Two San Angelo ISD Campuses Receive Purple Star Designation in Recognition of Commitment to Military-Connected Students

San Angelo ISD is proud to announce Belaire Elementary and Lone Star Middle School have received the distinction of being named a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Purple Star Designation campus. The award recognizes schools that excel in meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. 

“Congratulations to Belaire and Lone Star for earning the prestigious Purple Star distinction!” said SAISD Deputy Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer Dr. Farrah Gomez. “This recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to supporting our military-connected students and  families. Their dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment truly sets a standard of excellence.”

SAISD is home to approximately 750 military-connected students and is honored to support the children of our military servicemen and women. Central High School, Glenn Middle School and Glenmore Elementary are the other SAISD campuses that have the Purple Star Campus designation. 

"We are incredibly proud to receive the Military Purple Star Distinction at Belaire Elementary," said Belaire Elementary Principal Tracy Knighton. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, especially Jerrica Escobedo, our M.S., LPC Military Family Life Counselor and our school counselor, Summer Louder. Their unwavering commitment to supporting our military-connected students and their families has been instrumental in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment at our school. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that all students feel valued and supported, especially those who have parents who serve our country."

These campuses work to provide extra support systems for military-connected students including a program connecting civilian students with newly enrolled military children to ease the transition of being the “new kid” at school. Together, they tour the campus, eat lunch together, and answer questions that come with moving to a new place. These campuses exemplify the characteristics within our SAISD Educator Profile through their commitment to our students by providing each student with an inspiring educational experience which prepares them to be future-ready, whatever that future may be.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and compassion demonstrated by the staff and communities of Belaire Elementary and Lone Star Middle School,” said Dr. Gomez. “Thank you for going above and beyond in honoring and serving those who serve our country. Well done!”

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Lone Star Middle School and Belaire Elementary on this well-deserved honor, and we look forward to seeing your continued support of our Goodfellow Air Force Base students and families. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X.

About Purple Star Campus Designation 

The Purple Star Campus Designation recognizes Texas district and charter schools that show their support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. 

This special honor was created by the 86th Texas Legislature through SB 1557 and further described in agency rule (19 TAC, § 61.1063), effective April 9, 2020.

Every fall, TEA awards the Purple Star Campus designation to campuses that apply and meet the established criteria (see below). Campuses that are selected will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on campus or on the school website. Campuses selected will also have their designation featured on the TxSchools.gov web page.