CLAY COUNTY – The Purple Star School of Distinction Designation established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law in June 2021, recognizes schools that support the unique needs of military families. This school year, six Clay County schools have now been designated by the Florida Department of Education as a Purple Star School of Distinction. To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, schools are required to maintain the following:

• A school military point of contact to serve as the central liaison for military families.

• A school webpage for military students and families that includes resources like academic planning, transition planning and educational opportunities.

• A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school.

• Staff professional development to identify and respond to the needs of military families.

• Five percent percent open enrollment seats for military students and families.

• Three additional activities to support military families such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event or offering a JROTC program, among others.

Last year, Fleming Island Elementary received the honor, and the district announced the distinction for the following six schools for this year:

• Discovery Oaks Elementary

• Doctors Inlet Elementary

• Oakleaf High

• Plantation Oaks Elementary

• Robert M. Paterson Elementary

• Tynes Elementary

“Clay County District Schools is committed to being a military-friendly school system and providing military students and families support and I am proud of how our schools serve our military communities,” Superintendent David Broskie said.