According to the National PTA, the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award recognizes a local PTA for “innovation in family engagement and named after National PTA co-founder Phoebe Apperson Hearst.” As the award winner, Country Parkway will receive a banner to display in their school along with a $2,000 grant from the Hearst Foundation. 

 

“I’m truly honored to be able to have Country Parkway Elementary awarded such a distinguished honor,” Principal Andrew Bowen said. “This award is significant because it highlights what we strive for here at Country Parkway – to have a strong home-school connection, be responsive to stakeholder feedback, and provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. This award is a testament to all our collective hard work.” 

 

“The PTA really is about family,” added Country Parkway PTA President Beth-Anne McPhillips. “What I hope our PTA provides are those special memories and opportunities to be a part of the community beyond the school books and beyond the learning experience in the classroom.”

 

Throughout the school year, the Country Parkway PTA hosts a variety of events and activities for the school community including the Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Back to School Breakfast, Summer Reading Celebration, Ice Cream Social, Scholastic Book Fair, Trunk-or-Treat, Bike Rodeo, and International Night. It also provides engaging learning experiences during breaks throughout the year. In addition, in partnership with the PTA, Country Parkway created a 4th grade student council. 

 

“Our families want to be engaged. Our staff, our administrators want to be engaged, and they show up for events,” said McPhillips. “It’s so fulfilling because you get to interact with families and students on a different level. We are such a united community.” 

 

“Our PTA is absolutely incredible,” added Bowen. “When you have dedicated parents, wonderful teachers, and the best students, you create something pretty special.” 

 

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