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Board proclaims April as Month of the Military Child, recognizes Purple Star schools
Summary
The Board of Education proclaimed April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child, honored Purple Star schools in the district and recognized two Leonardtown High students as Operation Homefront finalists; NAS Patuxent River's executive officer addressed the board.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County read and adopted a resolution proclaiming April as the Month of the Military Child and highlighted the district's Purple Star schools and student honorees.
"Now therefore be resolved that the Board of Education of St. Mary's County does hereby proclaim April as the month of the military child in Saint Mary's County Public Schools and the community," Dr. Smith read when presenting the resolution, which noted more than 5,000 military‑connected students in the district.
The board announced Purple Star recognition for multiple schools, listing Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary, Hollywood Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary and Leonardtown High School among those previously recognized and advising that Captain Walter Francis Duke and other schools will be designated for the 2026–2028 cycle.
Captain Robert Chandler, executive officer at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, spoke to the board and families about the challenges military children face and the value of district supports. "On average, military children change schools 6 to 9 times between kindergarten and twelfth grade," he said, urging continued partnership between the installation and schools.
The board also recognized two Leonardtown High School students named a semifinalist and a finalist for Operation Homefront's Military Child of the Year award; one nominee was unable to attend the meeting and the board arranged to present that student's certificate.
The proclamation directs staff and schools to encourage activities that honor and support military‑connected students during April and was entered into the meeting record at the April 22 session.
