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BEVERLY — All five schools in the Fort Frye Local Schools district have again been designated by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as Purple Star Schools.

This distinction is a three-year recognition awarded to Ohio schools that show a commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Military.

“Military families face unique challenges that impact student academic success and emotional well-being,” said Superintendent Stephanie Starcher. “We want to make sure that we are ready to provide the necessary supports if we have a student whose guardian or sibling is serving active duty.”

According to a release, Fort Frye is the only school district in Washington County to receive this recognition. To earn the Purple Star distinction, each school must have a staff member who is a point of contact who serves as the primary liaison between military families and the school. This individual must complete specialized training; Pam Bennett, a social studies teacher at Fort Frye High School, completed the training. When a military family enrolls a student into the district, the staff at the school is made aware so that specialized support can be provided for the family.

Fort Frye’s school also sponsors several activities that recognize military service, according to a release. Activities include assemblies and ceremonies for veterans and acts of kindness in the forms of communication and supplies sent to active duty members.

“The goal of our high school is to graduate students who are prepared to enroll in a post-secondary or college program, employ immediately in the workforce, and/or enroll in the military.” said Fort Frye High School Principal Andy Schob. “Our community recognizes the importance of our nation’s military, and it is only natural that we want to be supportive of students from military families.”