Friday, October 16, 2026
National PTA named Baldwin Middle School and Steele Elementary School as “2025-2027 Schools of Excellence.” The accolade recognizes their commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive school community where families help enrich students’ educational experiences and overall well-being.
The two Baldwin schools were among just 33 schools in New York state and 321 nationwide to receive the designation.
The National PTA School of Excellence program encourages PTAs and schools to work together over the course of a year to strengthen family-school partnerships. As part of the program, schools gather feedback from families and their communities and develop action plans focused on increasing family engagement, guided by the PTA’s National Standards for Family-School partnerships.
Through this collaborative process, families and PTAs play an important role in school improvement initiatives and decision-making. The program promotes open communication and data-informed practices that help create school environments where families feel welcomed, included and empowered to support their children’s success.
Natalie Chery, Steele PTA co-president, called the designation a significant achievement for the school community.
“Being named a National PTA School of Excellence for 2025-2027 is a tremendous honor for Steele School,” Chery said. “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!”
Baldwin Middle School Principal Dr. Erica Banks highlighted the importance of strong relationships between schools and families.
“Receiving the PTA School of Excellence designation is a powerful testament to what happens when educators, families and community members work hand in hand,” Banks said. “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 LaTrace Finney also credited the school’s PTA and recognized community.
“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,” Finney said. “At Steele, we are committed to creating a school where every child feels safe, loved, valued and challenged to reach their fullest potential.”
Finney added that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of the school community and said she was proud of the culture being built at Steele.
Baldwin school district Superintendent Anthony Mignella said having two Baldwin schools earn the designation is a source of pride for the entire 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,” Mignella said. “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.”
To commemorate the achievement, National PTA presented each school’s PTA with a certificate and a School of Excellence banner to display. Other Baldwin schools that have previously received the designation include Lenox, Meadow and Plaza.
For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit PTA.org/Excellence.
