Atlee High School (AHS), Bell Creek Middle School (BCMS), Cold Harbor Elementary School (CHES), and Elmont Elementary School (EES) have been named as 2025-2027 National PTA Schools of Excellence.
The Hanover schools are four of
only 321 schools and PTAs in the U.S. to achieve this prestigious status this year. Additionally, they make up four of the 25 Virginia schools to earn the coveted designation, which recognizes the commitment of schools and PTAs in building partnerships between families and their school that are enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
Atlee Principal Dr. John Wheeler said the recognition is “more than an honor—it is a celebration of what is possible when a school community comes together with a shared belief in the potential of every student.”
“At Atlee High School, we know that our greatest strength is found in the relationships we build with our students, families, and one another. Our PTSA is an extraordinary partner in that work, helping us create a culture where students are encouraged to dream big, pursue their passion, overcome challenges, and discover their own pathways to success,” Dr. Wheeler said. “This recognition belongs to our entire Raider community. It is a testament to what we can accomplish when we stand together, support one another, and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of every student we serve here in Raider Nation.”
The PTSA formed a Student Leadership Council that held question and answer sessions with incoming ninth graders and their families and worked with the Atlee counseling department to establish a buddy program to help select students gain familiarity with the school and have an upperclassman resource/friend in the building prior to their first day of school. The organization also created resources with expanded information on Atlee club offerings to help students decide what works best with their interests and schedules, and a document disseminated at Open House that provided key dates and activities for each grade level.
“High School can be overwhelming for both students and their families. Deciding what classes to take, clubs to join, or other activities - it's a lot of information to take in,” said AHS PTSA President Leigh Blecki. “The PTSA's focus for our School of Excellence journey was to help students, particularly incoming ninth graders, and their families, plan for success as a high school student.”
She added: “We hope that our work will help enrich the high school experience for all of Raider Nation!”
BCMS Principal Tim Sanders said the school is “incredibly proud” to be recognized as a School of Excellence.
“This recognition speaks to the strong partnership among our families, PTA, staff, and school community. Our PTA consistently goes above and beyond to support our students and staff, whether through community events, volunteer support, staff appreciation, or simply finding ways to strengthen the connection between home and school,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have such an engaged and supportive PTA, and this recognition is a wonderful reflection of their hard work and commitment to Bell Creek.”
Said Crystal Adkins, who served as president of the BCMS PTA last year: “Being recognized as a 2025-2027 National PTA School of Excellence means that Bell Creek Middle School is more than a school — it is a community where families, staff, students, and the PTA work together to help every Bulldog succeed. This recognition celebrates our commitment to strong family-school partnerships, meaningful family engagement, and creating a welcoming environment where every voice matters. We are incredibly proud to be a School of Excellence and even prouder of the Bell Creek community that made this achievement possible.”
At Cold Harbor Elementary, Principal Allison Mullens said the PTA is “dedicated” to supporting students and the school community.
“This designation highlights the strength of our partnership, which enriches our school culture and creates meaningful opportunities for students and families to come together,” she said.
Said CHES PTA President Morgan Sharpe: “The Cold Harbor Elementary PTA is proud to celebrate our school’s recognition as a School of Excellence. This honor reflects the commitment of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the strong partnership between families and the CHES community. We are grateful for the collaboration that makes Cold Harbor a place where every child is supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.”
The Elmont Elementary PTA had the goal last year of helping families feel more connected and engaged with the school. The PTA hosted an open house cookout, movie night, bingo night, Reflections art program, and other activities.
“We have a hard working, caring PTA team that is dedicated to family and community engagement,” said EES PTA President Rebekah Doran. “We are hoping to add on to those goals and accomplishments in the 2026-27 school year. We are grateful for the award and recognition of our hard work!”
Said EES President Amanda Sanders: “Elmont's PTA is truly dedicated to our staff, students, and community. They are ever-present in our day-to-day school life and are always willing to step in and support in any way they can. From serving our teachers and students to finding new ways to strengthen our school community, the Elmont PTA works tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference.
As a smaller school, our PTA is also smaller, which often means the same dedicated people are asked to carry a lot of the weight, but Elmont's PTA is always up for the job! They support our teachers financially through mini-funding opportunities, coordinate spirit nights and movie nights, and organize our HUGE Back-to-School Cookout. Most importantly, they are always willing to give their time, energy, and resources to support our Cardinals.”