In its inaugural year, the Amityville PreK–5 Parent Teacher Association has earned the prestigious 2025–2027 National PTA School of Excellence designation for all three of the Amityville Union Free School District's elementary schools; Northeast Elementary School, Northwest Elementary School and Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

“Earning the National PTA School of Excellence designation for all three of our elementary schools—Northeast, Northwest and Park Avenue—in our inaugural year is an incredible honor," said Kayla Cooper, president of the Amityville PreK–5 PTA. “Building a new PTA across three schools required families, volunteers, teachers, staff and administrators to come together with a shared vision and build something meaningful from the ground up.”

Presented by National PTA, the School of Excellence designation recognizes PTAs and schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to building meaningful family-school partnerships that support student success and well-being. The yearlong program encourages schools and PTAs to gather community feedback, develop data-driven action plans and strengthen family engagement to create lasting, positive outcomes for students.

"This recognition is a testament to the power of partnership," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. "To earn the National PTA School of Excellence designation for all three of our elementary schools in the very first year of establishing the Amityville PreK–5 PTA is an extraordinary accomplishment. It reflects the unwavering dedication of our families, teachers, staff, administrators and PTA volunteers who have worked together to create welcoming school communities where every family has a voice. Strong family-school partnerships are essential to student success, and this recognition affirms our commitment to working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive."

The National PTA School of Excellence program recognizes schools that actively engage families as partners in education by fostering collaboration, strengthening communication and creating opportunities for meaningful involvement in school communities.
"This award does not mean we are perfect; it represents our commitment to listening, learning and continually improving in partnership with our school community. It recognizes everyone who gave their time, shared ideas, completed surveys, attended events and helped us establish a strong foundation for family engagement and communication,” said Cooper.

“We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished together in just one year, and we look forward to continuing this important work so every child and family feels welcomed, heard and connected."

This national recognition reflects the Amityville Union Free School District's ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with families and ensuring students are supported both inside and outside the classroom.