For military families stationed in North Alabama, frequent relocations can disrupt not only daily life but also a child’s education. To help ease those transitions, schools across the region are embracing the Purple Star Program — a national initiative designed to support military-connected students as they adjust to new academic and social environments.

The program provides a range of services, including tutoring, counseling, and peer mentoring for military students. Army veteran and district coordinator of teacher and student programs for Decatur City Schools, Mary Ann Hotaling, played a key role in launching the Purple Star Program in the district. She recognized that many of the required supports were already in place and worked to formalize the district’s approach.

“That’s part of t

See Full Page