Awards bring District total to six campuses that support military-connected families

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 – Hutto and Ray Elementary Schools are the latest Hutto ISD campuses to earn a Purple Star Campus Designation from the Texas Education Agency. The District is now home to six campuses that have demonstrated support and commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.

"Being a Purple Star Campus is not just a title. It demonstrates the dedication we have to our military connected students and their families, and the respect we have for their sacrifices and strength. Purple Star campuses take extra steps to support our military families and recognize the unique challenges that military families face,” said Lead Parent Engagement Specialist Gina Zook. “Each Purple Star campus has a military liaison who commits to ongoing training, welcomes our military students, provides resources, and participates in campus and district celebrations for our military families. We are grateful for our military families and are proud they chose Hutto ISD!"

"Receiving this award is an honor and a testament to my dedication to RES as a servant leader," said RES Principal Dr. Alexis Campbell. "Not only do we have military-connected students on our campus, but we also have staff members who have served in the military. It is a blessing to have Mr. Dawn and Mr. Cruz as role models for our students. This special honor demonstrates the commitment we have not only to our military-connected students but to all of our RES students and families. We take the time to make connections and build relationships. Our current military liaison, Nadine Limonta, greets our new Ray Elementary military-connected families and gives them a tour of our campus. She is the wife of Captain Limonta, who currently serves as a U.S. military police officer. We value those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces."

"We are so excited to be honored as a Purple Star Designation campus as we continue to support our military-connected students and families," said HES Principal Ryan Winklemann. "We are blessed to support our military families daily, but hold a special event in April, Month of the Military Child, to celebrate them as a community. The dandelion is the unofficial flower, symbolizing the ability to plant its roots anywhere and grow. We are grateful to our military families that get to plant their roots at HES."

This special designation, created by the 86th Texas Legislature through SB 1557, requires applicants to meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Designate a campus-based military liaison;

2. Create and maintain an easily accessible web page that includes information on military-connected students and their families;

3. Must have a campus transition program; and

4. Offer at least one of the following initiatives: A resolution showing support for military-connected students and families; Participation in Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month; or Partnership with a school liaison officer to encourage and provide opportunities for active-duty military members.

Joining HES and RES administration and staff in their commitment to our military students and families are Benjamin “Doc” Kerley Elementary School, Howard Norman Elementary School, Hutto Middle School and Veterans’ Hill Elementary School.