Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) school Dr. William Long Elementary has earned the prestigious Purple Star Campus Designation for the 2024-2025 school year. This honor recognizes the school’s dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Purple Star Campus Designation, awarded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), celebrates schools that demonstrate a commitment to supporting and meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.
“This is a huge honor for our campus, school district, and PSJA community. Our military families sacrifice so much, and it is essential for my campus to support their children and make sure they have the best educational support and academic success that their parents are proud of,” said campus Principal Heather Contreras Peña. “Thank you, teachers and staff, for all that you do for our students, campus and community.”
To qualify for the Purple Star designation, campuses must fulfill specific criteria, including:
- Designating a campus-based military liaison
- Creating and maintaining an accessible webpage with resources for military-connected families
- Implementing a campus transition program
- Conducting staff development on topics relevant to military-connected students
- Offering at least one additional initiative, such as a resolution of support for military families or participation in events like the Month of the Military Child
“Congratulations to Dr. William Long Elementary for earning this prestigious designation,” said PSJA Assistant Superintendent of Academics Ranulfo Marquez. “The designation highlights the hard work and dedication of our staff to ensure that our military-connected students and families feel supported and valued here at PSJA ISD. Thank you to everyone who made this achievement possible, your commitment truly makes a difference in the lives of our military families.”
