Four Schools Named National PTA Schools of Excellence
Blythe Academy of Languages, Fork Shoals School, Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, and Pelham Road Elementary have been named 2018 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA.
The National PTA Schools of Excellence program is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of students. Schools and administrators enrolled in the program are making a yearlong commitment to identify and implement an action plan for school improvement based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.
“Blythe Academy parents and families have a strong history of support for our academic and immersion programs,” said Principal Dr. Sandra Griffin. “Last year, parent and PTA volunteers logged nearly 27,000 hours providing assistance and support to school programs, and a recent survey indicates that 81.9 percent of parents rate our school as good or very good in efforts to give important information to parents.”
Fork Shoals Elementary Principal Kim Reid expressed her gratitude for the PTA. “We are thankful for our PTA board and all of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support our school for our students and teachers. They are partners with us to enrich our environment for all students and families by volunteering in classrooms, helping teachers, mentoring students, supporting fundraisers, and providing times for our families to be together.”
At Hughes Academy, members of the PTSA are actively involved with students and staff. Principal Jordan Finlay said, “Our PTSA members celebrate teachers at each faculty meeting and provide volunteers for after school events such as Open House, orientation, and Magnet Night. They organized two fundraisers that garnered over $20,000 last year. They provide input and feedback about our school’s vision and strategic plan. Our PTSA received awards and nominations in 13 different categories at the state level including Outstanding Local Unit of the Year.”
“Pelham Road Elementary has a longstanding history of having an outstanding and highly involved PTA.,” said Principal Kristy Qualls. “That partnership enriches the educational experiences for all of our students, creates a family-friendly school atmosphere, and provides an incredible amount of resources and support to our teachers and staff.”