2-25-2021 4:38pm

Board Recognizes Clearcreek and SHS on Purple Star Designation

Rick Amburgey Neighbor

Springboro, OH --- Springboro Schools’ Board of Education recognized Clearcreek Elementary and Springboro High School (SHS) on being two (2) of the newest schools to be recognized has a Purple Star recipient by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria recently announced the newest schools across Ohio that received the coveted Purple Star Award this school year.

Clearcreek Elementary Principal Carrie Corder, Counselor Erin Gross, SHS Principal Kyle Martin, Teacher Gail Dauber, and Library Aide Kim Tinch were on hand to accept a plaque from the district and ODE recognizing each school on their achievement. Also, in attendance for the recognition ceremony were Springboro Mayor John Agenbroad and the Springboro High School JROTC.

“Springboro Schools recognizes that military families face unique challenges, and our district strives to do all that is possible to help our students and their families throughout the school year,” said Superintendent of Springboro Schools Larry Hook.

The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a major commitment to serving students and families connected to the United States Armed Forces. “Military children move approximately three times more than their peer counterparts,” said Carrie Corder, Principal at Clearcreek Elementary. “A positive school environment, built upon caring relationships, has been shown to impact not only academic performance but also positively influence emotions and behaviors of students.”

Among the requirements both Clearcreek Elementary and SHS had to meet to receive the Purple Star Award was designating a staff member to serve as a liaison between military connected students, their families, and the school. The liaison is to inform teachers of the military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive. “So proud to be recognized as a school making a commitment to serve our students and parents that have years of dedicated service to the U.S Military,” said Kyle Martin, Principal at Springboro high School.

Both Clearcreek Elementary and Springboro High School also had to establish a webpage for military families, which provided resources necessary for attending public school. Springboro Schools’ other three (3) buildings: Springboro Intermediate, Five Points and Dennis Elementary plan on taking similar steps to apply for a Purple Star designation the following school year. Springboro Junior High School received the Purple Star designation last school year (Feb. 2020).

The Purple Star Advisory Board — formed by the Ohio departments of Education, Higher Education, Veterans Services and Adjutant General — helps determine school eligibility. “We are grateful for the individuals who serve in our nation’s armed forces, and we recognize the unique challenges students of military families face during their learning journeys. Our school communities are in a unique position to offer essential supports to ensure these students are prepared for success and their families are cared for and appreciated,” said Paolo DeMaria, State Superintendent of Instruction. “Today we recognize the schools showcasing these supports and inspiring all of us by their commitment to our military families.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, “Ohio’s military members and their families embody the ideals of service, sacrifice, and community. But they can’t do their jobs alone. The Purple Star Schools awarded today recognize the sacrifices military members and their loved ones make. These school communities have made a commitment to support them inside and outside the classroom. Purple Star Schools are shining examples of Ohioans working together, encouraging one another, caring for one another and, ultimately, creating a brighter future for our state.”

Approximately 35,000 Ohio students, including the children of active duty, reserve and Ohio National Guard families, have one or more parents serving in the military.

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* This story was written by Springboro Schools staff.