The National Parent Teacher Association was founded in 1897 to champion the call of parental involvement, as well as its benefit within a child’s education. In fact, more than 40 years of research show that when parent-school relationships are formed, schools improve and cities grow stronger. Garland ISD not only shares this belief, but the district also fosters those family-school partnerships. Every November, GISD celebrates Family Engagement Month.
The longstanding efforts of Beaver Technology Center for Math and Science and Hillside Academy for Excellence are receiving recognition at the national level. Both campuses were named 2018-20 National PTA Schools of Excellence. They are among less than 300 campuses nationwide to receive this honor.
The National PTA School of Excellence designation rewards joint commitments of PTA and school leaders working together to achieve national standards for family-school partnerships. This three-year distinction culminates a year-long application process. PTAs first partner with their campuses to evaluate current family engagement strategies. They then work together throughout the year to address barriers and open up new ways for families to support student success. Throughout the year, campuses actively seek to increase involvement and volunteer opportunities.
As evidenced by their title, Beaver and Hillside are quite successful in outreach and communication—not only with school families, but with the community as well. This isn’t the campuses’ first time to earn the designation either. They were also named 2014-16 National PTA Schools of Excellence.
The GISD Board of Trustees honored Principals Amber Hope from Beaver and Sonya Palmer from Hillside, as well as members of their PTAs, with Evidence of Excellence awards this fall.
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.