MEDIA
CONTACT: Matt Cardoza,
GaDOE Communications Office, mcardoza@gadoe.org
Dawn Scott,
Family Engagement Specialist, (404) 657-9962, dscott@doe.k12.ga.us
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January 11,
2017 – The Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Georgia Parent Teacher Association (GA
PTA) are recognizing six parents from across the state for the sixth annual
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.
“It is an honor
to recognize these parent leaders, who have made a difference not only for
their own children, but for many more through their dedicated involvement,”
said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “The positive impact of an
involved parent, someone who takes a leadership role in supporting their
child’s education and advocating for student success, does not stop with one
child. It affects the entire school. Involved parents like the six individuals
being recognized with this award are an absolutely crucial part of the work we
do as educators.”
“These six
parents represent the very best in Family Engagement! Parents that give not
only in support of their children, but act as a voice for every child. We
celebrate their commitment and the successes that come from their involvement,”
Lisa-Marie Haygood, Georgia PTA President, added.
The GaDOE
received a total of 37 nominations by public school personnel starting in
November during Georgia’s Family Engagement Month through the beginning of
December. The majority of nominations were submitted by schools from the
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
The parents
will receive the honor at a ceremony on February 16, 2017, during the annual
Georgia PTA day celebration in Atlanta, GA.
The 2017
winners are:
- Darren
Bagley-Heath, Isle of Hope K-8 School, Savannah-Chatham County Public School
System
- Sarah
Clark, Pooler Elementary School, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
- Deidre’
Donaldson, New Hampstead High School, Savannah-Chatham County Public School
System
- Lily
Pabian, Elkins Pointe Middle School, Fulton County Schools
- Kathy
Restel, Coastal Middle School, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
- Antonio
Wesby, Burke County Middle School, Burke County Public Schools
Any caregiver
who assumes responsibility for sustaining and nurturing a student’s
educational, emotional, spiritual, and physical health is eligible for the
honor.
The Georgia
Parent Leadership Awards are given each year to up to six parents and may
represent both Title I and Non-Title I schools. Parents may be nominated
from any school level. The six state winners for 2017 represent one
elementary, three middle, one dual elementary and middle school, and one high
school.
Winners of the
2017 Georgia Parent Leadership Award become one-year honorary members of the State
Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council to have opportunities throughout
the year to provide their input on family and community engagement activities
at the state level.
For More
Information:
Details
about the Georgia Parent Leadership Award
Photos
and Bios of the winners