New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 12 / June 24, 2025

 

 

TITLE 6               PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

CHAPTER 30     EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

PART 19              PURPLE STAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROGRAM

 

6.30.19.1               ISSUING AGENCY:  Public Education Department, hereinafter the department.

[6.30.19.1 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.2               SCOPE:  All school districts and charter schools.

[6.30.19.2 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.3               STATUTORY AUTHORITY:  Sections 9-24-8, 22-2-1, 22-2-2, and 22-13-34 NMSA 1978.

[6.30.19.3 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.4               DURATION:  Permanent.

[6.30.19.4 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.5               EFFECTIVE DATE:  June 24, 2025, unless a later date is cited in the history note at the end of a section.

[6.30.19.5 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.6               OBJECTIVE:  This rule provides the criteria and application process for New Mexico’s purple star public schools program, which provides a mechanism for schools to ease the transition of students of military families into new schools by providing academic, social and emotional support to those students or, for schools that do not serve military-connected students, those schools that want to recognize and celebrate military service and the accomplishments of active military and veterans.

[6.30.19.6 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.7               DEFINITIONS: 

                A.            “Military-connected student” means a student enrolled in a school district or charter school who is a dependent of a current or former member of the United States military, New Mexico National Guard, or reserve force in the United States military or who was a dependent of a member of the United States military, New Mexico National Guard, or reserve force in the United States military who was killed in the line of duty.

                B.            “Military point of contact (MPOC)” means an individual, who may be a school counselor, teacher, administrator, or a school educational support staff member, who supports highly mobile students.

                C.            “Purple star public school” means a school approved by the department that meets the criteria established in Section 22-13-34 NMSA 1978 and Sections 9 or 10 of this rule.

                D.            “School-based student-led transition program” means an initiative planned and carried out by students to support the successful integration and adjustment of new students, particularly during times of transition. This program promotes peer connection, inclusion, and leadership.

[6.30.19.7 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.8               APPLICATION AND RENEWAL: 

                A.            Schools seeking designation as a New Mexico purple star public school shall submit an application available on the department’s website.

                B.            Schools shall maintain records demonstrating completion and maintenance of the required program elements and shall provide those records to department staff upon request.

                C.            The purple star public school designation is valid for three school years. After three years, schools shall reapply to the department to maintain New Mexico’s purple star public school designation.

                D.            Schools not successfully designated purple star public schools after their application is submitted may reapply.

[6.30.19.8 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.9               PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR PURPLE STAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY FAMILIES:  A public school that enrolls military-connected students shall submit to the department with their purple star school application evidence the school has fulfilled the following requirements:

                A.            The public school applicant shall designate a staff member to serve as the school MPOC.

                                (1)           The MPOC shall complete professional development provided by the school on the unique needs of military students and families utilizing training materials from the military child education coalition website.

                                (2)           The MPOC shall support military-connected students and their families by:

                                                (a)           serving as the point of contact and working collaboratively between military connected students, their families, the school, and military personnel;

                                                (b)           maintaining familiarity with enrollment and withdrawal procedures, records transfer, existing community and installation resources, and student supports; and

                                                (c)           providing additional resources for school personnel on issues related to military-connected students.

                B.            The public school applicant shall include a page on the school website for resources and information for military families, which may include:

                                (1)           Relocation information, such as overview of school environment, extracurricular activities, tutoring, student codes of conduct, and key staff contacts such as the MPOC;

                                (2)           Details on enrollment and registration procedures, including:

                                                (a)           enrollment for military families;

                                                (b)           transfer information;

                                                (c)           documentation checklist for student records, transcripts, and residency; and

                                                (d)           eligibility requirements for free state funded public school pre-kindergarten;

                                (3)           Withdrawal procedures;

                                (4)           Information on the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children;

                                (5)           Information on special education services and Section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973;

                                (6)           Information on available student counseling and support services; and

                                (7)           Opportunities for parental involvement and engagement.

                C.            The public school applicant shall provide a list of resources describing the available academic, social and emotional supports to assist military-connected students which may include, but are not limited to the following:

                                (1)           academic advisement and interventions;

                                (2)           school-based, student-led transition programs;

                                (3)           peer-support systems;

                                (4)           new student orientation to the school environment and procedures;

                                (5)           social events or welcoming activities organized throughout the school year to help military-connected students and families learn about the school culture, routines, and surrounding community; and

                                (6)           military recognition events.

                D.            The public school applicant shall submit a resolution supporting military students to its local school board or charter school governing council and the public school’s application to become a purple star public school.

[6.30.19.9 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

6.30.19.10             PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR PURPLE STAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHOUT ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY FAMILIES:  A school that does not enroll military-connected students may apply to be a purple star public school by:

                A.            emphasizing the importance and honor of military service, which may include: veterans day assemblies, armed forces day celebrations, hosting patriotic events, letter-writing campaigns, care package drives, partnerships with veterans organizations, inviting local military personnel to speak, maintaining a wall of honor, recognizing military appreciation month, and producing public service announcements that highlight the value of military service;

                B.            recognizing the service to the country, accomplishments of veterans active-duty and reserve military personnel, and the national guard personnel in their communities;

                C.            sponsoring special events recognizing military service;

                D.            celebrating students who have committed to serving in the military; and

                E.            submitting a resolution to the local school board or charter school governing council supporting students of military families, and the public school’s application to become a purple star public school.

[6.30.19.10 NMAC – N, 6/24/2025]

 

History of 6.30.19 NMAC:  [RESERVED]