Britt Elementary Wins Family-Friendly Partnership Award

Britt Elementary is one of three schools chosen to receive the Family-Friendly Partnership School Award in Georgia.

It is the only school to receive the honor in metro-Atlanta.

The award is given to schools that offer "exceptional customer service for Georgia families."

"These schools are models for the entire state on how to engage families and make parents feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door," Georgia superintendent Dr. John Barge said in a statement. "We must find more ways to get parents involved in the education of their children, whether it's online or in person." 

The winners were selected because they represent the best in customer service for Georgia families, whether it’s on the phone, at the front office or on the Internet, according to a news release. The schools have welcoming staff members, comfortable waiting areas, clear signage and engaging student work throughout the building.

Snellville Middle was a finalist, but did not win. 

The goal of the program is to reward schools that provide a welcoming environment, according to the Georgia Department of Education. The physical appearance, personal contact, communication and the school's practices and policies are all taken into account when determining which schools should receive the award. 

All three schools will be visited by Dr. Barge in November and will receive a plaque and a welcome mat for their front doors as part of the award. The award is sponsored by the GaDOE, along with the former Georgia Parental Information and Resource Center - now Communities in Schools of Georgia - and the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.