19 Ysleta ISD schools earn Purple Star designation for military family support

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Nineteen schools in the Ysleta Independent School District earned Texas' Purple Star designation, the district announced Thursday. The schools joined 329 campuses across Texas with designation for military family support.

YISD said it created the HERO Military Program, which provides military-connected families with a "welcoming, supportive path into the district and the El Paso community."

The HERO program helps families through the enrollment process and connects them with campus and community resources.

Purple Star campuses host special programs and events throughout the school year, YISD said.

To earn the Purple Star honor, a Texas public school must demonstrate commitment to supporting military families. Requirements include a webpage with resources, a campus transition program and a military family assistance initiative.

“Military-connected students and their families make significant contributions to communities across our state,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in a statement. “Purple Star campuses are leading the way in making sure these students feel welcomed, supported and connected to their communities.”

The newest Purple Star campuses at YISD are:

• Alicia Chacon International
• Desertaire Elementary
• Dolphin Terrace Elementary
• Eastwood High School
• Eastwood Knolls International
• Eastwood Middle
• Glen Cove Elementary
• J.M. Hanks Middle
• North Star Elementary
• Parkland Elementary
• Parkland High School
• Parkland Pre-K Center
• Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle
• Pebble Hills Elementary
• REL Washington International
• Scotsdale Elementary
• Tierra Del Sol Elementary
• Vista Hills Elementary
• Young Women’s Leadership Academy