Portsmouth Public Schools named a 2025 Purple Star School Division; six schools recognized
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Summary
The Virginia Department of Education and the interstate compact council designated Portsmouth a Purple Star School Division for military‑family supports; several elementary and middle schools received Purple Star certificates at the Nov. 6 board meeting.
Doctor Nolasco told the school board Portsmouth Public Schools was named a 2025 Purple Star School Division by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, recognizing the district's work to support military‑connected students.
"I am thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate the division being named a 2025 Purple Star School Division by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children," Doctor Nolasco said, and called several principals forward to receive certificates. Speakers identified Victory Elementary School, Churchland Elementary and Middle schools, Hodges Manor Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Simonsdale Elementary, and West Haven Elementary as honorees; Doctor Wayne Williams from Victory was noted as earning a third Purple Star for his school.
Board members and staff praised the multi‑year effort and partnership with NSA Portsmouth and recognized principals and the division's central office for supporting Purple Star criteria, which include staff training and programs to ease transitions for military families.
Why it matters: The Purple Star recognition highlights district work aimed at reducing disruption for military students and signals ongoing partnerships with military‑connected organizations.
Next steps: Schools received certificates and posed for a group photo; no board action was required.