In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed the Purple Star Campuses legislation into law, recognizing K-12 schools in Florida that offer exceptional support to military children during their transition and relocation. Aligned with Governor DeSantis’s vision and that of the State of Florida, we are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of military-connected students.

At Freeport Middle School, we are dedicated to providing support and showing our appreciation to military-connected students and their families. Our administration, teachers, and staff work tirelessly to address the unique challenges these students face, especially during transitions. We recognize that moving to a new location or dealing with a parent's deployment can be incredibly tough for families. At Freeport Middle School, we empathize with these difficulties and are committed to helping ease these transitions. By working closely with our families and community, we strive to inspire and support our students every step of the way.

Our school offers a unique support program designed to help military students transition smoothly and confidently. Led by our students, this program provides new arrivals with a warm welcome in two key ways. First, on their first day, these new students are paired with peer guides who give them a personalized tour of the school, including where their classes are located. Additionally, we host the "Lunch Bunch," where members of our leadership class sit at a reserved table in the cafeteria, providing a friendly and informative space for new students to ask questions about school life, extracurricular activities, classes, and sports. These initiatives are thoughtfully crafted to ensure that military students, as well as all newcomers, feel supported and integrated into our school community.

Placement for Students with Disabilities

Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams carefully assess and determine the most appropriate Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program placement based on each student's unique needs. School administrators use these insights to assign students to the most suitable classrooms and teachers. Specially designed instruction will be delivered by an ESE teacher or other qualified service provider in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as outlined by the IEP team. Typically, this instruction will occur within the regular education classroom alongside non-disabled peers. However, some students may require a separate learning environment for part of the day. Any changes to a student's placement will involve a review by the IEP team. Our district offers a broad continuum of services to support all students effectively.