Shreveport, Louisiana, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Caddo Parish Schools have enhanced their support for military-connected students by joining Bossier Parish to add campuses to the Purple Star School program. During a recent school board meeting, several schools were officially recognized for their commitment to education tailored for military families. The Purple Star designation ensures schools provide essential resources, staff training, and programs to help these students transition smoothly due to frequent relocations. This initiative reflects Caddo Parish’s dedication to inclusivity and support for the unique challenges faced by families in the military.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Caddo Parish Schools have expanded their commitment to supporting military-connected students by joining Bossier Parish in adding campuses to the Purple Star School program. This initiative was underscored during a Caddo Parish School Board meeting held on a Monday evening where several schools were officially recognized for their efforts.
The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to the educational needs of military-connected students and their families. The program aims to provide vital support that includes dedicated resources, staff training, and specific programs designed to facilitate smoother transitions for students who frequently relocate due to their parents’ military service.
As part of this expansion, three elementary schools in Caddo Parish were recognized with the Purple Star designation: Eden Gardens Fundamental, Fairfield Magnet, and South Highlands. Additionally, the designation was awarded to two middle schools, namely Youree Drive and Caddo Middle Magnet, as well as three high schools—C.E. Byrd, Northwood, and Captain Shreve.
Victor Mainiero, the Director of Caddo High Schools, confirmed the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting military students and expressed a goal of achieving universal support for military-connected students across all schools in the district. This move is part of Caddo Parish’s broader efforts to foster inclusive educational environments that cater specifically to the unique challenges faced by students from military families.
The Purple Star program is particularly vital as it directly addresses the challenges of instability and transition that many military families experience. By creating supportive, accommodating educational spaces, schools can ensure that these students not only feel welcome but also receive the assistance necessary to adapt to new educational settings efficiently.
In summation, the introduction of the Purple Star designation within Caddo Parish Schools highlights the district’s proactive approach to inclusivity and support for military families. Such initiatives not only validate the experiences of military-connected students but also enhance their educational experience amid the challenges of frequent relocations.
Background on the Purple Star Program
The Purple Star School program was established to recognize schools that exhibit a targeted effort in assisting military-connected students. The program encourages partnerships with organizations that aid military families and promotes awareness of the unique situations these families often face. Schools with this designation typically provide additional resources and training for staff members to equip them with the tools needed to support their students effectively.
Benefits of Purple Star Designation
- Dedicates resources for military-connected students
- Provides staff training on military-related issues
- Offers programs to help students transitioning into new schools
- Creates an inclusive atmosphere for military families
- Facilitates partnerships with military organizations
Summary of Caddo Parish Schools’ New Designations
| School Type | Designated Schools |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | Eden Gardens Fundamental, Fairfield Magnet, South Highlands |
| Middle Schools | Youree Drive, Caddo Middle Magnet |
| High Schools | C.E. Byrd, Northwood, Captain Shreve |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purple Star School program?
The Purple Star designation is given to schools that show a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
Which schools in Caddo Parish received the Purple Star designation?
Three Caddo elementary schools received the Purple Star designation: Eden Gardens Fundamental, Fairfield Magnet, and South Highlands. Two middle schools also received the designation: Youree Drive and Caddo Middle Magnet. Three high schools, C.E. Byrd, Northwood, and Captain Shreve, earned the Purple Star designation as well.
What is the purpose of the Purple Star School designation?
Support includes dedicated resources, staff training, and programs to help students transition due to frequent relocations from military service.
Who announced the expansion of the Purple Star program in Caddo Parish Schools?
Victor Mainiero, Director of Caddo High Schools, stated the district’s commitment to supporting military students.
What are the goals for Caddo Parish Schools regarding military students?
Mainiero expressed the goal of having every school in the district support military-connected students.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Caddo Parish Adds Purple Star Schools
- KTAL: Caddo Schools Purple Star Military Support
- Shreveport Times: Caddo Deputy Presented with Purple Heart
- Wikipedia: Purple Star School Program
- Google Search: Caddo Parish Schools Purple Star
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
