As part of its year-end activities, Maple West Elementary held an assembly June 14 to officially commemorate its year as a National PTA School of Excellence and as the 2018 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award winner. The national honor for the Maple West school community was announced last August. 

Maple West earned the award for its focus to foster a climate of inclusion and increase PTA involvement by English Language Learner families. For example, the school offers translation services, expanded communication and direct outreach to ELL parents. As a result of these efforts, the Maple West PTA has seen an overwhelming increase in family engagement and participation among ELL families. 

During the assemble, ELL students greeted everyone in their home language. Dr. Charles Galluzzo, former Maple West Principal and current Superintendent of Lakeshore CSD, was acknowledged for his years of service at Maple West.