Look around any thriving school and you’ll see something that’s missing at less successful ones -- parents. Realizing the importance of parental involvement, the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Parent Teacher Association recently recognized six parents from across the state with the Georgia Parent Leadership Award.
The award was created by GaDOE and GA PTA to recognize parents for their outstanding leadership in creating a foundation of support for student achievement and success.
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“Nothing we do as educators is possible without parent involvement and support,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “I commend each of these individuals for investing in their child’s education and, in the process, lifting up the entire school community.”
Meshana Spivey, president of the J.C. Magill Elementary School PTA, said she enjoys spending time at the school and since her job allows her to work from home, she had the time to volunteer.
“There’s always a need for help at the school and everyone is so grateful for any assistance,” she said.
Magill had let its PTA charter expire so Spivey helped re-establish the organization. Through fundraisers and grants, they had the money to sponsor activities for parents, teachers and students to get to know each other and know more about how they can advance student achievement.
“We held a Parent Cafe where we shared ideas of how to help students be successful on Milestones tests,” said Spivey. “Someone would mention what they did and others would get inspiration to try it with their kids.”
Spivey was nominated by Lakia Williams, parent instructional coordinator at the school.
“Meshana Spivey has been an active participant and volunteer at J.C. Magill Elementary School for several years. As the school’s PTA president, she established a strong and cohesive PTA board and has sponsored events to promote literacy,” she wrote. “Spivey regularly volunteers in classrooms and is an advocate for students with special needs.”
Principal Tonya Burnley also had praise for Spivey.
“Mrs. Spivey’s unique talents to build positivity in our building [are] contagious across our community,” she wrote. “I have seen, under her leadership, an increase in parental involvement and an increase in parent satisfaction. This positive climate has a direct impact on the success of our students.”
Spivey said she encourages other parents to give what time they can.
“Everyone is good at something and the school is likely going to need that skill set,” she said.
Aerrin James, a fifth-grade teacher agreed.
“Mrs. Spivey is everything you look for in a leader. Her knowledge in organizing parents for a specific task or purpose is absolutely amazing. She cares deeply for the Magill community and that shines through in everything she does.”
Other parents include:
Rona Falls, Mundy Mill Academy, Gainesville City Schools
Paul Goolsby, R.S. Alexander High School, Douglas County Schools
Darren Scheyer, Riverside Elementary School, Columbia County Schools
Jessica Williams, Georgia Connections Academy
Da’Jon Jackson, G.W. Northcutt Elementary School, Clayton County Schools
“To make every child’s potential a reality, demonstrates commitment to the mission of PTA,” said Georgia PTA President Tyler Barr. “I am excited, proud and congratulate each of these individuals for engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children!”
Parents were nominated by their local schools. Any caregiver who assumes responsibility for sustaining a student’s educational, emotional, spiritual and physical health was eligible for the honor. The six winners will be recognized on June 8 at Georgia PTA’s Convention Leadership Training in Atlanta.
