Clover Park School District Earns Purple Star Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ben Miller | community relations manager | bmiller@cloverpark.k12.wa.us | 253.583.5040

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Clover Park School District (CPSD) has received a Purple Star Award from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for its commitment to military-connected students and families. The award is part of a program that was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2023.

The Purple Star Award recognizes school districts that address educational, social and emotional barriers students experience when their parents/guardians are deployed or when relocating and transferring to a different school.

CPSD is one of 12 districts statewide that received the award for 2024. All 2024 winners will retain the designation for two years.

“We deeply value our role in supporting military connected students and families,” said CPSD Superintendent Ron Banner. “This award symbolizes the work our staff and administrators do in ensuring that military students and families receive the support and appreciation they deserve during their time at our schools.”

More than 32% of CPSD’s 12,182 students are military connected.

The Purple Star Award was established through House Bill 1346. To be eligible, school district must meet two major requirements: maintain a dedicated page on its website and employ a staff point-of-contact for military families.

The school district must also provide professional learning opportunities for additional staff on special considerations for military-connected students and families; pass a resolution publicizing the district’s support for military-connected students and families; or host a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture.

Clover Park School District is an award-winning school district dedicated to creating promising futures for all students. The district is the 27th largest in Washington state and the fourth largest of 15 in Pierce County, with an enrollment of more than 12,800 students. Clover Park School District is located immediately south of Tacoma, serving the Lakewood and Joint Base Lewis-McChord communities.

Clover Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Address correspondence to one of the following individuals who have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination at Clover Park School District, 10903 Gravelly Lake Dr., SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-1341: Title IX Coordinator, Greg Davis, Director of Student Services and Compliance Department, (253) 583-5154, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Greg Davis, Director of Student Services and Compliance Department, (253) 583-5154, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Greg Davis, Director of Student Services and Compliance Department, (253) 583-5154.