[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1711673910232{padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text single_style=””]May 28, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Courtney Daniel, Chief of Communications and External Affairs
courtney@prichardcommittee.org[/vc_column_text][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Twenty-Nine Kentucky Schools and Early Care Centers Awarded Family Friendly Schools Certification” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:26px;” sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:18px;” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:45px;” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text single_style=””]LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence has awarded 29 Kentucky schools and early care centers with a Family Friendly Schools Certification this spring.

“Schools that earn this certification have demonstrated their commitment to proactively engaging families in their student’s education,” said Brigitte Blom, president and CEO of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. “These schools have been innovative and energetic in their efforts to make families a valued part of their school’s team, which enriches the learning experience for students and ultimately leads to stronger academic outcomes. We’re excited they’ve chosen to pursue this certification to demonstrate their dedication to their students and community.”

The schools have worked to foster more effective partnerships with families and the broader community. As part of the certification process, a multidisciplinary team consisting of families, teachers, and administrators used a self-assessment tool to evaluate the school’s family engagement performance. This team evaluated the school’s practices, identified key areas for improvement, and integrated new practices designed to elevate its family-friendly rating.

The Family Friendly Schools Certification is awarded by the Prichard Committee after applications are reviewed and scored by a working group of families, educators and community organizations. The group is focused on increasing open communication, learning opportunities and shared decision-making power across the Kentucky education system.

“Schools and early care centers who apply for Family Friendly Schools Certification gain a deeper understanding about the importance of family-school partnerships, examine core beliefs about family-school partnerships and apply concrete strategies for increasing family engagement in their school,” said Blom.

The Kentucky Department of Education includes the Family Friendly Schools Certification in its school report card as evidence of effective family engagement.

“The Family Friendly Schools Certification highlights the exceptional work being done across Kentucky to build strong, collaborative relationships between schools and families,” said Clay Ford, Prichard Committee Board Chair.

For more details on the Family Friendly Schools Certification, visit prichardcommittee.org/familyengagement.

2024 Spring Family Engagement Certification Awardees

1. Reidland Elementary School*
2. North Washington Elementary Early Childhood Center*
3. North Washington Elementary and Middle School*
4. Washington County Elementary Early Childhood Center*
5. Washington County Elementary School*
6. Washington County High School*
7. Washington County Middle School*
8. Floyd County Early Childhood Center
9. Breckinridge Elementary School
10. Campbell Ridge Elementary School
11. Clearfield Elementary School
12. Crossroads Elementary School
13. Donald E. Cline Elementary
14. East Bernstadt Independent
15. Eastside Child Development Center
16. Grant’s Lick Elementary School
17. Greysbranch Elementary School
18. John W. Reiley Elementary School
19. Lansdowne Elementary School
20. Murray Elementary School
21. NKCAC (Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission) Head Start—Alexandria Center
22. NKCAC Head Start—Elsmere Center
23. NKCAC Head Start—Falmouth Center
24. NKCAC Head Start—Newport Center
25. NKCAC Head Start—Boone County Center
26. Picadome Elementary School
27. Tygart Creek Elementary School
28. Wurtland Middle School
29. Yates Elementary School

* Denotes Gold Certification[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=””]

###

The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky – early childhood through postsecondary.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]