Florida Department of Education and Florida Parent Teacher Association Recognize Local Schools with 2015 Family and Community Involvement Awards

July 20, 2015

DOE Press Office
850-245-0413

Florida Department of Education and Florida Parent Teacher Association Recognize Local Schools with 2015 Family and Community Involvement Awards

Tampa, Fla., July 18, 2015 – Today, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart and Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President Mindy Haas honored 10 Florida schools with the Family and Community Involvement Award during the 2015 Florida PTA Leadership Convention. The schools were recognized for successful implementation of programs that encourage increased family and community engagement.

“We have outstanding teachers and staff working in our state’s schools, but nothing can replace the love and encouragement of a parent or guardian,” said Commissioner Stewart. “As a former teacher and principal, I have seen firsthand the positive impact family and community involvement can have on the lives of students, and I commend these schools for proactively developing meaningful initiatives involving more family and community members in meaningful ways with our students.”

Florida PTA President Mindy Haas said, “As the leading advocacy association encouraging family engagement in schools, Florida PTA and its longstanding partnership with the Department of Education recognizes these exceptional program winners. Parents and the community are invested stakeholders with an understanding that if we work together we can do what is best for the health and well-being of our children. Florida PTA is so proud to have hosted this program during our Leadership Convention.”

Each year, the Family and Community Involvement Award recognizes exemplary family and community involvement programs from across the state that focus on welcoming families into the local school system, providing effective communication, supporting student success and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.

The 2015 Family and Community Involvement Award Winners are below.

Region I

Santa Rosa County
Pea Ridge Elementary School
Science Explorium

Leon County
Griffin Middle School
Lunch and Learn Series

Region II

Alachua County
JJ Finley Elementary School
Homework Help/Parent Involvement at Horizon House

St. Johns County
Fruit Cove Middle School
Reading Plus Rewards Program

Region III

Volusia County
Read-Pattillo Elementary School
Fall Fun with a Fabulous Flavor

Seminole County
Winter Springs High School
Bear Connections

Region IV

Polk County
Kathleen Elementary School
Student Success Events

Pasco County
Gulf Middle School
Watch DOGS

Region V

Palm Beach County
Poinciana Elementary STEM Magnet School
5^th Annual 100^th Day of Dads

Broward County
Apollo Middle School
Parent 2 Parent

For more information on the award, visit Family and Community Involvement Awards. To learn more about the PTA, visit www.floridapta.org/