Fairhill Elementary has been recognized as a Purple Star School by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children since 2019. This award requires that schools implement resources and professional development for the unique needs of military children and their families.  Schools must reapply for the designation each three years: Fairhill is proud to have been designated as a Purple Star School in 2019 and 2022. 

Purple Star Schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children for demonstrating their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. These schools actively support our military-connected families in a variety of ways. These include a point of contact for military students and families, a student-led transition program, a webpage with resources for military families, professional development for teachers and staff, amongst other support from the school division's central office. 

Veterans' Day Breakfast

Each year, the Fairhill community recognizes the service of our veterans with a special Veterans' Day Breakfast for military-connected students, families, and community members. Previous breakfasts have included the singing of the hymns of the six services, and greetings from members of the military serving in the US and abroad. Some photos from the 2023 breakfast are below. 

Student Ambassador Program

The mission of the Student Ambassador Program is to help all students feel connected and included at school. The program aims to foster friendships between students and their peers. Student Ambassadors are role models who practice responsible behavior, thoughtfulness, compassion and a willingness to go above and beyond to help welcome and include others at our school.  

Specific responsibilities include:

• Be a friend to new students.
• Help new students learn about our school. 
• Give students a tour of the building.
• Introduce new students to important people in our building.
• Be a lunch/recess buddy. 
• Attend monthly Student Ambassador morning meetings focusing on leadership, engagement, communication, and teambuilding

April is the Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Schools, state and local governments, the Department of Defense, and people all over the world celebrate military children during the month of April. April 17 is Purple Up Day in FCPS, where all are encouraged to wear purple to show their support for military children and families.

Fairhill Military Family Point of Contact 

All Purple Star schools have a staff point of contact for military students and families. Fairhill's Point of Contact is Mrs. Gihea Schwartz, School Counselor. Mrs. Schwartz can be contacted at @email.