MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org
Michelle Sandrock, Parent Engagement Program Manager, Phone: (404) 232-1148, msandrock@doe.k12.ga.us

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January 8, 2014 – The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Georgia Parent Teacher Association (GA PTA) are recognizing six parents from across the state with the 2014 Georgia Parent Leadership Award.

The award was created by GaDOE and GA PTA to recognize parents for their outstanding leadership in creating a foundation of support for student achievement and success. Research shows that parent engagement makes a difference in student achievement - no matter the age of the child.

“We know that when parents are actively engaged in their child’s education that students do better in school and are more successful in future grades,” said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. “I sincerely appreciate these parents for their leadership and involvement in the education of the students in their communities.”

“It is an undisputed fact that academic achievement increases for children who are the product of parents engaged in their lives,” said Rita Erves, Georgia PTA President. “I applaud the efforts of the 2014 Georgia Parent Leadership Award recipients. These parents recognize that there is absolutely nothing that can replace the meaningful interaction with their children.”

The parents will receive the honor during a ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2014 during the 2014 Georgia Family Engagement Conference in front of 1,000 registered parents and educators.

The winners are:

• Gail Bouie, West Bainbridge Elementary School, Decatur County Schools
• Kimberly Fisher, Oak Grove Elementary School, Cherokee County Schools
• Mariana Hernandez-Goodwin, Kanoheda Elementary School, Gwinnett County Schools
• Karen Preble, St. Marys Elementary School, Camden County Schools
• Edward Richardson, Floyd Middle School, Cobb County Schools
• Laura Shyman, Tapp Middle School, Cobb County Schools

Parent leaders are nominated each November during Georgia’s Parent Engagement Month by public school personnel. Any caregiver who assumes the responsibility for nurturing and caring for a student’s entire well-being consisting of educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health is eligible for the honor.

The Georgia Parent Leadership Awards are given each year to six parents representing both Title I schools and Non-Title I schools. While the six state winners for 2014 are from elementary and middle schools, parents from all school levels can be nominated.

Winners of the Georgia Parent Leadership Award have opportunities throughout the year to share their story by promoting and assisting parent engagement activities at the state level.

More Information
Details about the Georgia Parent Leadership Award and Winners are attached.