HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) held a press conference today celebrating Purple Star Schools across Pennsylvania. Purple Star School districts from across the commonwealth were in attendance, including West Allegheny, St. Patrick School, Carlisle and Cumberland Valley.
“I am thrilled to host some of our purple star schools here at the Capitol today who are among the first to have this distinction,” Robinson said. “I hope to see more schools across Pennsylvania embrace this program and step up to support the children and families of our service members.”
The Purple Star Schools program supports military-connected children as they frequently relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. This designation is given to Local Education Agencies and schools for their commitment to serving active-duty military families and students.
“This program is near and dear to our hearts,” said Dr. Katharine Roche, academic principal of West Allegheny High School. “We have over 50 students with parents that are active military.”
More than 37,000 children in Pennsylvania have parents serving in the military. Purple Star Schools help ease the stress of often annual moves and parental deployment for these students by providing support for their relocation, enrollment, registration, social, academic planning, counseling and other critical resources.
Dr. Carrie Rowe, acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, applauded Purple Star Schools for these efforts. “A military child will attend 6 to 9 schools in their schooling from kindergarten to 12th grade,” Rowe said. “Fortunately, in the commonwealth, we have a robust support network that will help these families with the struggles they face.”
Adjutant Gen. John Pippy also praised the program. “By having this program, you make it easier not only for the kids, but also for the families and the people who serve and work [in the military].”
Also in attendance at the press conference were Sens. Pat Stefano and Doug Mastriano.
Local Education Agencies and schools can apply to the Purple Star Schools program through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The new application period opened April 1, 2025, and interested school districts can go to www.senatorrobinson.com/purplestarschools for more information on applying. Once approved, the designation will last for three years and can be renewed.
CONTACT: Allison Dutrey