County News

Autauga County Schools Awarded "Purple Star School" Designation
4/13/2022  

Autauga County is OPEN for Military!

Military children move every two to three year and the "Purple Star School Program" is designed to help schools respond to the education and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school and keep them on track to be college, workforce and life- ready. Military-connected refers to children of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves. 

Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced that 53 public schools across Alabama have been awarded the prestigious “Purple Star School” and three of these schools are Autauga County Schools! Prattville High School, Prattville Junior High School and Daniel Pratt Elementary School received this prestigious designation for their efforts to assist military children with school transition and developing programs that recognize military service and civic responsibility.

“Autauga County loves and appreciates our military families for their service, and this is one of the many ways our community can thank them!”, said Jay Thompson Chairman of the Autauga County Commission. "More than 35% of our population is military, we're honored they choose to make Autauga County their home."

The Alabama Legislature adopted a resolution in 2021 to participate in the national “Purple Star” program and appointed a committee, which is chaired by Ainsworth, to recognize schools that qualify for the designation. The program is designed to address such issues as gaps and overlaps in the courses being taught, differing graduation requirements, and social and emotional challenges. “Since taking office, I have worked hard to ensure Alabama remains that nation’s most friendly and welcoming state for active duty military personnel, their dependents, and veterans,” said Ainsworth, whose office also oversees the Alabama Military Stability Commission. “Because of transfers and various postings, the average military child will attend six to nine schools during their K – 12 years, so it is important for Alabama to partner in efforts to ease their transition and welcome them to our state with open arms.”

“Autauga County loves and appreciates our military families for their service, and this is one of the many ways our community can thank them!”, said Jay Thompson Chairman of the Autauga County Commission. "More than 35% of our population is military, we're honored they choose to make Autauga County their home."

To qualify for “Purple Star” designation, applying schools must first create a child-to-child peer program for military students, appoint a school liaison for military families, designate a website page specifically for military family resources, provide staff with professional development on assisting military students and families, and conduct school programs promoting civic responsibility and military service. 



Back