PTA Announces 2010 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Awardees

Through the implementation of the standards, PTAs across the country are working to further family engagement, and thereby increase student academic achievement, graduation rates, and participation in post-secondary education.   The Hearst Awards recognize the PTAs who have put strong practices into place to involve parents and families into the lives of their schools.

Kate Waller Barrett Elementary PTA in Arlington, Virginia earned the distinction as the Phoebe Apperson Hearst-National PTA Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award. As a part of the award, the PTA will receive two all-expense paid trips to this year’s 114th Annual National PTA Convention in June where they will be recognized with $2,000. The award will be used to expand Roving Readers, the school’s literacy program. 
The following PTAs will be recognized with the Family-School Partnership Award of Excellence and a $500 award for demonstrating an outstanding job in each of the six standards:

• Standard 1:  Welcoming all families into the school community
Chattachoochee High School, Alpharetta, GA
• Standard 2:  Communicating effectively
Olivewood Elementary School, Lake Forest, CA
• Standard 3:  Supporting student success
Chapel Trail Elementary School, Pembroke Pines, FL
• Standard 4:  Speaking up for every child
Seven Oaks Elementary School, Eagle, ID
• Standard 5:  Sharing power
Harmony Elementary School, Goshen, KY
• Standard 6:  Collaborating with community
Northeast Elementary School, Evergreen Park, IL

This year, 96 applications representing 27 states were received in consideration for the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award for Family-School Partnerships Awards.  In recognition of their efforts, a Family-School Partnership Award of Merit will be given to each PTA that applied.

About PTA
The National Parent Teacher Association® (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.