CVESD Schools and Staff Earn Purple Star School Achievements

The Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) is proud to announce that three of its schools have earned the Purple Star School designation for 2026 through the California Purple Star School Designation Program, and a teacher was awarded Purple Star School Employee of the Year.

The Purple Star School designation is awarded by the California Department of Education to schools that demonstrate a commitment to serving students from military families. Schools earning this recognition meet established criteria focused on providing transition support, welcoming school environments, and resources that help students navigate the changes associated with military life. The schools recognized this year are Olympic View Elementary, Salt Creek Elementary, and Sonia Sotomayor Elementary. With these additions, CVESD now has a total of nine Purple Star schools. 

In addition, the San Diego County Office of Education announced its own Champion Awards winners, recognizing local individuals and organizations who make a difference for our military-connected students and families. CVESD's own, Heather De Los Reyes of McMillan Elementary was awarded Purple Star School Employee of the Year.

CVESD serves a large number of military families, and this designation reflects the district’s continued efforts to ensure students and families feel welcomed, supported, and positioned for success throughout their educational journey.

Congratulations to Olympic View Elementary, Salt Creek Elementary, Sonia Sotomayor Elementary, and Heather De Los Reyes for this incredible accomplishment and for their ongoing work to support students from military families.

To learn more about Purple Star Schools at CVESD and resources available to military-connected families, visit CVESD's Military Families page.