OLD BRIDGE — Southwood Elementary School is an inclusive and welcoming school where all families contribute to the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
And for that, the elementary school was one of two New Jersey schools and 143 schools across the country recognized by the National Parent Teacher Association as a 2017-2019 School of Excellence on Oct. 10.
“In Old Bridge, we pride ourselves on fostering the most inclusive school climate possible,” Old Bridge Schools Superintendent David Cittadino said. “We want every parent to recognize and celebrate their role as a vital element necessary to the success of schools and students.”
Southwood Principal Karen Foley expressed her excitement when learning of the honor.
“We are proud of the home-school partnership, which is the foundation of the Southwood community,” she said. “There is a mutual respect between parents and staff, as we work together to ensure the success of every child.”
Jim Accomando, president of National PTA, said research shows that when families and schools work together, students do better in school and schools improve.
“We are pleased to recognize these schools and PTAs as 2017-2019 Schools of Excellence for their commitment to strengthening their family-school partnerships and creating an environment where all families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success,” he said.
National PTA’s School of Excellence program helps PTAs become partners in identifying and implementing school improvement initiatives based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Schools that exhibit improvement at the end of the school year are honored as National PTA Schools of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years.
National PTA, a nonprofit organization, 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.