Oakwood Schools is proud to announce that Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce has designated all five schools within the district as Purple Star Schools. In the latest announcement, Director Stephen D. Dackin recognized Oakwood Junior High School, Lange School and Oakwood High School as three of Ohio’s newest Purple Star Schools.
The Purple Star designation signifies a school’s major commitment to serving military-connected students and families. Oakwood Schools currently supports 260 military students and their families.
“The hard work of our staff and the teams at each school to review the application criteria, incorporate elements as part of the required activities, and submit an application to show our military students and families that we see them brings me great pride!” said Superintendent Dr. Neil Gupta. “By earning this designation at each of our schools, we will also be able to elevate our ongoing work to provide support to our students and families as they transition to Oakwood Schools and continue to flourish in our community.”
This fall, Oakwood Junior High School, Lange School and Oakwood Junior High completed the required activities and application process for a Purple Star designation. This includes designating a staff member to serve as a liaison between military-connected students, their families and the school. Each school also established websites for military families, providing resources necessary for attending Oakwood.
“Ohio’s Purple Star Advisory Board established a set of important criteria that schools must meet to be considered for a Purple Star designation. It gives me great pride to announce that your school meets these criteria,” Dackin wrote in a letter to Oakwood Schools. “I applaud and appreciate your commitment to serving military-connected students and families.”
In addition, ODE recognized Smith Elementary and Harman School as Purple Star Schools in 2022. This designation is valid for three years and is eligible for renewal, making all five of the district’s buildings Purple Star Schools.