FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2024
Gloucester County Public Schools Earns Virginia District Purple Star Award for Supporting Military Families
Gloucester, VA — Gloucester County Public Schools (GCPS) is proud to announce that our schools have been recognized with the prestigious Virginia Purple Star Award. This honor, bestowed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, acknowledges schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that go above and beyond in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for military children who often face unique educational challenges due to frequent relocations and transitions. GCPS’s commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of these students has earned us this distinguished honor, recognizing our schools as part of a select group across Virginia dedicated to military families.
Gloucester County Schools is one of only six Districts in Virginia to earn the District Purple Star designation. These efforts began in 2018, and we are grateful for the tremendous work ensuring that our district is one of the most welcoming in Virginia for military children and their families. Our teachers and staff have made it a priority to build an environment where military-connected students feel supported and valued.
As superintendent, I am deeply honored that Gloucester County Public Schools has been recognized as a Purple Star division,” said Dr. Anthony Vladu, Superintendent of Gloucester County Public Schools. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our school community in supporting students with unique backgrounds and challenges.”
Virginia has the largest population of military-connected children in the country, and Gloucester County Public Schools is proud to play a part in supporting these families who serve our nation. The Purple Star designation remains active for three years, after which schools may reapply to retain this recognition.
For more information on the Virginia Purple Star Award and a complete list of recognized schools, please visit the Virginia Department of Education website.
For more information, contact Dr. Anthony Vladu, at 804-693-1425
Gloucester County Public Schools