-by S. Woodward

For demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s military, 27 Virginia Beach schools were named 2021-22 Virginia Purple Star schools. Awards are presented by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

“This designation affirms our commitment to the military-connected families of Virginia Beach,” said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “Every member of our staff— teachers, counselors, bus drivers, custodians and more– is invested in providing a world-class education for every one of our students, including more than 13,000 whose families serve our country. With all the changes, separations and other stressors these children endure as part of their everyday lives, we are honored to provide them with a consistent, safe and nurturing learning environment.”

The following schools are first-time Purple Star designees: Bayside Elementary School, College Park Elementary School, Corporate Landing Elementary School, Diamond Springs Elementary School, Fairfield Elementary School, Green Run Elementary School, Kempsville Elementary School, Kingston Elementary School, Malibu Elementary School, Newtown Elementary School, Parkway Elementary School, Princess Anne High School, Tallwood Elementary School, W.T. Cooke Elementary School, and Woodstock Elementary School.

They join second-time designees Brandon Middle School, Great Neck Middle School, Hermitage Elementary School, Kellam High School, Kempsville High School, Linkhorn Park Elementary School, New Castle Elementary School, North Landing Elementary School, Shelton Park Elementary School, Virginia Beach Middle School, White Oaks Elementary School and Windsor Woods Elementary School.

Approximately 20% of students in Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) are military-connected, meaning that they have active-duty family members or are military-dependent youth. Through military school counselors, the division provides families deployment support, academic transition planning and post-secondary planning. In addition, VBCPS maintains a strong partnership with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and offers professional learning for staff to better understand the needs of military families.

Learn more about the Purple Star designation by visiting the VDOE website.