32 CCSD Schools Earn Elite Military Family Support Designation | The Locally Times
A staggering 32 out of 36 statewide Purple Star Designations went to Clark County schools, signaling a powerful commitment to military-connected students and families.
Clark County schools are leading the state in supporting military families, with 32 campuses earning the prestigious 2026 Purple Star Designation. This means a remarkable 89% of all statewide Purple Star honors went to CCSD, highlighting the district's focused commitment to its military-connected students. The Nevada Department of Education announced the 36 statewide designations on April 1, 2026, with CCSD confirming its 32 honorees the same day. This recognition is a key beacon for military families, guiding them to schools equipped to address the unique challenges their children face. Frequent relocations often disrupt academic progress and social-emotional well-being, making dedicated support during school transitions key. ## What the Purple Star Means for Military Families The Nevada Purple Star Award program is designed to be a lifeline for military-connected children, addressing the unique educational and social-emotional hurdles they encounter. By supporting students through school transitions and keeping them on track for college, workforce, and life readiness, the designation helps military families confidently choose schools that go the extra mile. The 32 Clark County School District schools that received the 2026 Nevada Purple Star Designation include: * Ralph L. Cadwallader Middle School * Cheyenne High School * Cimarron-Memorial High School * Brian and Teri Cram Middle School * Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts * D.L. Middle School * Clifford O. (Pete) Findlay Middle School * Edith Garehime Elementary School * Barbara and Hank Greenspun Junior High School * Addeliar D. Guy III Elementary School * Harley Harmon Elementary School * Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School * K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts * Jo Mackey iLead Academy for the Digital Sciences * J.E. Manch Elementary School * Las Vegas Academy of the Arts * Legacy High School * James B. McMillan Elementary School * Kitty McDonough Ward Elementary * Bob Miller Middle School * Dr. Claude G. Perkins Elementary School * Rancho High School * Anthony Saville Middle School * Jack Lund Schofield Middle School * Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International Studies * Judith D. Steele Elementary School * John Tartan Elementary School * John C. Vanderburg Elementary School * Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy * Elizabeth Wilhelm Elementary School ## Navigating Transitions: The Program's Core Mission Military-connected students often navigate multiple school changes during their K-12 journey, a reality that can profoundly disrupt academic progress and social development. The Purple Star program directly confronts these challenges, ensuring designated schools are equipped to offer consistent, tailored support. While the program's intent is clear, the specific criteria schools must meet for this designation are not detailed in available records. Similarly, the number of military-connected students currently enrolled in CCSD, the exact support programs each designated school offers, and the impact of the designation on school funding or resources remain unspecified. ## Leaders Affirm Commitment at Bob Miller Middle School The significance of the Purple Star Designation was underscored by the presence of top district and state officials at Bob Miller Middle School, one of the honored campuses. Clark County School District Deputy Superintendent of Business Operations Felicia Gonzales, Board of School Trustees Member Ramona Esparza-Stoffregan, and Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Victor Wakefield attended the event, as detailed in the district's April 1 news release. Their collective presence served as a powerful affirmation of CCSD's commitment to its military families. While a March 26 Board of School Trustees meeting recap did not specifically detail Purple Star discussions, the district's broader focus on family engagement consistently aligns with the program's objectives. ## Beyond Purple Star: Holistic Family Support CCSD's dedication to family well-being extends beyond the Purple Star Designation. to 12:00 p.m. at Del Sol High School. This free event will offer interactive workshops and activities for PK-12 families, providing practical strategies to foster children's mental health and social-emotional wellness. Announced on March 27, 2026, the Super Saturday event will include Spanish translation services and requires registration. This initiative further solidifies the district's commitment to supporting all its families, including those with military connections, though specific long-term benefits or outcomes for attendees are not detailed beyond the provision of practical strategies. ## Key Questions **What is the Purple Star Designation?** The Nevada Purple Star Award program recognizes schools committed to supporting military-connected children through their unique educational and social-emotional challenges, especially during school transitions. **Which CCSD schools received the designation?** Thirty-two Clark County School District schools received the 2026 Nevada Purple Star Designation, including Ralph L. Cadwallader Middle School, Cheyenne High School, and Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, among others listed in the district's April 1 news release.