Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) proudly announces that both Coesse Elementary and Indian Springs have earned the esteemed Purple Star School Designation. This designation recognizes schools for their commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Purple Star School Designation, established by the Indiana Department of Education, honors schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to serving children of military families. These schools are recognized for their efforts to foster an environment where military families feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
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.
Coesse Elementary has also been recognized for their strong efforts to honor and teach students about military service. The Coesse Elementary Veterans Display can be found just inside Door 7 outside the gymnasium.
“I wanted to apply for Coesse to be a Purple Star School because our students take so much pride in the way they honor our Veterans each year. It is a great opportunity to teach the students about the branches of the military as well as the importance of protecting our freedoms. Having a permanent display with pictures and stories of the valiant men and women in our community will consistently remind us of their service and sacrifices,” said Emily Hare, Coesse Elementary teacher.
Both schools are among a select group of Indiana schools to receive this honor, and their Purple Star Designation will be renewed annually based on continued efforts to engage with military-connected families and support students' educational needs.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, staff, and students. Coesse Elementary and Indian Springs have both worked to ensure military-connected students and their families are celebrated and supported. These efforts not only honor those who have served but also provide an opportunity for all students to understand the value of service, sacrifice, and patriotism,” said Mrs. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent.
The Purple Star School Designation is a reflection of the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected families, and WCCS is proud to join a growing number of schools across the state of Indiana that are making military students feel at home and supported.
A full list of the newly awarded schools in 2024 can be found here.
For more information about the Purple Star Designation, or to learn more about the military displays at Coesse Elementary and Indian Springs Middle School, please contact the schools directly or visit the WCCS website. Emily Hare is the Coesse Purple Star Point of Contact (wccsonline.com/o/ces/page/purple-star) and Olivia Coons is the Indian Springs Purple Star Point of Contact (wccsonline.com/o/isms/page/purple-star-school).
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