
The
National
PTA
has
recognized
Coles
Elementary
School's
Parent
Teacher
Association
(PTA)
as
a
school
of
excellence.
The
benefits
from
the
recognition
will
allow
the
Coles
Elementary
PTA
to
continue
its
efforts
of
enriching
the
educational
experience
for
students,
staff,
and
the
community.
The
National
PTA
school
of
excellence
program
provides
resources
that
assist
school
PTAs
with
making
data-driven
decisions
through
identifying
and
implementing
action
plans
that
facilitate
school
improvement.
The
additional
resources
will
aid
the
Coles
PTA
with
increasing
their
support
efforts.
Megan
Urbaniak,
the
Coles
PTA
grant
coordinator,
said,
"This
recognition
is
amazing
for
our
PTA
members,
volunteers,
teachers
and
staff,
and
acknowledges
our
ongoing
efforts.
The
true
award
is
to
be
able
to
continue
to
support
our
school
and
the
needs
of
our
students."
The
Coles
PTA
has
long
provided
support
for
students
and
staff
by
raising
funds
for
the
school
to
use
for
additional
technology
purchases
and
educational
clubs.
The
association
also
hosts
events
such
as
the
back-to-school
barbeque,
the
Monster
Mash
science,
technology,
engineering,
art,
and
mathematics
(STEAM)
night,
and
a
year-end
carnival.
The
events
are
a
way
to
bring
together
the
school
community.
Principal
Kathryn
Forgas
said,
"The
members
of
the
Coles
PTA
are
great
supporters
of
learning.
All
of
the
work
they
do
to
help
our
students,
teachers
and
staff
makes
our
community
stronger."
In
the
summer
of
2020,
the
PTA
received
a
grant
from
the
National
PTA
that
was
used
to
provide
emotional
support
backpacks
for
approximately
430
Coles
students.
The
backpacks
included
login
information
for
Go
Zen,
an
online
program
that
teaches
students
research-based
coping,
resilience,
and
happiness
skills
in
an
engaging
format.
Also
included
were
tools
for
practicing
coping
skills
such
as
a
bottle
of
water,
a
squish
ball
and
a
balloon
for
breathing
practice,
a
workbook
of
educational
activities,
and
a
note
from
Heather
Mainwaring,
the
school
counselor.