Gadsden Elementary Named School of Excellence, Three Other SCCPSS Schools Win PTA Awards

National PTA has recognized Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School and Gadsden Elementary School PTA as a 2024-2026 School of Excellence for their accomplishments in building a strong, effective family-school partnership that is enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School and Gadsden Elementary School PTA are one of a select group of PTAs and schools nationwide to be recognized with the designation.

“At PTA, we believe that every strategy to accelerate learning must include families. Decades of research show that family engagement is just as essential as other school improvement strategies—from rigorous instruction to effective leaders,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “We are thrilled to honor the accomplishments of Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School and Gadsden Elementary School PTA. As a 2024-2026 School of Excellence designee, they are examples of the amazing things that can be achieved when schools and families work together to accomplish common goals.”

Through the National PTA’s School of Excellence program, PTAs and schools make a year-long commitment to strengthen family-school partnerships. Throughout the year, PTAs and schools collect feedback from their school communities and create and implement plans of action to improve family engagement based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. During the process, PTAs and families become key partners in decision-making and school improvement efforts. The program opens the lines of communication and critical thinking within school communities to make data-driven decisions that help create an environment where families feel welcomed, included and empowered to support their children’s success and where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

At Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School, student success is a shared responsibility. In partnership with Gadsden Elementary School PTA, we are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among parents, students, educators, and community stakeholders. To strengthen engagement, we designed initiatives aligned with the PTA National Standards, focusing on creating welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly experiences. These strategies provided opportunities for families to connect beyond the traditional classroom setting, helping to build stronger relationships.

When educators, parents, and the community are united and passionate about supporting student learning, students thrive—achieving more and feeling more connected to their school environment,” said Gadsden Elementary School PTA President, LaKeisha Bacon.

To celebrate the achievements, National PTA will present Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School and Gadsden Elementary School PTA with a certificate and a National PTA School of Excellence banner to hang in their school.

In addition to this national award for Gadsden Elementary, three SCCPSS schools won state awards for membership.  Islands High School, Jacob G. Smith and Heard Elementary Schools have all received the Georgia PTA Early Bird Award. This is a state-level membership award that recognizes local PTAs for submitting dues for at least 200 members to the Georgia PTA by the last business day of September. The award is a way to encourage early membership recruitment and is one of several membership-based awards offered by the Georgia PTA to promote involvement and growth within local units.

Congratulations to all on these accomplishments!