Indian Springs Middle School is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Purple Star Designation by the Indiana Department of Education. This esteemed recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and the students and families connected to our nation's military. Districts are ineligible to receive the distinction as schools must individually meet the requirements.

The Purple Star School Designation is a reflection of our staff's dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community, including those who have bravely served our country. This designation is valid for three years, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional support to our military-affiliated students and families.

Indian Springs Middle School has fostered patriotism and honoring veterans. 

“Many students, families, and staff of Indian Springs Middle School are very patriotic. The Columbia City community, as a whole, recognizes the selflessness of both active-duty military members and our veterans who served their country.  I wanted to apply for the Purple Star School Designation because all three grade levels at ISMS do many activities that highlight those who serve our country.  Capturing these learning opportunities taking place at our school so the community is aware was one goal of applying for this recognition.  The more important goal was to strive to do whatever we can to support the children who come from military families as their parent(s) serve our country.  The public is encouraged to view our military display in the display case in the hallway between the two gyms during their next visit to Indian Springs,”  said Olivia Coons, Sixth Grade Language Arts Writing Teacher.

In line with their commitment to honor the military community, Indian Springs Middle School has displayed a dedicated display in the hallway between the two gyms, which showcases artifacts, photos, and stories of local veterans. The display is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to stop by during their next visit to the school.  

This designation is a result of the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, students, families, and community partners. We remain committed to upholding the principles that the Purple Star Designation represents, and we look forward to continuing our work in creating an inclusive and supportive educational experience for all.

A full list of the newly awarded schools in 2024 can be found here.

In Indiana, schools receiving the Purple Star designation must meet the following criteria:

• Have an assigned point of contact for military families,

• Meet all grade-level training requirements for point of contact,

• Have a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans and students and families,

• Host an annual military program (e.g., Veterans Day, 9/11, etc.),

• Have a public military display recognizing service members,

• Submit a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families, and

• Ensure military service members and their immediate family members meeting minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview

Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs
https://www.in.gov/dva/

Whitley County Veteran Services
https://www.whitleycounty.in.gov/department/index.php?structureid=37

VA Benefits and Healthcare
https://www.va.gov/

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or please call 911. You can also text to 838255