National PTA Honors Excellence in Building Inclusive School Communities
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Oct. 10, 2017)—National PTA is pleased to recognize 143 schools and PTAs from across the country as 2017-2019 Schools of Excellence. The National PTA School of Excellence designation honors accomplishments in building an inclusive and welcoming school community where all families contribute to the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
“Research shows that when families and schools work together, students do better in school and schools improve,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “We are pleased to recognize these schools and PTAs as 2017-2019 Schools of Excellence for their commitment to strengthening their family-school partnerships and creating an environment where all families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success.”
National PTA’s School of Excellence program helps PTAs become partners in identifying and implementing school improvement initiatives based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Schools that exhibit improvement at the end of the school year are honored as National PTA Schools of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years.
In addition to the 2017-2019 School of Excellence designation, National PTA is delighted to recognize three PTAs with the 2017 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards for Innovation in Family Engagement—the highest honor presented by the association to celebrate family engagement. Cobb Middle School PTA in Frisco, Texas has been honored with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award. Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy PTSA in Miami, Fla. and Forest Park High School PTSA in Conley, Ga. have been honored with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award of Merit.
“The efforts of Cobb Middle School PTA, MAST Academy PTSA and Forest Park High School PTSA are making a substantial, positive impact on family engagement, student success and school improvement,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “We are pleased to honor these PTAs with the 2017 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards and 2017-2019 National PTA School of Excellence designation.”
Enrollment is now open for the School of Excellence program and consideration of the 2018-2020 School of Excellence designation. The deadline to enroll is Oct. 15. For more information about the program and to enroll, visit PTA.org/Excellence.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA