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Davis Journal

Tolman Elementary named National PTA School of Excellence

Nov 04, 2022 09:37AM ● By Becky Ginos

BOUNTIFUL—The National PTA has selected Tolman Elementary as one of 242 schools in the nation and one of nine in the state as a 2022/2023 National PTA School of Excellence. The award is the result of a collaboration between school leaders and the PTA with support from the community to create a partnership between families and the school. 

“During the enrollment period at the end of the school year we had to decide on a project to help improve the school,” said Tolman PTA President Matt Jenkins. “We had to show our ideas and how we’d do it. Then we presented the project and they selected a winner.”

Jenkins said the PTA committee sent out a survey at the school for ideas of a project they could do. “Getting more male involvement rose to the top and then we determined how we could reach that goal. We decided to create an opportunity for dads or other father figures to come to the school during recess and act as role models.”

They could come spend time with their student or other students to play games or whatever they’d like to do, he said. “We created a sign up online for every day of the week. They could sign up for morning or afternoon or both. Last year they had to get a background check so that made it a little bit difficult. They had to be really committed. It’s easier this year.”

There were three dads that came regularly, said Jenkins. “We’re hoping to get more involvement this year.”

The National PTA sent a banner and the Utah PTA presented the award, he said. “It was the best morning so far.”

More community involvement is what makes a school great, Jenkins said. “The added support from the community takes us to a whole new level. We want people to experience what’s happening at the school before forming an opinion. Come and see.” λ