Four APS PTAs Honored by National Group

Chaparral Elementary PTA receives top award.

Chaparral Elementary PTA is being recognized nationally for its commitment to nurturing strong family-school partnerships.

It’s one of three groups across the country honored by National PTA with its highest award – the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award of Merit.

Chaparral Elementary PTA's efforts were praised by National PTA President Yvonne Johnson, who highlighted the organization's role in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.

“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,” Johnson said.

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 country honored as 2022-2024 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

The accolade celebrates schools and PTAs that prioritize building robust connections between families and schools, leading to improved educational experiences and overall student well-being.

The School of Excellence program guides PTAs and schools through a year-long process that involves gathering community feedback and implementing action plans to enhance family engagement. The approach encourages collaborative decision-making, promoting effective communication, and critical thinking for sustainable positive outcomes.

“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. “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.”

Contact New Mexico PTA for more information on the School of Excellence program at (505) 881-0712 or nmpta@newmexicopta.org.