Oxford Academy Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) was honored with a California PTA Spotlight Award for Advocacy on Friday at the 116th Annual California State PTA Convention.
The statewide award recognizes successful programs that are planned, organized and implemented by PTAs in eight categories: Leadership Development, Student Achievement, Environment, Family Involvement, Membership and Outreach, Collaboration, Advocacy, and Student Involvement.
The local PTA unit representing Orange County’s top-rated high school was recognized for its advocacy work on Measure H, the $249 million Anaheim Union High School District bond measure that passed in November 2014.
Oxford Academy PTSA president Jon Hultman, presenting the unit’s work at a Saturday afternoon Convention panel, cited the successful program as an example of what can be done when parents, teachers and students work together to improve learning conditions for students.
“Many of our parents have never participated in an advocacy project before, and our PTSA forum gave them an opportunity to let their voice be heard,” said Hultman. “Our unit was energized by the experience of seeing the real world results we can accomplish when we all work together for the benefit of our children.”
Hultman also presented initial plans for a community forum to be held early next school year to give parents, teachers, students and other community stakeholders the opportunity to offer input on proposed Measure H-funded building projects at Oxford Academy. He stated that the goal is “to work together with the school site, the district and the community at large to ensure that all voices are heard and considered as the building projects move forward.”
Oxford Academy PTSA is the local PTA unit representing parents, students and teachers at Oxford Academy. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.