Columbia Middle School and Lakeside High School have been honored with the 2023-2025 School of Excellence designations for fostering strong partnerships between families and their schools, enhancing the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.
On August 5, the National Parent-Teacher Association announced that these two schools in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) were among 319 schools and PTAs nationwide and Department of Defense schools in Europe to receive this honor. The schools and PTAs participated in the National PTA’s School of Excellence program, which involves a year-long commitment to enhancing family-school partnerships. Dr. LaTroya Bishop, the Parent and Family Engagement Liaison at Columbia Middle School, explained that the School of Excellence designation is a significant achievement for the school.
“We are extremely happy for our parents, students, and community,” said Dr. Bishop. “Over 4,000 schools were awarded this designation nationwide, and only 16 were in Georgia. Of those 16, only two were in DeKalb County, making it even more special for us, and we are so proud to be considered a school of excellence!”
Throughout the year, PTAs and schools gather feedback from their school communities and develop and implement plans to enhance family engagement based on the PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.
“At PTA, we strongly believe that family-school partnerships are critical and that it truly takes all of us working together to support our students’ success and improve our schools,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA.
“We are thrilled to honor all of the 2023-2025 School of Excellence designees for their commitment to building strong, effective family-school partnerships that have and are continuing to make a positive impact for all students, families, and their schools.”
Lakeside High School’s front office administrator, Melanie Stockwell, who is also a member of the school’s PTSA, said it is no surprise that Lakeside obtained the National School of Excellence designation.
“For many years, the Lakeside PTSA has created a vibrant membership community that supports our students and teachers,” Ms. Stockwell said. “I can honestly say, from one who has been both a parent member and an employee member, that the Lakeside PTSA is one of the main reasons Lakeside continues to be successful. Our PTSA truly helps unite our students and employees as a family.”