OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School has been named a 2024 Purple Star School of Distinction, an honor recognizing its outstanding support for military families.
The designation, awarded by the Florida Department of Education, follows a rigorous application process completed by school leaders. Named after Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, the school becomes the first in the county to earn this prestigious recognition.
The Purple Star School of Distinction program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021 to support the unique needs of military families, particularly students transitioning to new schools due to parental duty station changes.
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To earn and maintain this designation, schools must:
- Designate a military point-of-contact to serve as a liaison for military families.
- Maintain a dedicated webpage offering resources for military students and families, including academic planning and transition support.
- Operate a student-led transition program to assist new military students.
- Provide professional development for staff to address the needs of military families.
- Reserve 5% of open-enrollment seats for military families.
- Offer three elective initiatives, such as service projects connecting the school to the military community, annual military recognition events, or opportunities for active-duty parents to volunteer.
Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary, located in Southwest Marion County and home to 1,042 students, opened its doors in 2006. The school will need to reapply for the designation every three years to maintain its status.
Florida currently boasts nearly 400 Purple Star Schools. For more information on the program, visit www.fldoe.org.