Sparta Montessori School made intentional efforts this year to strengthen support for
military-connected students and families by designating a Purple Star School Liaison and providing staff training on military culture and student transitions.

To support student transitions, Sparta Montessori offered an ice cream social, orientation, and open house prior to the start of the school year to help incoming military families build connections and familiarity. In April, the school recognized the Month of the Military Child by providing each military-affiliated student with a “Purple Up” shirt in honor of their resilience.

Service members from our partner unit, the 1st Battalion, 310th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort McCoy, regularly visited classrooms, including participating in our soldier reading program. The school hosted a Veterans Day program where students honored service members, including many from their own families and the local community. Students also had the opportunity to attend a Remembrance Ceremony for Major General Robert Bruce McCoy, where they joined service members in honoring his legacy.

These efforts were reinforced through ongoing relationship-building with military families and a strong, consistent connection with Fort McCoy. Through regular collaboration, open communication, and a shared presence within the community, Sparta Montessori School remains closely connected to the experiences of military-connected students. This allows staff to respond thoughtfully to transitions and provide a stable, supportive environment during periods of change such as deployment or reintegration.

What Sets Montessori Apart?

Sparta Montessori School is set apart by the way support for military-connected students is intentionally embedded into the daily culture. Through the Montessori model, the school emphasizes consistency, relationship-based learning, and individualized support, which are especially important for students experiencing frequent transitions. This approach is strengthened by ongoing partnerships with Fort McCoy, allowing for meaningful, consistent connections between students and the military community. Staff maintain a high level of awareness around student transitions and proactively support families through periods of change, creating a stable, responsive environment where military-connected students feel recognized, supported, and valued.

Please direct inquiries to:

Communications Department at communications@spartan.org or 608-366-3400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2026

Sparta Montessori Recognized as Purple Star School

The Sparta Area School District is proud to announce that Sparta Montessori has been officially recognized as a Purple Star School, a designation awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that go above and beyond to ensure military families experience smooth transitions, strong community connections, and access to the resources they need for student success.

“As a military-connected family, we deeply value schools that recognize the unique challenges our children face. Sparta Montessori has gone above and beyond to create a supportive, welcoming environment that fosters stability, connection, and a strong sense of belonging,” said Katherine DeLeon, Governance Board President and military parent.

Principal Dr. Bernett shared, “I could not be more proud to lead a school filled with exceptional students and families. Our community is enriched each day by the experiences, perspectives, and resilience that our military families bring. Becoming a Purple Star School was an easy decision, as we are committed to providing every possible support for students who often face the challenges of relocation and transition. It is our hope that Sparta Montessori feels like a true home for every military-connected child and family who walks through our doors.”

Located in close proximity to Fort McCoy, Sparta Area School District serves a number of military families who may experience frequent moves and transitions. Sparta Montessori School strengthened support for military-connected students this year by designating a Purple Star liaison, training staff on military culture, and creating welcoming opportunities like orientation events and a Month of the Military Child celebration. Partnerships with service members from the 1st Battalion, 310th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort McCoy provided meaningful classroom connections, while ongoing collaboration with military families helps ensure students receive consistent support during times of transition.

For more information about Sparta Montessori School and its programs, visit: https://www.spartan.org/schools/sparta-montessori/index

About the Sparta Area School District

The Sparta Area School District educates all students, academically, emotionally, and socially to inspire curiosity and resilience. To learn more, visit our website at www.spartan.org or call us at (608) 366-3400.

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What Sets Montessori Apart?

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