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| SPRINGFIELD – Twenty-eight schools across Illinois have been recognized as Purple Star Schools, earning the designation for their efforts to create supportive learning environments that help military-connected students successfully navigate school transitions and thrive academically and socially. "For military-connected students, a school transition often means more than just a new classroom. It can mean building new friendships, adjusting to new routines, and finding a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "Purple Star Schools are committed to making those transitions smoother so students can stay focused on learning, growth, and reaching their full potential. We are proud to recognize these schools for the positive difference they make in the lives of military-connected children and families." The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) awards the Purple Star School designation to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of military-connected students. In its inaugural year, the program recognizes schools that help ensure military-connected students feel welcomed, connected, and positioned for success through dedicated points of contact, staff training, family engagement efforts, and transition supports. The following schools earned the Purple Star School designation:
- Amelia V. Carriel Junior High School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- B.J. Hooper Elementary School, Lake Villa School District 41 (Lindenhurst)
- Delores Moye Elementary School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Father McGivney Catholic High School (Glen Carbon)
- Fulton Junior High School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Galva Elementary School, Galva CUSD 224 (Galva)
- Galva Junior-Senior High School, Galva CUSD 224 (Galva)
- Geneseo High School, Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo)
- Geneseo Middle School, Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo)
- Hamlin Upper Grade Center, Atwood Heights School District 125 (Alsip)
- Holy Childhood School (Mascoutah)
- J. Emmett Hinchcliffe Sr. Elementary School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Laverna Evans Elementary School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Marie Schaefer Elementary School, O'Fallon District 90 (O'Fallon)
- Mascoutah Elementary School, Mascoutah School District 19 (Mascoutah)
- Mascoutah High School, Mascoutah School District 19 (Mascoutah)
- Mascoutah Middle School, Mascoutah School District 19 (Mascoutah)
- Millikin Elementary School, Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo)
- Northside Elementary School, Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo)
- Olive C. Martin Elementary School, Lake Villa School District 41 (Lake Villa)
- Peter J. Palombi Middle School, Lake Villa School District 41 (Lake Villa)
- Scott Elementary School, Mascoutah School District 19 (Mascoutah)
- Southwest Elementary School, Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo)
- Tonica Grade School, Tonica CCSD 79 (Tonica)
- United Township High School, United Township HS District 30 (East Moline)
- William L. Thompson Elementary School, Lake Villa School District 41 (Lake Villa)
- Wingate Elementary School, Mascoutah School District 19 (Belleville)
Applications for the 2026-2027 Purple Star School designation will be accepted during April 2027, nationally recognized as the Month of the Military Child.
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