INDIAN HEAD, Md., June 3, 2025 — Indian Head Elementary School has been designated a Purple Star School by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), becoming the first in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) to earn this honor. Announced in April 2025, the recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and stability.
The Purple Star Schools program, established by Maryland’s Education Article 7-129 in 2022, recognizes schools that go beyond standard support for military families, who often face unique challenges such as frequent relocations and parental deployments. Indian Head Elementary, located near the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWCIHD), serves a growing number of military-connected students, making the designation a natural fit.
“Applying for the Purple Star designation was a natural and meaningful step,” said Marissa Ackerman, Indian Head’s community school coordinator and military liaison. “We wanted to ensure our families feel recognized, supported and valued as an integral part of our school community.” Ackerman, who advocates for military students and families, plays a key role in addressing their specific needs, from academic support to emotional stability during transitions.
The school’s military families are highly engaged, regularly volunteering and participating in family engagement events. “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,” said Principal Shane Blandford.
Indian Head Elementary supports its military community through programs like Anchored4Life, a base-sponsored initiative that trains student ambassadors to help peers navigate transitions, build character, and engage in service projects. The program empowers students to support one another, creating a resilient school culture. The school also hosts regular family engagement activities, such as workshops and celebrations, to strengthen ties with military families.
Looking ahead, Blandford and Ackerman plan to expand these efforts. “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.”
The 2025-2027 Purple Star Designation, awarded at the MSDE April Board meeting, highlights Indian Head’s proactive approach. “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.”
According to the MSDE Purple Star Schools program, the initiative aligns with Maryland’s goal of providing an “excellent and equitable education for all students” by addressing the unique needs of military families. The program requires schools to demonstrate robust support systems, including designated liaisons, transition programs, and staff training.
Indian Head’s proximity to NSWCIHD, a major employer of military and civilian personnel, underscores the significance of its efforts. The school serves as a community hub, where military families find not only educational support but also a sense of belonging. By integrating military families into the school’s fabric—through volunteering, staffing, and leadership roles—Indian Head has created a model for other schools in Charles County and beyond.
The Purple Star designation is valid through 2027, during which Indian Head Elementary plans to introduce new initiatives, such as enhanced counseling services and military appreciation events, to further support its community. The recognition positions the school as a leader in serving military-connected students, setting a standard for educational inclusivity in Maryland.
