When it comes to supporting and addressing the needs of students whose parents or guardians serve in the United States Armed Forces, Anne Arundel County Public Schools is second to none.
AACPS earned three of Maryland’s eight inaugural Purple Star Schools Program Awards, designed to honor schools that recognize and support the unique needs of military dependents. Meade High School, MacArthur Middle School, and West Meade Early Education Center earned the awards, which were announced by the Maryland State Department of Education.
“These awards are indicative of the lengths to which these schools go to support these students,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell said. “Students whose families serve our country face a unique set of circumstances and have unique needs. I am proud of what is going on in these schools and also in our Division of Student Support Services, which works tirelessly to develop and enhance supports for students.”
The Maryland General Assembly approved the Purple Star Schools Program in 2022, allowing the state to join 37 others across the nation. The Maryland State Board of Education first allowed schools to apply for awards last September. Honorees will maintain their designations through the 2024-2025 school year.
Other honorees in the inaugural class were Bellows Springs Elementary School in Howard County, Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School in St. Mary’s County, Kent Island and Queen Anne’s County high schools in Queen Anne’s County, and Mt. Harmony Elementary School in Calvert County.