Each school year, the National PTA Schools of Excellence program recognizes and celebrates partnerships between PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations) and schools, whose goal is to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for students. Once the school administrators and PTA decide to enroll, they are making a year long commitment to implement an action plan for school improvement based on the PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.  

The National PTA's "School Of Excellence" designation is given in recognition of the school's commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school-community where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.   

This year, only two schools in Tennessee received the designation and both are in Hamilton County. Allen Elementary School and Loftis Middle School were recognized as Schools of Excellence for highlighting the great work being done in our school system.  

Throughout the 2016-17 school year, Allen Elementary School PTA increased membership by 45 percent, partnered with local businesses for financial and product support, strengthened communication between the school and parents, and made many other improvements based off of feedback from parent surveys. 

Loftus Middle School focused on increasing family engagement and supporting student success through foreign language initiatives and supplemental feedback sent home from the classroom. 

The recent Chattanooga 2.0 report highlighted the critical role parents play in providing a strong and healthy environment for our students to learn and grow. Our community must connect parents and families with the information and support they need to create the best atmosphere. Allen Elementary School and Loftus Middle School have set a standard we can replicate throughout other district schools to continue improving communication, support, and resource sharing between families, teachers, schools, and our community. 

Thanks to great school leaders and parents across Hamilton County, we are able to set the tone for improved parent-teacher relationships by creating an environment and culture that supports high expectations, innovation, and excellence. Congratulations to Allen Elementary School and Loftus Middle School on this prestigious recognition.

Wayne Brown
Hamilton Co PTA
TN PTA