment: Purple Star Schools must include enrollment and registration information, including links to the school’s enrollment process, on the military family resources webpage. In accordance with New Mexico law (Section 22-1-4(H) NMSA 1978), schools must allow relocating military families to begin the enrollment process before they physically arrive in the state, provided they have official military orders. The webpage should also provide information about school programs, course offerings, extracurricular activities, and other resources to help families prepare for a successful transition.

  5. List of available student supports: Schools must provide a list of resources and support available to assist military-connected students with academic, social, and emotional needs. These resources may include academic advising and interventions, transition programs, peer support opportunities, new student orientations, welcoming activities, family engagement opportunities, and military recognition events.

  6. Military Support Resolution: Schools must submit a resolution supporting military-connected students to their local school board or charter school governing council as part of the Purple Star certification application process.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PURPLE STAR SCHOOLS WITHOUT MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

  1. Military Appreciation Activities: Purple Star Schools without active-duty military-connected students must demonstrate their commitment to honoring military service by implementing activities that recognize the contributions of service members and veterans. Examples include Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day events, patriotic programs, service projects, partnerships with veterans organizations, and other school or community initiatives that promote military appreciation.

  2. Community Recognition: Purple Star Schools recognize the service and contributions of veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military personnel within their school or local community. Recognition may occur through school events, communications, displays, or other meaningful activities.

  3. Military Recognition Events: Purple Star Schools must sponsor events or activities that recognize and honor military service. These events provide opportunities for students, staff, families, and the community to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of those who serve.

  4. Recognition of Future Service Members: Purple Star Schools must recognize and celebrate students who have committed to serving in the United States Armed Forces following graduation. Schools may acknowledge these students through ceremonies, announcements, recognition events, or other meaningful celebrations.

  5. Purple Star Resolution: Purple Star Schools must submit a resolution supporting military-connected students to their local school board or charter school governing council as part of the Purple Star certification application process.

Additional Resources

Joint Service Schools Liaisons: The School Liaison Program serves as a connection between military families, schools, installation leadership, and community partners to support pre-K–12 students. They are a resource for all local education agencies seeking to understand and provide exemplary support to military members and their families.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Online Learning Hub offers free, self-paced online courses and educational resources to help educators, school staff, and other youth-serving professionals meet the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.

The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) offers resources and guidance to support implementation of the Interstate Compact, helping schools address enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation issues for military-connected students.

The OneOp Network offers free webinars and professional development for educators and other professionals who support military families. Schools can find training on topics such as student and family well-being, transitions, partnerships, and access to community resources.

School Resources to Support Military-Connected Students provides free, evidence-informed materials for educators and other school personnel. The website includes learning modules, toolkits, student programs, and practical resources to help schools understand and address the needs of military-connected students and families.