The National Parent Teacher Association this month recognized Huffman Elementary School and its PTA as a National PTA School of Excellence for their achievement in building effective family-school partnerships.
Only 11 schools in Texas have received this award and 124 in the nation.
To be recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence, PTAs must evaluate their current family engagement strategies and submit a goal for school improvement that families, teachers and administrators have set together. National PTA launched its National PTA School of Excellence program to help strengthen family-school partnerships nationwide and progress in the areas of education, health and safety, and arts and cultural exploration.
Located near Old Shepard Place subdivision just north of Plano Parkway and the President George Bush Turnpike, Huffman Elementary prides itself in being one of Plano's most diverse schools, both culturally and economically, PTA President Kimberly DeWeese said. The school will host a picnic for the public from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to celebrate its award.
“The school district and our principal are very focused on making Huffman the best experience for every child, but we all know that the power to make every child’s potential a reality requires family and community engagement," she said. "In just a few short years, thanks to an understanding school administration and dedicated parents, we have been able to make real changes in making every family, every parent feel welcomed and involved. When the community and families are engaged, we are able to make significant improvements in student success.”
Research has shown that building a strong working relationship between families and schools can have positive impacts on a student's achievement, as well as the school itself, according to the National PTA. This recognition demonstrates Huffman Elementary's leadership and its PTA’s commitment to supporting student success and continuous school improvement, said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA.
“The partnership between Huffman Elementary and Huffman Elementary PTA is a true example of what can be accomplished when schools and families work together,” she said. “Huffman and Huffman Elementary PTA have put strong practices into place that involve families in the life of the school, and we are pleased to recognize them as a National PTA School of Excellence.”
Innovative ways Huffman Elementary PTA structured their organization include:
- Developed ways to allow volunteerism to be conducted at home
- Held morning and evening PTA meetings
- Translated all PTA communications into Spanish
- PTA leaders reached out to all parents individually looking to help everyone find a way to be involved
- Conducted parent education programs including how to understand test scores, resources available in Plano ISD, etc.
- Strived to have leaders and board members reflect the diversity of the school
- Easy to attend community events including school playdates and movie nights
- Weekly newsletter to all parents
