Four Belton ISD schools have recently been recognized as Purple Star Designated Campuses, a prestigious honor awarded to schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families. The campuses receiving this designation—Lakewood Elementary School, Southwest Elementary School, Belton Middle School, and Belton High School—are being celebrated for their commitment to ensuring military students feel welcomed and supported throughout their educational journey.

"At Belton ISD, we are proud to serve 4,373 military-connected students, making up nearly 30 percent of our student population. Four of our campuses have earned the prestigious Purple Star designation, a testament to our commitment to supporting military families. These designations recognize the hard work our educators and staff put into creating a welcoming, supportive environment for military students and their families, ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to succeed academically and emotionally," said Mike Morgan, Belton ISD Deputy Superintendent.

Each school earned the Purple Star designation by meeting rigorous criteria, including establishing a dedicated campus-based military liaison, maintaining resources for military families, and implementing transition programs to ease the adjustment for students moving due to military-related relocations. These campuses also engage in ongoing military appreciation activities, demonstrating their deep respect for the sacrifices of service members and their families.

Belton ISD fosters student-led programs at the recognized campuses such as the “Student Ambassadors” program, where peers mentor and support incoming military students, ensuring a smooth transition into the school community. The district also proudly observes “Purple Up! Day” each year, celebrating military families and strengthening connections between students and their parents serving in the armed forces. Additionally, Belton ISD partners with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) to address the academic, emotional, and social challenges that come with a military lifestyle, ensuring comprehensive support for military-connected students.

Belton ISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Cassandra Spearman expressed her pride in the schools, stating, “Being recognized as Purple Star Designated Campuses highlights the care and dedication our staff and students put into supporting our military-connected families. We know how important it is to make transitions as seamless as possible, and we are honored to be part of their journey.”

This recognition further solidifies Belton ISD’s role as a district that honors and respects the sacrifices made by military families, ensuring their children are cared for and supported in their educational journey, no matter where they may be stationed.

September 20, 2024