It was recently announced that Hawley Elementary School, Head O' Meadow Elementary School, and Middle Gate Elementary School each earned the National PTA School of Excellence Award.

According to the National PTA, the School of Excellence "is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students."

As Hawley was notified by e-mail, provided by PTA Co-President Karen Smiley, the school earned designation as a 2017-2019 National PTA School of Excellence on August 18. According to the e-mail, schools that earn the recognition should receive a banner in the mail to mark the achievement.

According to former Middle Gate PTA President Debbie DeBlasi, who applied for Middle Gate's award last school year, the application process takes months.

"It really was a reflection of the hard work done at Middle Gate to consistently improve things for the good of the students, staff, and Middle Gate community in general," said Ms DeBlasi, adding that the news was shared with school Principal Chris Geissler by presenting him with balloons and a certificate in early September.

Head O' Meadow Principal Barbara Gasparine said she was proud of the recognition her school earned.