Van Cortlandtville Elementary and its PTA Recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence

From the Lakeland school district

We are excited to announce that the Van Cortlandtville Elementary School (VCES) and the VCES PTA® have been recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence for their achievement in building effective family and school partnerships.

Van Cortlandtville Elementary joins an elite group of schools recognized by the National PTA for its partnership with families through PTA to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. Van Cortlandtville ES is one of only 10 PTAs in New York and 170 nationwide chosen for this honor.

“The partnership between VCES and VCES PTA is a true example of what can be accomplished when schools and families work together,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. VCES and VCES PTA have put strong practices into place that involve families in the life of the school, and we are pleased to recognize them as a National PTA School of Excellence.”

“We are extremely proud of the work we have done to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students,” said Jacqueline Woodruff, principal of VCES.

“Becoming a National PTA School of Excellence began with a joint commitment of the PTA and our phenomenal administrative team who work together to welcome all families, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community. Our school has successfully mastered these commitments and we applaud everyone for doing so,” added Carole Henkin, PTA President.

A celebration of the honor will be held at school on Wednesday, October 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Among the many activities cited in announcing the achievement, the National PTA recognized that Van Cortlandtville ES, the VCES PTA, and its families work together all year to bring enrichment and education through its many programs and activities both at the school and in the community. From the school’s Edible Educational Garden to the assemblies about bullying and character, the VCES community works as a team according to Ms. Woodruff and Mrs. Henkin in their joint announcement. Families are welcomed and informed via various methods of communications as well as on site activities. Local businesses, community groups, and scout organizations are key relationships supporting the success of growing our school community beyond the school walls.

According to the National PTA, research shows that when families and schools work together, student achievement increases, schools improve and communities grow stronger. Being recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence demonstrates VCES and VCES PTA’s leadership and commitment to partnering to support student success and continuous school improvement. The National PTA launched its School of Excellence program to help strengthen family-school partnerships across the country and make measurable progress in the areas of education, health and safety, and arts and cultural exploratio