JICS Purple Star School logo
James Irwin Elementary School – Howard, James Irwin Elementary School - Astrozon and James Irwin Charter Middle School are among 27 Colorado schools that received the state's first Purple Star School designation.
Purple Star Schools provide crucial support and resources for military-connected students and families, recognizing the unique challenges they face due to frequent moves, new schools, and parental deployments, ultimately aiming to ensure their academic and emotional well-being.
In a special ceremony on Thursday, April 10th in Denver, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova and Governor Jared Polis awarded the state’s first-ever Purple Star School designation to 27 schools. JICS was represented by each of the three military liaisons from the three awarded schools (Jenice Bosch- JIES-Howard, Leisha Jones – JIES-Astrozon, Jason Murphy – JICMS), JICMS Principal Dawn Batteiger and JICS Director of Advancement Linda Carroll.
The Purple Star School designation recognizes school communities for their work to support military-connected students and their families.
“Colorado is the proud home to a strong military and veteran community, and it’s only appropriate that our schools are recognized for the work they do to support military families and their children. I’m excited to celebrate the schools who are leading this work and setting an example for the rest of the state,” said Gov. Polis.
At the ceremony, Commissioner Córdova and Gov. Polis were joined by the JICS staff mentioned above, as well as members of the State Board of Education, representatives from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, and military school liaisons from the United States Army, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as representatives from other school districts.
“Military families and their children make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. For military-connected students, frequent moves and long separations from loved ones can present unique challenges. Our Purple Star Schools go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging—no matter where their family is stationed,” Córdova said.
Last spring, Gov. Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1076 creating the Purple Star Program to recognize schools that help military-connected students navigate the academic and social-emotional challenges that come with frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adjusting to new school communities.
Purple Star Schools must meet specific criteria, including offering dedicated programs and resources for military-connected students and their families. More information about the Purple Star Program is available on the Colorado Department of Education’s website. A Purple Star designation is valid for three years.
April is the Month of the Military Child.
In recognition of that, these three schools are celebrating “Purple Up Day” on Tuesday, April 15 to recognize the sacrifices and strength of military children and their families.
