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Three Murrieta elementary schools honored as California Purple Star schools
Summary
Murrieta Valley Unified School District honored Antelope Hills, Buchanan and Monta Vista elementary schools with the California Purple Star designation for supporting military‑connected students; federal, county and city representatives joined district leaders at the special meeting.
The Murrieta Valley Unified School District on Tuesday recognized Antelope Hills, Buchanan and Monta Vista elementary schools with the California Purple Star School designation, honoring their work supporting military‑connected students.
Dr. Andrews, speaking at the board’s special meeting, described the Purple Star designation as recognizing schools that "create a nurturing environment where military students feel at home," and said the district "proudly hosts eight Purple Star schools serving over 3,500 connected students." The program, administered by the California Department of Education, highlights schools that prioritize continuity and supports for children from military families.
Colonel John Maderos, deputy commander for Marine Corps Installations West at Camp Pendleton, told the board the recognition signals trust for military families: "This district is a shining example of excellence," he said, adding that families can focus on their service "without added burden of worrying about the child's schooling." In his remarks he also stated there were "approximately 19 to 2,000 students" in the district area connected to active duty military; that number as spoken in the meeting was inconsistent with the 3,500 figure the district cited in its presentation.
Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington and Mayor Cindy Warren joined Amanda Fischer (representing the office of California Senator Kelly Sardo) in presenting certificates and praising the district’s outreach to service members and veterans. Denine Harrison, identified at the meeting as the district’s military liaison, and other school principals came forward to receive the recognitions.
The board recessed briefly for photos and to present certificates. District staff said the Purple Star honor reflects training, designated liaisons and programs that ease student transitions and support academic and social‑emotional needs.
The recognition ceremony was part of a short special meeting that also included routine business; the district plans to continue work with community partners to expand supports for military‑connected students.
