Schools honored with Purple Star Designation for Support of Military Families

Dozens of NISD campuses earned the Purple Star Campus Designation for the 2025-26 school year from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). 

“I am very proud of our campuses’ commitment to supporting military-connected students,” said Interim Superintendent Jessica Palomares. “It is essential that we provide a stable and welcoming environment for students whose families often face the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent relocations and deployments.” 

“This designation highlights schools that go above and beyond to meet the needs of military families, offering programs and resources that foster resilience and community integration,” she added.

The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas district and charter schools that show their support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. This special honor was created effective April 9, 2020, by the 86th Texas Legislature.

Every fall, TEA awards the Purple Star Campus designation to campuses that apply and meet the following established criteria:

1) Designate a campus-based military liaison that must:

• Support military-connected students and their families.
• Offer professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related to military-connected students.

2) Create and maintain an easily accessible web page that includes information for military-connected students and their families.

3) Must have a campus transition program that includes:

• Introductions to school environment and processes.
• Student leaders or ambassadors should be supported or sponsored by a campus-based staff member.
• Participate in organizing and hosting newcomer social events, facilitating guided tours of the campus, and accompanying new students to lunch during the first week of school.

4) Offer at least one of the following initiatives:

• A resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
• Participation in Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month, or
• Partnership with a school liaison officer to encourage and provide opportunities for active duty military members.