With a support of military families and veterans already in place, North Putnam Middle School is taking it one step further, as the school is looking to be named a Purple Star School by the Indiana Department of Education.
North Putnam Middle School principal Bucky Kramer said the opportunity was the result of a proposal brought to him by social studies teacher Scott Spencer.
"Currently, North Putnam Middle School meets many of the requirements for this distinction already. North Putnam schools are committed to serving the students and families of Northern Putnam County and proudly supports all of our veterans, both current and past," Kramer told The Putnam County Post.
According to the Indiana Department of Education, the schools that receive the designation do so as a result of their display of commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to the military.
"The daily sacrifices of our service members and their families are beyond what many of us can comprehend. Honoring their selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms as Americans is a priority for our state, on Veterans Day and every day of the year. It is an honor to award the Purple Star designation to these Indiana schools for their recognition, celebration and support of our military families, as well as our students who may be considering a future in military service," said Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner.
In order to receive the designation, schools must meet certain criteria including: having an assigned point of contact for military families, meeting all grade level requirements for the point of contact, having a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans and students and families, host an annual military program, have a public military display recognizing service members, a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families and ensure military service members and their immediate family members meet minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview.
"At the conclusion of this process, North Putnam Middle School will proudly display a permanent fixture in our Media Center to honor those individuals past, present and future. Earning the distinction as a Purple Star School helps to solidify our commitment to those that have sacrificed so much for all of us," Kramer said.
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