Forty-four schools were recognized Monday morning for their commitment to addressing the needs of Hoosier students and their families. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz announced the 2016-17 Family Friendly Schools, according to an Indiana Department of Education press release.
However, no schools in the Monroe County Community School Corporation were selected. The majority of schools fall under Indianapolis jurisdiction.
“When families are engaged, students succeed,” Ritz said in the release. “As an educator for more than 30 years, I have seen firsthand the impact that families can have on a child’s education.”
Ritz said she was honored to recognize the 44 schools for their dedication to their students, families and communities in providing a welcoming and supportive environment for a high-quality education.
Schools that receive the designation must demonstrate a commitment to addressing the academic, physical, emotional and social needs of their students while providing needed resources and fostering the active involvement of families both in school and in the community, according to the release.
Schools are identified through an application process and must excel at involving families and community members in education.
Schools of all levels, ranging from elementary to high school education, were selected, according to the release.
This is the second year of the Family Friendly Schools Designation. In the first year of the program, 16 schools received the designation.
All 16 schools recognized in the first year of the program were selected again, according to the release.
Alyson Malinger
