Beaverdam Elementary School (BES), Chickahominy Middle School (CMS), and Pole Green Elementary School (PGES) have been named as 2022-2024 National PTA Schools of Excellence.
The Hanover schools are three of
only 368 schools and PTAs in the U.S. to achieve this prestigious status this year. Additionally, they make up three of the 23 Virginia schools to earn the coveted designation, which recognizes the commitment of schools and PTAs in building an inclusive and welcoming school community where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
BES Principal Dr. Glynda Smith said she is “incredibly proud of the work of our BES PTA and parent volunteers who continue to support our students and staff.”
“Our BES PTA is committed to ensuring families are engaged and connected. They've worked tirelessly to sponsor and coordinate multiple school community events that bring our families together. A special thank you to Dana Fox for her work on this designation and working to ensure Beaverdam Elementary had a presence at the national level,” she said. “I'm looking forward to partnering with our PTA and our school counselor to focus this year on college and career readiness at the elementary level. It is an honor to serve the Beaverdam community alongside our PTA and families.”
Said BES PTA President Tori Pugh: “BES PTA is overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the National School of Excellence award. We are honored to have our PTA recognized on the national level for all the hard work and support our teachers, staff, students and volunteers have put into our school and community. We look forward to continuing to grow and improve our PTA this upcoming school year. We are blessed with the BESt!”
Chickahominy Middle School Principal Mark Beckett said it’s “a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of parents that strive to serve the students, staff, and community of Chickahominy.”
“We are proud of the tradition of excellence and commitment our PTA has established to collaborate and advocate towards making a difference for all Chickahominy stakeholders,” Beckett said. “I am honored to serve alongside our devoted PTA volunteers who make this recognition possible.”
This is the second time in the past six years that CMS and the CMS PTA have received this recognition.
“The CMS PTA is honored and proud to receive the PTA School of Excellence designation. The CMS PTA is focused on the strength of the school community. This year the CMS PTA embodied community and engagement with an emphasis on Safe Routes To School,” said CMS PTA President Lee Ann Blecki. “Thank you to the students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community volunteers for their support and participation in the various events and related surveys. Way to go, Chargers!”
This year marks the third time that the PGES and the school’s PTA have been named a School of Excellence. PGES Principal Rhonda Voorhees said the PTA has supported the school through “the addition of a shade area on our playground, providing a variety of spirit nights and family events as a result of the community survey, and collaboration with me to identify needs for our school for future goals to support all students.”
“I am very thankful for the partnership with our PTA to improve our school for our students, through active engagement of our staff and community. The award represents the goals we set for our school to improve in various areas for the success of our Great Gators,” she said. “Thank you to our PTA and community for your continued support of PGES! We are GREAT Gators who Accomplish GREAT Things because we work together!”
PGES PTA President Katie Smith said the PTA is proud of the organization’s collaboration with the school, including by increasing the number of parent volunteers.
“We have recently introduced many new events such as Paint Nights and Donuts with Grownups with the intention of continuing to strengthen our family/school partnership,” she said. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the school and families throughout this school year.”