Eight Downey schools earn national PTA recognition

DOWNEY — Eight schools in the Downey Unified School District have been named National PTA Schools of Excellence for 2024-2026, a recognition that highlights their success in building strong family-school partnerships.

The honor was awarded to Alameda Elementary, Downey High, Edward A. Sussman Elementary, Gallatin Elementary, Mary R. Stauffer Middle, Old River Elementary, Price Elementary, and Warren High School.

Alameda Elementary earned the designation for the third consecutive year.

Out of just 35 schools in California to receive the award, nearly a quarter were from Downey.

“Family engagement is part of Downey Unified’s DNA,” Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our PTAs, staff, and families whose partnership helped these eight campuses earn National PTA School of Excellence recognition. This is proof that when we work together, students thrive.”

Jennifer Delgado, president of the Downey Council PTA, praised the teamwork that went into the recognition.

“On behalf of our Downey Council PTA leadership, we want to acknowledge the countless hours of effort, heart, and teamwork that went into making these recognitions possible,” she said.

“We are proud to celebrate our schools for their achievements, and we remain committed to the PTA mission of supporting every child’s potential through the power of family engagement.”

“This recognition is also a reflection of the proud community of Downey, where in every corner you can find organizations and people who thrive on unity, service and service before self. Together, we make these successes possible, and together, we celebrate them,” Delgado added.

Each campus received a certificate and banner from National PTA to display on campus.

Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA, said the honor underscores the importance of family involvement in education.

“At PTA, we believe that every strategy to accelerate learning must include families. Decades of research show that family engagement is just as essential as other school improvement strategies—from rigorous instruction to effective leaders,” Johnson said.

“We are thrilled to honor the accomplishments of Downey schools. As a 2024-2026 School of Excellence designee, they are examples of the amazing things that can be achieved when schools and families work together to accomplish common goals.”

The Schools of Excellence program requires a year-long commitment to strengthen family-school partnerships through surveys, data collection, and collaboration.

The goal is to enrich both the educational experience and the overall well-being of students.