PTA Awards

NATIONAL AWARD:

The students at Sara Collins Elementary School in Greenville have one more reason to take pride in their school. National PTA has certified Sara Collins Elementary School as a Parent Involvement School of Excellence. Sara Collins Elementary School scored 143 of 150 points to achieve this prestigious honor.

National PTA’s Parent Involvement School of Excellence certification program recognizes schools that uphold the highest standards in parent involvement and that help meet parent involvement provisions in the 2001 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act. All schools in the nation are encouraged to submit an application to National PTA.

As part of the certification process, Sara Collins Elementary School formed a team consisting of the principal, teachers, parents, students, and representatives from the community; completed a self-assessment; and applied for one of two distinctions—Certification of Excellence or Recognition of Commitment—based on the results of their self-assessment. According to team members, the certification is a symbol of parents, staff, and community members working together for the common goal of helping children succeed. Sara Collins Elementary School is one of only four schools in South Carolina to achieve this award.

Volunteers at Sara Collins Elementary School are involved in a variety of activities, such as reading to students as part of the district SEEDS program and reinforcing the stories with activities that promote critical thinking and review. Reading Counts volunteers promote reading. Math Superstars volunteers give extra math work to reinforce math skills and develop advanced mathematical skills. The Lego Robotics volunteers taught students to program robotics to perform challenging tasks and were one of only 3 elementary schools to compete in the state! Cultural Arts volunteers help students learn to follow directions and to think visually through origami exercises.

Other volunteers worked with students in leadership roles, such as Student Council, recycling, and Make-A-Difference Day. Volunteers also work with student helpers to develop leadership and teamwork as they serve as patrols, classroom helpers, sell school supplies, or anchor the Morning Show.

“Every child deserves to attend a school of excellence,” said National PTA President Shirley Igo. “The certification program is an unprecedented opportunity for all schools to achieve excellence and be recognized for their dedication to parent involvement.” The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, and National School Public Relations Association joined National PTA in the development and implementation of the certification program.

For more information about National PTA’s Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence certification program, visit www.pta.org or call (800) 307-4PTA (4782).

With more than 6 million members, National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. A not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities, PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children. Since its founding in 1897, National PTA has prided itself in being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in National PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARD: 

Sara Collins was awarded the Red Carpet Schools Award. State Superintendent of Education, Inez Tenenbaum made the announcement early this month. Winning schools receive actual red carpets with the state seal to display in their lobbies. “These schools provide inviting environments where visitors are not only welcome, but where parents and community members are actively involved in the school’s decision-making process,” Tenenbaum said. “Our winners understand the importance of good customer service and active community partnerships.”

More than 300 SC schools applied for this award in November and Sara Collins was one of 126 chosen for this honor. Tenenbaum also stated, “Schools understand than an environment where parents feel comfortable and empowered to be actively involved is directly related to increased student learning and academic success.  Red Carpet Schools incorporate this emphasis into their overall environment every day.”

STATE PTA AWARDS: 

Sara Collins won the Outstanding Unit award, Honorable Mention, for the South Carolina PTA on Saturday, May 3rd in Columbia. Sara Collins was judged one of the 5 best PTA units in the state. The application was written by Julie Perry and was about our Freaky Friday. Congratulations Julie, Kim Lennon, and Trish Gwinn! The award looks at how well a PTA unit supports the PTA goals. It takes a hard look at parent involvement, teacher/parent/staff cooperation and support, communication between school and home, and new ways to incorporate parents into the school setting

Sarah Payne and Kitty Tarleton were recognized for Outstanding Program (which means it is the best program in the state) for Family Night. Family Night also helped us win the SWPTA Outstanding Unit award (which means Sara Collins was judged the best in our local area!). The Outstanding Program award judges look for the integration of community and school. They want to highlight schools that utilize well the resources in their own backyard. The judges look for a school that understands that education is done best when it is a community-wide collaboration, and this year's Family Night is the best example in the state!

This year's Family Night is especially pertinent because so many schools statewide are undergoing construction. Our Family Night put the children first: how the children were coping and comprehending the upcoming changes, and all the activities were geared to helping them feel comfortable. The activities incorporated math, architecture, and city planning into their education.

"Sarah Payne and Kitty Tarleton attended Sara Collins as children and co-chaired this year’s event. They both feel a deep commitment to the school. They truly understand how much Sara Collins means to this community, and look forward to the wonderful times ahead!" said Betsy Brown, PTA President.

Christina Hunter was recognized for State PTA Teacher of the Year. Maggie Boliek wrote the award and it was so well written that it was the only one read at the state meeting. Maggie also read it again at our recent PTA General Membership meeting at school.

    DISTRICT AWARD:

The School District and TIAA-CREF announced the first annual Leaders in Learning and Liberty Awards during the 32nd annual Salute to Education banquet. This program was established to provide further recognition of the vital link between strong public schools and democracy.

Alice Arrington won the Assistant Principal of the Year Award. Alice sends all teachers and even some parents to training on implementing teaching through inquiry. She believes in the value of increased knowledge for herself, faculty, parents, and students. She inspires teachers to achieve goals in the classroom, she promotes true learners in her staff and students, and she sets high expectations and sees that learning takes place.

Each award winner received $500 cash and a special award commissioned by TIAA-CREF. Their school or department received a Learning and Liberty flag and $500 cash.