Baldwin Middle School and Steele Elementary School Earn National PTA School of Excellence Designation

National PTA recently named Baldwin Middle School and Steele Elementary School as “2025–2027 Schools of Excellence” for their commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school community where families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being of all students. Both schools were among only 33 in New York State and 321 across the nation to achieve this designation.

The National PTA’s School of Excellence program encourages PTAs and schools to commit to enhancing family-school partnerships over the course of a year. Throughout the academic year, PTAs and schools gather feedback from their communities and develop action plans aimed at boosting family engagement, guided by the PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. In this collaborative process, PTAs and families play a vital role in decision-making and initiatives for school improvement. The program fosters open communication and critical thinking within school communities, enabling data-driven decisions that create an environment where families feel welcomed, included, and empowered to support their children’s success. Additionally, students benefit from a safe, supportive, and positive learning atmosphere.

The Baldwin Middle School PTA was extremely proud upon receiving the news. “This recognition is more than an award—it’s a celebration of what we can accomplish when families, educators, students, and our community come together with one shared purpose: making a difference for every child,” the Baldwin Middle School PTA said.

“Being named a National PTA School of Excellence for 2025–2027 is a tremendous honor for Steele School,” added Nathalie Chery, the Steele PTA co-president. “This recognition celebrates what we can accomplish when families, educators, students, and our PTA come together with a shared commitment to making a difference. We are incredibly proud of our Steele community and grateful to everyone who helps make our school a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive!” 

“Receiving the PTA School of Excellence designation is a powerful testament to what happens when educators, families, and community members work hand in hand,” said Dr. Erica Banks, principal of Baldwin Middle School. “At Baldwin Middle School, we know that strong family-school partnerships directly enhance student success and well-being. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student feels valued, empowered, seen, and ready to thrive. We Are Baldwin!!!”

Steele Elementary School principal, Ms. LaTrace Finney, also expressed her pride in seeing the school’s PTA and school community recognized.

“Being designated a School of Excellence is a tremendous honor and a reflection of what happens when an entire school community believes in its students and works together toward a shared vision,” she said. “At Steele, we are committed to creating a school where every child feels safe, loved, valued, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. This recognition belongs to our dedicated teachers and staff, our supportive families, our incredible students, and our PTA, whose partnership makes so much of our work possible. I am incredibly proud of the culture we continue to build at Steele, and I am excited to celebrate this accomplishment while continuing to raise the bar for our students and our community.”

“Having two Baldwin schools recognized as National PTA Schools of Excellence is a tremendous source of pride for our entire district,” said Mr. Anthony Mignella, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “At Baldwin Middle School and Steele Elementary School, our PTAs, families, faculty, and staff have worked together to build school communities where students feel connected, supported, and valued. This designation speaks to the power of those relationships and our belief that educating children is truly a partnership between our schools and our families. Congratulations to both school communities on this well-deserved national recognition.”

To celebrate their achievements, National PTA presented each school’s PTA with a certificate and a National PTA School of Excellence banner to proudly display at their school. Other Baldwin schools that have received this distinction include Lenox, Meadow and Plaza.

For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit PTA.org/Excellence.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. 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. For more information, visit PTA.org.