Onslow County Schools has had a long and positive relationship with our military. The growth of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River and their associated schools and facilities has had a tremendous impact on the growth of the school system, as well as the local community.
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child – a time when we applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. Schools throughout OCS have dedicated events planned throughout the month to honor our military children and families.
North Carolina is home to a large population of active duty, guard, reserve, and veteran armed services members, and the state’s public schools reflect that. In 2019, The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction launched the Purple Star Award Designation initiative to recognize the state’s strong military presence and its support for military families. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.
In its inaugural year, 2019-2020, OCS had 9 schools earn Purple Star recognition. Across the state, only 10 districts had schools earn the Purple Star recognition for that academic year.
In its second year, 2020-2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, OCS had 19 schools receive Purple Star recognition. These schools were recognized at the November 2021 Board of Education meeting.
We are proud to share that OCS had 25 schools receive Purple Star recognition for 2021-2022!
Congratulations to the following schools on their commitment to our military children and their families:
- Carolina Forest Elementary
- Jacksonville Commons Elementary
- Northside High
- Coastal Elementary
- Dixon Elementary
- Dixon Middle
- Clyde Erwin Elementary
- Northwoods Elementary
- Summersill Elementary
- Northwoods Park Middle
- Heritage Elementary
- Richlands Elementary
- Trexler Middle
- Richlands High
- Blue Creek Elementary
- Meadow View Elementary
- Southwest Elementary
- Southwest Middle
- Sand Ridge Elementary
- Swansboro Elementary
- Swansboro Middle
- Swansboro High
- Morton Elementary
- Silverdale Elementary
- Hunters Creek Middle
