On Aug. 10, Albuquerque Public Schools announced that the Chaparral Elementary PTA has received national recognition for its dedicated efforts to establish an inclusive and empowering school atmosphere. According to a press release, three other Parent Teacher Associations affiliated with Albuquerque Public Schools were also recognized for their work to foster strong family-school partnerships
“Their work to strengthen their family-school partnership has created an environment where families feel welcomed, included and empowered to support their child’s success and where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn,” National PTA President Yvonne Johnson said in the press release.
According to the press release, Chaparral Elementary PTA was one of three groups nationwide chosen by the National PTA to receive the prestigious Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit. Johnson commended the efforts of the Chaparral Elementary PTA, highlighting the organization's contributions to establish an inclusive and empowering school environment. Additionally, three other Parent Teacher Associations affiliated with Albuquerque Public Schools – Adobe Acres Elementary PTA, Gecko’s PTA at East San Jose Elementary, and Manzano Mesa Elementary PTA – were among 368 PTAs and schools from across the nation selected to receive the 2022-2024 National PTA Schools of Excellence award.
This award recognizes schools and PTAs dedicated to fostering strong connections between families and educational institutions which help to improve students' learning experiences and overall well-being, according to the press release.
“There could not be a more urgent time to make sure schools and PTAs are reaching and engaging all families in ways that have a positive impact on all students’ success,” said Nathan Monell, the executive director of National PTA, according to the press release. “Our 2022-2024 National PTA School of Excellence designees and 2023 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award honorees have demonstrated what over 40 years of research tells us – amazing things can be achieved when schools and families work together to accomplish a common goal.”
The School of Excellence initiative provides a structured framework for PTAs and schools, leading them through a comprehensive year-long process. This involves soliciting input from the community and executing strategies to bolster family involvement, according to the press release.