Students and families from the 46 Purple Star schools in Davis School District gathered at the Hill Aerospace Museum for the second annual Purple Star Schools Back-to-School Night.
The evening brought together military-connected families for a night of celebration, support and connection. With Hill Air Force Base serving as a key part of the local community, this event highlights the district's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among military children.
“So here in Davis School District, we have a unique setup where Hill Air Force Base makes up a large part of our community," said Francesca Suarez, Military Family Advocate and a key event organizer. "Our community consists of a lot of military-connected families—there are 4,500 families stationed at Hill, and of those, 46 Purple Star Schools serve them. These schools must meet state-level requirements to support military culture and the unique needs of military families.”
The event at Hill Aerospace Museum is part of an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between military and nonmilitary communities. Military children face frequent moves, which can disrupt their friendships and sense of belonging. This annual event offers a space for these families to build relationships and feel supported, not just by their schools but by the entire community.
“This is an event that doesn't take place anywhere else in the country,” said Assistant Superintendent John Zurbuchen, emphasizing the district’s dedication to these families. “We are proud and intentional in providing support to military families as they continue to serve our country. It’s important for us to know who these families are so we can offer the unique support they need.”
As the event continues to grow, with attendance doubling from the previous year, district leaders hope to strengthen these connections further.
"We want these families to know that the entire Davis School District has its arms around them," said Director of Student Services Casey Layton. "This is where they can belong, and we are excited to see the bonds that have been built between the schools and military families.”
Both Davis School District and Hill Air Force Base are continuing to build this nationally recognized relationship. These events continue to support our military students and their families in unique and powerful ways.