• Arkansas Purple Star School District logo

    FSPS Military Families are invited to a Cookout at Cook Elementary on April 18, 2024. Information and RSVP will be available prior to this event.

Military Families

  • Transition is hard. Military children and their families face a new challenge every time they pack up and move to a new duty station. Changing schools and the disruption to the educational journey is often cited as the most difficult part of the military lifestyle. Through collaboration and relationship building, FSPS strives to make this transition less worrisome for military families as we implement the Purple Star Schools programming.

    Veteran's Day Celebration                      Student at Veteran's Day Celebration                     Assembly at Veteran's Day Celebration in School Auditorium                     

    The Purple Star School program is designed to support the educational and social-emotional challenges that military-connected children (active duty and National Guard and Reserves) face during each transition. The goal is to keep each of these students on track to be college, workforce, and life-ready. 

    Dr. Michael Farrell, Supervisor of Student Services, is the District’s Military Liaison (DML) and is available to facilitate access to the important network of resources for military families. Each school campus has a school military liaison (SML).  The district’s DML and SML have been trained to assist with needs unique to military students, from constant relocation, enrollment, eligibility, graduation requirements, to dealing with the grief that results when a parent is deployed and away from home.

    Resolution

    FSPS Resolution in Support of Military Families

    Contacts

    Soldier and Family Readiness, AR ARNG: Andelyn Wright

    Fort Smith Public Schools, District Military Liaison: Dr. Michael Farrell, Executive Director of Student Services, 479-785-2501, Ext. 91254