California School National Model for School-Community Partnerships

CHICAGO (July 21, 2008) – The Fremont High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTA), in Sunnyvale, Calif., received the PTA’s highest national award recognizing family, school, and community partnerships that support student success—the Phoebe Apperson Hearst-National PTA Excellence in Education Partnership Award. 

Fremont High School PTSA effectively demonstrated the difference that family-school-community partnerships can make.  A collaborative effort between the Fremont High School PTSA and the school's National Honor Society, this peer tutoring program serves 450 students—approximately 130 on a typical day.

Its impact? In one month, more than a third of the tutored students improved their grades in a core subject by at least one letter grade. Twenty-two students improved by two letter grades, and two improved by three letter grades.

The Fremont High School PTSA received $2,000 to support the continuation of this successful peer tutoring program and two all expense-paid trips to the 112th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition last month in San Diego to receive the award. 

Four other schools were also recognized as Hearst Award Honorable Mentions.  They are:

• North Miami Middle School PTSA in North Miami, Florida, in partnership with Communities In Schools and the Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Nova Southeastern University – This program empowers parents to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of their children through the establishment of positive relationships.
   
• Enfield Village School PTA in Enfield, New Hampshire, in partnership with the Town of Enfield – Provides students in grades K-4 with additional educational support needed to improve academic achievement.
   
• Thirty-Third District PTA in Malibu, California, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education – A program created to serve underserved youth in juvenile probation centers or Youth Camps and helps with academic needs like reading and school supplies.
   
• Washington Center PTA in Greenville, South Carolina, in partnership with the Klaver Klub, a volunteer organization of local 7th- and 8th-grade girls – Events that provide needed resources and support from the community to students with special needs.
  Since 1983, the William Randolph Hearst Foundations has donated grant money to help recognize educators and schools for their efforts in increasing student achievement.

About PTA

As the nation’s largest volunteer parent organization, PTA comprises more than 5 million members, including parents, students, educators, school administrators, and business and community leaders. With more than 25,000 local units, PTA flourishes in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.