Seven Iowa school districts representing 17 schools received the inaugural Iowa Purple Star School designation at a special ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday, April 23rd, with the Sigourney Community School District and the Albia Community School District among those honored for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Iowa Purple Star School designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the unique needs of students from military families, including supporting their learning, perseverance, and opportunities for success. The seven districts receiving the inaugural designation were Albia Community School District, Forest City Community School District, Iowa City Community School District, Newton Community School District, Pleasantville Community School District, Sigourney Community School District, and Woodward-Granger Community School District.
The awards were presented by Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, and State Board of Education President John Robbins. Also speaking at the ceremony were Brigadier General Justin Wagner of the Iowa National Guard, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Commandant Todd Jacobus, Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission Commissioner Laura Kacer, and Department of Education Consultant Jathan Chicoine.
Sigourney Community School District received the designation for Sigourney Junior/Senior High School. Superintendent Keven Hatfield, Principal Shannon Webb, and Missy Sellers accepted the award on behalf of the district. “We are very excited to be one of the first seven Iowa schools to be awarded this distinguished inaugural Iowa Purple Star School designation,” the district said in a statement. “As an Iowa Purple Star School, these schools demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and learners and their families.”
Albia Community School District received the designation for two schools — Lincoln Center and Albia Junior and Senior High School. Superintendent Joellen Swartz, Alyssa Harris, and other school team members accepted the award during the ceremony.
