Two NNPS schools receive Purple Star awards
Posted: October 23, 2025
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School and Ella Fitzgerald Middle School were recognized with 2025-2026 Purple Star awards from the Virgina Department of Education in October.
The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. military, according to the VDOE.
Katherine Johnson received the Purple Star 2nd Award, continuing the designation it originally received in 2022, and Ella Fitzgerald was awarded the Purple Star 1st Award.
"Receiving the Purple Star Award is a tremendous honor for our entire Ella Fitzgerald Middle School community," said Ella Fitzgerald Principal Dr. Jaraun Ransome. "This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students and families with care, consistency and connection from the moment they arrive. At EFMS, every student truly moves to the beat of just one drum."
Johnson and Fitzgerald become the second and third Newport News Public Schools communities currently receiving the designation. General Stanford Elementary School earned its Purple Star 2nd Award in October of 2024.
"We are incredibly honored to receive our second Purple Star Award - a true reflection of our ongoing commitment to partnering with and supporting our military-connected students and their families," said Katherine Johnson Principal Dr. Angie Montpas. "This recognition celebrates the strength, resilience and unity that our military families bring to our school community every day and we are honored to serve them."
The award status is valid for three school years. Recipient schools receive an award recognition resolution, a 2nd Award Purple Star challenge coin and a logo to display showcasing the honor. The coin is its nod to the military community that is known for the practice of bestowing unit coins to those who have contributed to the mission, according to VDOE officials.
"On behalf of your military-connected and newest students, please accept my sincerest appreciation to all involved in making your school a welcoming and supportive place, especially for our military-connected students," Dan Dunham, VDOE military student and families specialist, wrote in an email announcing the awards.
Ella Fitzgerald Middle School's Military and Family Life Counselor provides confidential, non-medical counseling services to military-connected students. The counselor helps ease the emotional and social challenges that often accompany frequent relocations, deployments and transitions.
The school's programs include spirit days and special celebrations during April's Month of the Military Child.
"This award represents more than a symbol - it reflects the heart of our school community," Ransome said. "We are proud to stand beside our military-connected students and families, honoring their service and ensuring that Ella Fitzgerald Middle School feels like home no matter where their journey takes them."
Highlights from Katherine Johnson's program for military-connected students include its Anchored 4 Life program and Department of Defense grant-funded dual language program. Anchored4Life is a military-funded, student-led club designed to teach resiliency life skills and support youth through transitions, particularly for military children who move frequently.
"At Katherine Johnson Elementary, we recognize the significant role our school plays in supporting military-connected students and their families," Katherine Johnson's application reads in part. "Because these students often experience unique challenges - including frequent moves, credit transfer issues, curriculum gaps, and the stress of parental deployment - we are intentional about preparing our staff to understand and meet their needs."
