Park Hall Earns Purple Star Recognition As Three St. Mary’s County Schools Honored For Supporting Military Families

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Just miles from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, the hallways of Park Hall Elementary School reflect a reality familiar to many Southern Maryland families: constant movement, new beginnings and the quiet resilience of military life.

Now, that commitment to supporting those students has earned statewide recognition.

Park Hall Elementary School has been named a Purple Star School, a designation that honors schools going above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families, a milestone Assistant Principal Ms. Osborne says reflects the heart of the school community.

“Being recognized as a Purple Star School means that the staff and students at Park Hall are committed to supporting our military-connected students and their families,” Osborne said in an interview with The BayNet.

A School Built Around Its Community

Located just 4 miles from Pax River, Park Hall serves a large population of military-connected students, many of whom face frequent relocations, transitions and the emotional challenges of deployments.

That proximity helped inspire the school to pursue the designation.

“Park Hall Elementary School is located approximately 4 miles from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, placing it in close proximity to a large military community,” Osborne explained.

“This commitment reflects our dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where military-connected students feel valued, understood and connected from the moment they arrive.”

At the center of that mission is connection — something the school has worked intentionally to build.

Students Supporting Students

One of Park Hall’s most impactful initiatives is its Student Ambassador Leadership group, a peer-driven program designed to help new students adjust and feel welcome.

“Student Ambassadors work to develop skills to help peers enhance social skills, learn leadership skills, build character, improve self-esteem and integrate into their community,” Osborne said.

From giving tours to simply sitting with a new classmate at lunch, those small moments can make a lasting difference.

“Through our Student Ambassador Leadership group, students build meaningful peer-to-peer connections that support military-connected students in developing a strong sense of belonging,” she added.

Supporting Families Beyond The Classroom

In addition to student-centered programs, Park Hall Elementary connects military families with a range of resources designed to support both academic success and life beyond the classroom. Through partnerships and access to military-based services, families are able to find support during transitions, deployments and everyday challenges.

A Whole-School Approach

Support at Park Hall extends far beyond student programs.

Staff receive specialized training on the unique experiences of military families, while partnerships with installation liaisons help bridge the gap between school and service life.

“Staff members are provided with training and resources to better understand the unique experiences of military families, including the various stages of transition related to deployment and Permanent Change of Station (PCS),” Osborne said.

Families, too, are brought into the process, particularly through events like F.A.S.S.T.T., which connect classroom learning with home support and strengthen family engagement.

Part Of A Countywide Commitment

Park Hall’s recognition comes as part of a broader effort across St. Mary’s County to support military-connected students.

This year, three schools in St. Mary’s County earned the Purple Star designation, including Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School and Leonardtown Middle School, highlighting a growing commitment to serving families connected to the region’s strong military presence.

Together, these schools reflect a shared understanding: supporting military children is not a single program, but a community-wide priority.

Moments That Matter

For Park Hall, some of the most meaningful impact can be seen in moments of recognition and belonging.

During April’s Month of the Military Child, the school celebrated students in visible and personal ways.

“PHES proudly celebrated and highlighted our military-connected students by displaying their photos in the building and recognizing them during our ‘Purple Up’ celebration,” Osborne said.

Those efforts, she noted, help students feel seen and understood.

Looking Ahead

As a Title I and Community School, Park Hall’s approach is rooted in relationships, ensuring families feel supported both academically and personally.

“Park Hall’s goal is to ensure that students and families feel supported, connected and empowered both inside and outside of the school environment,” Osborne said.

Looking ahead, that work will continue through partnerships with military liaisons, student leadership programs and ongoing community engagement.

“Park Hall Elementary School will continue to support military-connected students and their families through ongoing collaboration with the Patuxent River Naval Air Station School Liaison,” she said.

In a county shaped by its close ties to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, supporting military-connected students is more than an initiative, it’s a responsibility shared across schools and communities. As families navigate deployments, relocations and new beginnings, efforts like those at Park Hall Elementary and across St. Mary’s County ensure students are met with stability, understanding and a place to belong, both in the classroom and beyond.

You can watch all the schools recognized from the Maryland State Board of Education below at 1:09:28.

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