CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) has announced that 13 schools and two school districts in Nevada have received the Nevada Purple Star School Award. Schools receiving this award have committed to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children.

Churchill County School District and Mineral County School District received the first district-wide Purple Star School Designations in Nevada. These honors were awarded in recognition of all district schools being named Purple Star Schools.

"Nevada is home to almost 11,000 military-connected children who experience unique challenges and play important roles in our school communities. The school communities receiving these designations have stepped up to support these students in meaningful ways," said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "We are thrilled to award two district-wide Purple Star designations, which affirm the unwavering commitment of our school and district leaders in supporting military-connected students and families. I commend each and every school leader who worked so hard to receive these designations."

The 13 schools are:

• Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, State Public Charter School Authority
• Hawthorne Junior High School, Mineral County School District
• Mineral County High School, Mineral County School District
• Hawthorne Elementary School, Mineral County School District
• Schurz Elementary School, Mineral County School District
• Churchill High School, Churchill County School District
• Churchill Middle School, Churchill County School District
• E.C. Best Elementary School, Churchill County School District
• Lahontan Elementary School, Churchill County School District
• Numa Elementary School, Churchill County School District
• Palo Verde High School, Clark County School District
• Desert Oasis High School, Clark County School District
• Rundle Elementary School, Clark County School District

"We are thrilled to be among the first districts in Nevada to receive this honor and celebrate our military-connected students and families, said Churchill County School District Superintendent Summer Stephens. Our team at Churchill County School District believes strongly in ensuring that transitions for children are safe and responsive to their needs. We look forward to continuing to do great things for military-connected families.

"Mineral County has had a long history of welcoming military families, and Purple Star Schools like ours are here to ensure schools are welcoming and effective for military-connected students," said Mineral County School District Superintendent Andre Ponder. "It is our great honor to receive this designation, and we are committed to continue supporting the students and families who call our community home."

NDE announced the designations during April, which is the Month of the Military Child, proclaimed by Governor Sisolak to recognize the important role military-connected children play in the State of Nevada. The Department honored each school and district with celebrations the weeks of April 18 and 25. Each school was presented with a certificate and banner, signaling that the school supports the social and emotional wellbeing of military students in adjusting to a new school and the absence of a parent during deployment. 

The 13 recognized schools join seven other Nevada schools which were named as the first-ever Purple Star Schools in the State in 2021. Other schools wishing to earn the designation can begin the application process online. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and designations are awarded annually during April and November.

The Purple Star School Award Program is facilitated by NDE in partnership with the Nevada Military Interstate Compact Commission Council.

Attachments:

• Photos: 2021 Purple Star School Celebrations
• Nevada Purple Star School Award
• Applications: Nevada Purple Star School Designation
• Proclamation: Month of the Military Child

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ABOUT THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.