Welcome
Southmoreland School District proudly supports students whose parents or guardians serve in the United States Armed Forces. We understand that military families may experience frequent moves and transitions, and we are committed to helping students adjust smoothly and feel at home in our schools.
Our district participates in the Purple Star Schools Program, which recognizes schools that provide dedicated support for military-connected students.
Purple Star Schools Program
Southmoreland School District Commitment to Military Families
Southmoreland School District is proud to support and honor military-connected students, families, and staff members. As a district rooted in community service and civic pride, Southmoreland recognizes the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The district is committed to ensuring that students connected to military service feel welcomed, supported, and valued within the Scottie community.
Southmoreland School District is proud to support and honor military-connected students, families, and staff members. As a district rooted in community service and civic pride, Southmoreland recognizes the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The district is committed to ensuring that students connected to military service feel welcomed, supported, and valued within the Scottie community.
Purple Star Schools Commitment
Southmoreland School District participates in the Purple Star Schools Program, which recognizes schools and Local Education Agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving military-connected students and families. Purple Star Schools is designed to support military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to changes in a parent’s duty station. These moves can create academic and social transitions for students, and the Purple Star program encourages schools to provide structures that ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
The Purple Star designation is awarded to qualifying schools and districts for a period of three years and may be renewed through reapplication. Southmoreland is committed to maintaining the standards of this program by providing accessible resources, clear communication, and intentional support for military families.
Military Family Point of Contact
Southmoreland School District designates a Military Family Point of Contact to serve as a liaison between the school district and military-connected families. This individual helps ensure that families receive timely information about enrollment procedures, academic programming, extracurricular opportunities, and available community resources.
The Military Family Point of Contact assists new families as they enroll in the district and works with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to ensure that transitioning students are connected to appropriate academic supports and extracurricular opportunities. This role helps families navigate the school system and ensures that military-connected students feel supported during times of transition.
Transition and Enrollment Supports
Recognizing that military families may move frequently due to changes in duty station, Southmoreland School District is committed to providing a smooth transition for incoming students. District staff work closely with families to facilitate enrollment, review academic records, and ensure that students are appropriately placed in courses and programs that align with their previous academic experiences.
School counselors and administrators help students transition into the district by connecting them with academic supports, extracurricular activities, and peer networks. These efforts help students quickly feel integrated into the school community and minimize disruptions to their educational experience.
Student Integration and Peer Support
Southmoreland schools emphasize building strong connections among students. Military-connected students are encouraged to participate in athletics, clubs, performing arts programs, and student organizations to build friendships and become active members of the school community.
Teachers, counselors, and student leaders work together to help new students feel welcomed and supported. By fostering a positive and inclusive school climate, Southmoreland ensures that military-connected students have opportunities to engage fully in school life and develop meaningful connections with peers.
Honoring Military Service: Wall of Honor
A visible symbol of the district’s commitment to honoring those who serve is the Southmoreland Wall of Honor, located in the Southmoreland High School Student Union. The Wall of Honor recognizes Southmoreland graduates who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The display includes shadow boxes representing each branch of the military and features dog tags honoring alumni who have answered the call to serve. Unveiled during a Veterans Day ceremony, the Wall of Honor stands as a permanent tribute to the service and sacrifice of Southmoreland graduates. The display also serves as an educational and inspirational reminder for students about the values of service, leadership, and commitment.
Veterans Day Program
Southmoreland School District also hosts an annual Veterans Day Program that brings together students, staff, veterans, and community members to honor those who have served our nation. These events often include student performances, guest speakers, and recognition of local veterans and active-duty service members.
The Veterans Day Program provides students with an opportunity to hear directly from veterans about their experiences and service. Through these interactions, students gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of military service and the sacrifices made by military families.
Communication and Community Resources
Southmoreland School District provides information and resources for military-connected families through its district website and school communication platforms. Families can access important information related to enrollment, academic programming, extracurricular opportunities, and community support services.
District administrators and counselors are available to assist families in identifying additional resources when needed, ensuring that military-connected students and their families remain supported both inside and outside of school.
Commitment to Service and Community
Through participation in the Purple Star Schools program, recognition programs such as the Wall of Honor, annual Veterans Day celebrations, and intentional support systems for transitioning students, Southmoreland School District demonstrates its strong commitment to honoring military service and supporting military-connected families.
The district remains dedicated to ensuring that military-connected students experience a welcoming, supportive educational environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Southmoreland is proud to recognize the contributions of military families and to honor the spirit of service that strengthens both our schools and our community.
Point of Contact
Dr. Daniel A. Clara, Assistant to the Superintendent
clarad@southmoreland.net
724-887-2002
Transition Supports
Southmoreland School District provides the following to our military families:
- Enrollment assistance
- Academic counseling and scheduling
- Records transfer assistance
- Student clubs, athletics, and activities
- Peer connections and welcoming environment
Honoring Military Service
Military Family Resources
Links to: