Indian Head Elementary School was recognized as a Purple Star School by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in April. The recognition is a mark of distinction for schools that are dedicated to serving military-connected students and their families. The school was the first in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) to receive it.

According to the MSDE website, Purple Star Schools foster a sense of belonging and stability, furthering Maryland’s goal of “providing an excellent and equitable education for all students.”

Indian Head did not hesitate to apply for the distinction due to the growing military-connected student population at the school and being located near the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWCIHD). “Applying for the Purple Star designation was a natural and meaningful step,” Marissa Ackerman, Indian Head’s community school coordinator and school military liaison, said. “We wanted to ensure our families feel recognized, supported and valued as an integral part of our school community.” As the military liaison at the school, Ackerman focuses on supporting and advocating for the military-connected students and their families.

The military-connected families at the school are engaged and supportive, volunteering regularly and participating in family engagement events and programs. “Their dedication goes beyond participation – some family members have even joined our team as staff members, showing their long-term commitment to the success of our school,” Shane Blandford, Indian Head principal, said.

Being named a Purple Star School through MSDE, Blandford, Ackerman and school staff plan to further support military families at the school by continuing programs like Anchored4Life, a base-sponsored leadership and resiliency program that empowers student ambassadors to support their peers through transitions, character-building and service projects.

The school also strives to seek new opportunities to highlight and celebrate military families throughout the year. “We aim to strengthen communication and collaboration with military-connected families, offer targeted resources to support their unique needs and expand professional development for staff to better understand and serve military children,” Blandford said. “Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every military family feels at home and empowered to thrive.”

Maryland's Purple Star Schools program was established by Education Article 7-129 and approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022. The recognition program honors schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families.

The school received the 2025-2027 Purple Star Designation during the MSDE April Board meeting.

“The Purple Star recognition is a proud accomplishment for Indian Head Elementary School because it honors our commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families,” Blandford said. “This achievement reinforces our mission and inspires us to continue going above and beyond for our military community.”

To learn more about the recognition visit https://bit.ly/4dKHruj.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. 

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).