When Rose Rossana found herself in conversation with the head of state’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) recently, it wasn’t totally unusual. After all, as the president of the Johnson Elementary School she’s more than once had a discussion on various PTA-related questions.

 

However, to get a call out of the blue had her at list a bit puzzled. As it turned out, the call was for a good reason. And as it turned out, the call is yet another feather in Bridgeport’s academic and community cap.

 

“He called to let us know that we had been recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence,” said Rossana. “I really wasn’t expecting that, but it was absolutely wonderful to hear.”

 

The National PTA selected JES for their achievement in building effective family-school partnerships. Determining that, however, didn’t just happen by accident. Instead, Rossana and those involved with the PTA had to go through a somewhat grueling process to be considered for the honor. In the end, only Johnson Elementary and one other school in West Virginia received the designation.

 

“The partnership between Johnson Elementary School and the PTA is a true example of what can be accomplished when schools and families work together,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “Johnson Elementary School and the 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.”

 

To get an idea of the fact that the honor isn’t just randomly thrown out, it should be noted that Rossana actually applied for the “School of Excellence” award a year. What that means is that putting the application together took place beginning well over a year ago.

 

“It’s a process you go through that involves meetings, surveys and then I had to write an essay on why we felt we met the criteria to be a school of excellence,” Rossana said. “To be honest, I did not believe we were going to get recognized; not because I don’t think this group deserves it, but just based on the process. It was very time consuming.”

 

Rossana said the process was helped by a roadmap that came with the application kit. After the first survey, it lets you know where you stand and it also points out the criteria that need to be met. In the event that criteria aren’t being met, you have to explain how the PTA plans on eventually meeting it.

“When I first applied, I wanted to use this process as a way of learning new ways to build upon family engagement in our school.  I met with our Principal Vicki Huffman and Assistant Principal Heather Holbert early on and throughout the year to discuss our school and future plans for improvement.  This was all incorporated into our discussions during PTA Board meetings when planning activities and events,” said Rossana. “As the year progressed, I realized that we were meeting or exceeding many of the criteria presented in the award process.  However, we also recognize that we can always continue to improve in many areas and learn to change and adjust our programs to fit the current times.”

 

Rossana pointed to past members and current members of the Johnson PTA that she said work toward engaging families in getting involved not only with their children’s education, but with the school. Apparently, it’s working. Last year, the Johnson PTA had hundreds of members and they already have hundreds this year with the membership drive still ongoing.

 

“I am very excited for our PTA and our school.   It is a great way to begin a new school year,” she said of JES earning the designation.

 

To celebrate the honor, National PTA has given Johnson Elementary a banner recognizing their achievement. Rossana said she said she believes the school will also receive a plaque and a monetary award for a celebration of the honor.

 

“This is the first time they’ve done this at Johnson,” said Rossana. “This isn’t just me putting in the work; this is everyone, including those in the past that have made our group strong.”

 

Rossana sang the praises of the JES administration, all the PTA members, including her board members. She also credited Officers Jennifer Bell, the vice president; Seanna Pugh, the treasurer; and Secretary Jennifer Hathaway.

 

Johnson Elementary will officially be recognized Sept. 10 with the award. The presentation will come at a State Board of Education meeting.

 

According to information provided by the National PTA, it launched its National PTA School of Excellence program to help strengthen family-school partnerships across the country and make measurable progress in the areas of education, health and safety, and arts and cultural exploration. At a National PTA School of Excellence, families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and PTA is a key partner for continuous school improvement. To be recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence, PTAs evaluate their current family engagement strategies and submit a goal for school improvement that families, teachers and administrators have set together. They improve upon their family engagement strategies throughout the year, while focusing on their goal. The National PTA School of Excellence designation is awarded with demonstrated improvement in the family-school partnership and significant progress toward their goal. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above, from left, are PTA Vice President Jennifer Bell, JES Assistant Principal Heather Holbert, JES Principal Vicki Huffman, PTA Secretary Jennifer Hathaway, PTA Treasurer Seanna Pugh and PTA President Rose Rossana.