Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 12/18/2024 1:30:00 PM

For Immediate Release

 

Contact:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti

Hillsborough County Public Schools

Office of Communications

813-272-4060

 

Tampa, Fl. (December 18, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce the designation of four more of our schools as 2024 Purple Star Schools of Distinction by the Florida Legislature.

Congratulations

 to our schools who join 21 other HCPS schools with this prestigious designation:

  • Jule F. Sumner High School

  • Kenneth E. Adum K-8 Magnet School

  • Lithia Springs Elementary School

  • Riverview High School

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. To receive the designation schools must support military families through the implementation of activities such as:

  • Highlighting annual military recognition events, e.g., Month of the Military Child, Month of the Military Family, Purple-Up! for Military Kids, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day.

  • Publicizing support for military students and families.

  • Providing opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer at the school.

  • Participating in one or more service projects that connect the school with the military community.

  • Offering the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program.

“We are incredibly proud that four more of our schools have been recognized as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. Students of military families face challenges and sacrifices that many of us cannot fully comprehend,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “This recognition affirms our district’s dedication to honoring the sacrifices of military families and ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed, no matter where their journey takes them.”

Visit 

HCPS-MilitaryFamilies

 to see the list of our Purple Star Schools of Distinction and to learn more about our programs and resources for our military families.