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Acadia, Koda, and Skano Honored as National PTA Schools of Excellence Across Shenendehowa CSD

The National PTA has recognized Shenendehowa Central School District’s Acadia and Koda Middle Schools, Skano Elementary School, and their respective PTAs as 2025–2027 Schools of Excellence for their accomplishments in building strong, effective family-school partnerships that enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. These three schools and PTAs are part of a select group nationwide to receive this prestigious designation.

To earn this recognition, the three school PTAs enrolled in National PTA’s comprehensive year-long program cycle, focusing on enhancing two-way communication, fostering welcoming campus environments, and expanding family involvement in student learning. Key initiatives included collaborative family workshops on digital citizenship and student wellness, joint community outreach events, and regular feedback surveys that directly shaped school-level decision-making and enrichment programs.

Acadia, Koda, and Skano join previous district recipients, including Gowana Middle School and High School East, in earning this national honor, further reflecting Shenendehowa’s ongoing district-wide commitment to strong family engagement.

“Strong family-school partnership is a cornerstone across all Shenendehowa schools. We are proud of Acadia, Koda, and Skano for completing this rigorous national program,” said Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner, Shenendehowa Superintendent of Schools. “When parents and schools actively collaborate, our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are incredibly proud of our school leaders and PTA partners for cultivating an inclusive environment where every family has a voice in shaping our educational community.”

“Strong partnerships between families and schools are critical to support students’ success,” said Dr. Bill Datema, president of National PTA. “As a new school year gets underway, we’re pleased to honor Shenendehowa Central School District’s Acadia Middle School, Koda Middle School, and Skano Elementary School, along with their PTAs, as 2025–2027 Schools of Excellence for their accomplishments and commitment to building a strong partnership that is making a real impact for students, families, and their school.”

National PTA’s School of Excellence program is a year-long commitment to strengthening family-school partnerships. Throughout the year, PTAs and schools collect feedback from their school communities to create and implement plans of action to improve family engagement and make a difference for every child. Through the School of Excellence program, PTAs and families become key partners in decision-making and school improvement efforts. The program opens lines of communication and critical thinking within school communities to make data-driven decisions that yield positive, long-term results.

To celebrate their achievements, National PTA presented Acadia Middle School, Koda Middle School, and Skano Elementary School and their PTAs with certificates and National PTA School of Excellence banners to hang in each school.