Skip To Main Content

Military Support Resources

Chief Joseph Elementary: A Proud Purple Star School Supporting Military Families

Chief Joseph Elementary takes great pride in fostering a meaningful and lasting partnership with Malmstrom Air Force Base, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to military-connected students and their families. Through engaging educational activities, special events, and strong community collaboration, our school honors the selfless service of active-duty personnel, military working dogs, and their loved ones.

Our diverse school population includes approximately 25% military-affiliated students, families, and staff, both active and retired. This rich connection is visible not only in our classrooms but also through the many active-duty service members who regularly volunteer at school events such as Bingo Night, Book Fairs, and Field Days, helping to strengthen bonds between the base and our school community.

We are dedicated to cultivating a school culture rooted in respect, gratitude, and awareness. By recognizing key observances such as Veterans Day, National K-9 Veterans Day, and Month of the Military Child, our students gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role the military plays in protecting our nation and supporting communities across the country.

In recognition of these efforts, Chief Joseph Elementary was awarded the Purple Star School designation (a 3-year award) for a second time in 2025 by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This prestigious honor is given to schools that provide exceptional support to military-connected students, esepcially in navigating the challenges of frequent relocation. 

The Purple Star Program identifies schools that are both deeply committed and well-prepared to meet the unique needs of military families. Schools receiving this designation proudly display the Purple Star emblem and are publicly reconized by the State of Montana for their outstanding dedication.

Further highlighting our commitment...

  • Jackie Mainwaring, Executive Director for Great Falls Public Schools, received the Purple Star Champion Award for her ongoing dedication to and support of military families in 2025-26.

📧 Email

  • Lisa Sapp, School Liaison Specialist for Malmstrom Air Force Base, received the Purple Star Champion Award for her exceptional advocacy and service to military families again in 2025-26.

📧 Email

  • Kelli O’Brien, our dedicated Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) received the Purple Star Champion Award in 2025-26. Her role provides confidential, non-medical counseling services that support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of military-connected students and their families.

📞 406-591-0353

  • In 2024, Tara Murillo, librarian and School Liaison at Chief Joseph Elementary, was honored with the Purple Star Champion Award for her outstanding commitment to supporting military-connected students.

📧 Email

At Chief Joseph Elementary, we are honored to serve those who serve. Our strong connection with the military community enriches our school and strengthens the bonds of understanding, respect, and support that benefit all students.

👉 Be sure to visit our “Military Matters” bulletin board, located in the Parent Center in the front foyer of the school, for up-to-date information, resources, and announcements for military families.

bulletin board with flyers labeled military matters

 

Event Highlights

Two individuals in military uniforms are interacting with a large dog in what appears to be a training or work environment, with various equipment and supplies visible in the background.
The image shows a group of military personnel interacting with several individuals, some of whom appear to be children, in what appears to be a hallway or corridor setting.
A white pickup truck parked on a snowy street, with two people standing next to it, surrounded by bare trees and buildings in the background.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, are standing in a classroom or daycare setting. The background features colorful star decorations on the walls, suggesting a playful and educational environment.
The image shows a display table in a school hallway, with yellow folders, a purple origami-style decoration, and a tablecloth featuring the text %22Great Falls Great Schools Greater Tomorrow%22.
Two young girls are standing in a school hallway, holding a framed award or certificate. The background includes lockers, a bulletin board, and other school-related items.
The image shows a man wearing a USA t-shirt standing next to a smiling young girl, both holding trays of food in what appears to be a cafeteria or dining hall setting with other people visible in the background.
A crowded classroom filled with students and adults, some seated at tables and others standing, with decorations and American flags visible in the background.
A smiling woman sits at a table surrounded by children and adults in a lively, colorful classroom setting.
A woman and a young girl are seated at a table, smiling and interacting, with an American flag displayed on a screen in the background.
A man in a red jacket is standing next to a young boy in a blue shirt, with American flags displayed in the background.
The image shows several American flags and a sign with the word %22Veterans%22 surrounded by red and blue stars.
The image shows a woman with long dark hair smiling and posing with a young child and an older man in what appears to be a school or community center setting, with American flags and other decorations visible in the background.
A person in uniform stands next to a police vehicle in a rural setting, with mountains visible in the background.
The image shows two individuals in military-style attire standing in front of a police pickup truck in a rural outdoor setting with buildings and trees visible in the background.
The image shows a group of young children participating in what appears to be a physical activity or exercise session, with an adult in military uniform supervising them in a gymnasium-like setting.
The image shows a school hallway with blue lockers, a chair, and various items on a table in the foreground.
Two individuals in law enforcement uniforms standing next to a police truck in a rural outdoor setting with a blue sky and some buildings visible in the background.
A man stands behind a table covered with various snacks and decorations in a gymnasium setting.
A military service member in camouflage uniform stands next to a large dog, both posing in what appears to be a classroom or training facility setting with blue walls and various items on display.
Two young individuals, likely students, standing in a classroom setting with various educational materials and displays visible in the background.
A classroom setting with a large group of students seated and listening to a person standing at the front of the room, who appears to be a teacher or presenter.
The image shows a group of children in colorful clothing gathered in a field, with two military personnel standing in front of them.
The image depicts a group of people, including firefighters and students, gathered in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting. The background features a colorful mural depicting musical instruments and symbols.
The image shows a group of people, including what appears to be military personnel, gathered in a classroom-like setting with colorful artwork displayed on the walls.
The image shows a group of people, including a firefighter in full gear, gathered in what appears to be a music-themed room with a vibrant mural on the wall.
Two military personnel in camouflage uniforms standing in front of a police truck in a sandy, open field with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
The image shows several people, including military personnel, interacting with children in what appears to be an indoor recreational or educational setting, with various equipment and props visible in the background.
A young boy wearing a virtual reality headset and holding a controller stands in a gymnasium-like setting, with other children visible in the background.
The image shows a group of students gathered in a classroom, with two adults, one in firefighter gear and the other in casual attire, standing in front of them and engaging in a discussion or presentation.
The image shows a woman holding a colorful poster and standing next to a uniformed police officer in what appears to be a police station or office setting.