The Purple Star Campus Designation: A Commitment to Military-Connected Students
Texas school districts that step up to support military-connected students earn the Purple Star Campus Designation. For Weslaco ISD, this honor highlights a commitment to helping military families thrive both academically and emotionally.
Districts all over the state are demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students by earning the Purple Star Campus Designation. This honor, awarded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide resources, programs, and support tailored specifically to military families. Schools must meet specific criteria aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by military-connected students. These challenges can include frequent relocations, deployments, and adapting to new schools with different academic standards.
Many Texas districts are going above and beyond to meet these needs, creating a seamless transition for students as they adjust to new schools and communities. For Weslaco ISD (WISD), this designation reflects the dedication of its staff and leadership to ensuring that students from military families not only thrive academically but also feel supported emotionally and socially, no matter the challenges they face.
Creating a Network of Support
Dr. Cynthia Cid, ATPE member and Director of Student Support Services for Weslaco ISD, has spent years working as a counselor, assistant principal, and now director advocating for military-connected students. “We understand that military families face unique challenges, and it’s our responsibility to ensure these students feel supported and valued,” Cid says. “The Purple Star Designation sends a powerful message to military families that we are committed to their children’s success and well-being.”
The district also places a strong emphasis on building relationships with local military organizations and the community. This includes partnerships with military recruiters, veterans’ groups, and family readiness programs.
“These collaborations ensure that Weslaco ISD students have access to a broad network of support services and resources, which are vital during times of transition,” Cid says.
In April, Weslaco ISD celebrates the Month of the Military Child, a nationwide initiative to honor military families. This month is highlighted by various activities designed to raise awareness of the unique challenges military children face.
“Last year’s theme for the Month of the Military Child was ‘Resilience,’” Cid says. “We did a balloon activity showing the kids that they have a good support system. The counselors and educators are here to lift them up, and we won’t allow them to fall.”
During the Month of the Military Child, Weslaco ISD organizes a spirit week where students dress in military-themed outfits to show solidarity with their peers whose parents serve in the armed forces. Additionally, the district hosts a special proclamation event at City Hall with local leaders, including the Weslaco mayor and school board members.
“The Purple Star Designation sends a powerful message to military families that we are committed to their children’s success and well-being.”
Dr. Cynthia Cid
Director of student support services,
Weslaco ISD
“We have an advocate, Mario Ybarra Jr., who used to be a military child,” Cid says. “He [has] inspired everyone by sharing his experiences during a meeting. His story helped us see how much more we could do, and we have expanded our efforts to support military families.”
These initiatives and activities are designed to foster a sense of community with military-connected students, even when faced with the challenges of moving frequently or dealing with the stress of deployment.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure these children are supported, whether it’s through their academic challenges, emotional well-being, or social needs,” Cid says.
This is particularly important because of military families’ frequent relocations. These students often experience academic disruptions, difficulty forming lasting friendships, and challenges related to extracurricular involvement because of them. The dedication of Weslaco ISD to its military-connected students reflects the district’s broader commitment to community and inclusivity.
“We love and are passionate about helping all of our children,” Cid says. “But we take special care of our kids whose parents are in the military, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
A vital component of Weslaco ISD’s success in supporting military-connected students is the district’s dedicated team of counselors who act as military liaisons. These professionals not only provide emotional support but also help with practical matters, such as course credit transfers, ensuring that students meet academic requirements despite frequent relocations.
“One of the many responsibilities of our counselors is to be a military liaison,” Cid says. “They want our military students to feel like they belong and to know that their school is a place where they are accepted and understood because it’s important to create that sense of stability and normalcy amidst the challenges of military life.”
Counselors also work closely with recruiters to administer the ASVAB and host military signing days for seniors to celebrate the choice to join the military after graduation, emphasizing the importance of service.
“In Weslaco, we value our military,” Cid says. “We strive to provide opportunities for our kiddos who would like to serve in the military, and we honor the achievements of students who are committing to a life of service.”
Securing the Future
Fifteen Weslaco ISD campuses have already earned the Purple Star, but a district goal is to eventually earn the Purple Star designation for all 17 of its schools.
“We’re proud of the 15 campuses that have earned the Purple Star, but we aren’t stopping there,” Cid explains. “It’s important not only for our military families, but also for the entire community. When we support military children, we’re creating a culture of empathy and inclusivity that benefits everyone.”
Thanks to the hard work of the district’s staff, the ongoing support of the community, and the partnerships with military organizations, Weslaco ISD continues to make strides in supporting its military-connected students and ensuring that they thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
“As Weslaco ISD celebrates the Purple Star Campus Designation, it sends a clear message to military families,” Cid says. “No matter where life takes them, they will always have a strong support system within the district’s schools. We value our military families, and we’re proud to offer these students the tools they need to succeed both in school and in life.”
Learn more:
David George
Managing Editor
Share Your Thoughts
Log in to the ATPE Online Community to communicate with educators from across Texas on this article and much more. Explore the community today!