FMS and BRES Named Purple Star Schools

Falcon Middle School and Bennett Ranch Elementary School are among 27 Colorado schools that received the state's first Purple Star School designation.

“Purple Star Schools are important because they provide crucial support and resources for military-connected students and families, recognizing the unique challenges they face due to frequent moves, new schools, and parental deployments, ultimately aiming to ensure their academic and social-emotional well-being,” said Martina Meadows, BRES Principal.

In a special ceremony on Thursday in Denver, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova and Governor Jared Polis awarded the state’s first-ever Purple Star School designation to schools from eight school districts. It’s no surprise that 25 of the 27 schools are in the Colorado Springs area.

Photo: Brian Smith, Falcon Zone Superintendent; Gov. Jared Polis; Kristen Beuke, BRES Counselor: Commissioner Susana Córdova; and Martina Meadows, BRES Principal.

 

The Purple Star School designation recognizes school communities for their work to support military-connected students and their families.

“Colorado is the proud home to a strong military and veteran community, and it’s only appropriate that our schools are recognized for the work they do to support military families and their children. I’m excited to celebrate the schools who are leading this work and setting an example for the rest of the state,” said Gov. Polis.

“Ensuring that our Bennett Ranch Bulls feel safe and have support with their new transition is what matters to us,” Meadows said. “Making sure that our Bennett Ranch families have the resources and support is important. We believe and thrive to ensure we have that special connection with each family, especially our military families. By making that connection—students thrive.” 

At the ceremony, Commissioner Córdova and Gov. Polis were joined by District 49 staff, as well as members of the State Board of Education, representatives from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, and military school liaisons from the United States Army, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as representatives from other school districts.

“Military families and their children make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. For military-connected students, frequent moves and long separations from loved ones can present unique challenges. Our Purple Star Schools go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging—no matter where their family is stationed,” Córdova said.

Photo: Brian Smith, Falcon Zone Superintendent; Deanna Siemsen, FMS Choice and Success Advisor; Gov. Jared Polis; Carrie Clay, FMS Counselor; Elena Forehand, FMS Principal, and Commissioner Susana Córdova.

 

“The Purple Star designation is a powerful recognition of our commitment to military-connected students and families,” said Brian Smith, Falcon Zone Superintendent. “Falcon Middle and Bennett Ranch Elementary both recognize the particular situations our military families encounter. Receiving this designation matters deeply to Falcon Zone and District 49 because it’s about more than education—it’s about creating a strong, supportive community where every student feels seen, valued, and at home. This is an outstanding honor.”

Last spring, Gov. Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1076 creating the Purple Star Program to recognize schools that help military-connected students navigate the academic and social-emotional challenges that come with frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adjusting to new school communities.

“Receiving the Purple Star designation is meaningful because it brings a level of consistency to the educational experience of military-connected students,” said Kelli Chappelle, D49’s Military Student Family Liaison. “This recognition helps families feel confident that a school has the heart, training, and resources to walk alongside them through all the ups and downs of military life. Our district has long had a strong foundation of support for military families. Now, with this recognition, we have the proof to show our commitment.”

Purple Star Schools must meet specific criteria, including offering dedicated programs and resources for military-connected students and their families. More information about the Purple Star Program is available on the Colorado Department of Education’s website. A Purple Star designation is valid for three years.

April is the Month of the Military Child.

In recognition of that, D49 is celebrating “Purple Up Day” on Friday, April 11. The national awareness day aims to recognize the sacrifices and strength of military children and their families. Nationally, “Purple Up Day” is usually observed on April 15.

For more information about our Military Family Liaison please see our Military Families web page.