Schools Honored For Excellence in Community Engagement and Growth

Through the National PTA School of Excellence program, PTAs examine how their school communities feel the school measures up to the research-based indicators of the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. PTAs and schools then work together to address areas for growth and create new ways for families to support student success. The National PTA School of Excellence designation is awarded when a PTA and school have achieved an exhibited and high level of family-school partnerships.

National PTA is pleased to recognize a record number of local PTAs across the nation who have earned the 2-year designation. This August, 279 schools have been announced as 2018-2019 National PTA Schools of Excellence for their leadership and accomplishments in building strong, effective family-school partnerships!

Check out how these PTAs made a tremendous impact on continuous school improvement through the School of Excellence program. Enroll your PTA in the 2018-19 School of Excellence program now thru October 1 at PTA.org/Excellence.

Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy – CA

Barnard PTA in California chose to focus on improving education by growing family participation in advocacy for the 2017-18 school year by creating an environment in which parents felt welcome, engaged and involved with the school. Throughout the school year, the PTA hosted many community events to engage families in a variety of social, academic and community-building activities; all of which were free to parents and students.

Beaverdam Elementary– VA

To support student success and keep parents informed about what their students were learning, Beaverdam Elementary School PTA  in Virginia took on the task of implementing a school/PTA newsletter.  Every quarter, teachers, administration, and the PTA submitted articles to inform parents about what their students were learning and what they could expect in the coming months.  The newsletter also includes the school’s progress, programs, and upcoming events.  In addition, the Beaverdam PTA recorded a talent show and posted videos on Facebook, which not only showed off the school and student talent, but it allowed Beaverdam’s community of working parents who could not attend during the day to see the performance and share this experience with other family members and friends!

Glendale Elementary– FL

The resources provided through the School of Excellence program paved the way for Glendale Elementary PTA in Florida for better communication with ALL families and uniting the PTA and school with one cohesive mission in making the culture and climate welcoming for all families. Glendale Elementary PTA and school created multi-language informational signs for all entrances and ensured that every communication was provided broadly and in multiple languages. Through the school year, Glendale PTA expanded their outreach and exposure anytime there was a school event providing the school, parents, and students with timely information. As a result, event attendance and participation was at an all-time high.

Rabbit Creek Elementary– AK

In Alaska, the Rabbit Creek Elementary PTA, in partnership with the school’s art teacher, helped to support the arts by displaying student art work to brighten up common spaces such as the front office and the library. The PTA also supported the music teacher in her production of the 4th grade play by funding new microphone headsets, set decorations and props needed to make the play a success. After being dormant, the PTA helped resurrect the Rabbit Creek Reflections program A parent, who happens to be local artist, spent a great deal of time coaching kids and encouraging them to let their creativity shine.

Canyon Rim Elementary – AZ

Canyon Rim Elementary PTA in Arizona emphasized welcoming diverse families into their school by designing a welcome sign in 18 languages which received positive feedback. One of the school’s moms, who is from Ukraine, said she felt more welcome when she when she stopped by the school every morning. The cafeteria manager, a native German-speaker, also expressed her appreciation to the Canyon Rim Elementary PTA.

These are just some examples of how PTAs can make long-lasting and positive changes. Congratulations to all of our 279 2018-2020 School of Excellence designees. Interested in becoming a National PTA School of Excellence? Learn more and enroll thru Oct. 1 at PTA.org/Excellence.


Amy Weinberg is the Manager of Programs & Partnerships at National PTA.

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