B.J. Moore, chairperson of the Poplar Ridge School Council for the past three years, was honoured with the Parent of Distinction Award during a special assembly at the school last Thursday.
The award is presented by Alberta School Councils’ Association to recognize “an individual who demonstrates ability to promote parental involvement in the public education system,” said presenter Laura Andreas, a provincial director of the association, who’s from Rocky Mountain House. “Truly exceptional in their dedication and initiative, this individual is a dynamic leader who creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all partners in education.”
Moore was nominated by Principal Barb Hanson who wrote, “In my 27 years as a school based administrator, she has definitely been the most outstanding chair I have ever had the pleasure of working with!”
In her role as school council chair, the promotion and involvement of parents at the school has included the hot lunch program, casino, playground, bottle drives, grant applications, trade fairs and concerts, to name a few.
Moore “encourages positive communication and a sense of belonging in the school, through her own approachability, visibility and attitude towards relationship building,” said Andreas.
“She makes decisions with the students’ best interest in mind and has successfully involve d over 80 per cent of the school families in one initiative or another, resulting in very happy and well supported students.”
Moore was one of 10 recipients from across Alberta.
Hanson told students and staff she recommended Moore for the award “for all her care and attention in making a difference with the school council team”. The council, she added, is the group that “makes really important decisions” and is behind several initiatives such as raising money for a new playground, deciding where money from bottle drives goes and supporting field trips, basketball, ski trips, and adding books to the library.
“They play a really important role and they can’t do it without an important leader.”
Moore thanked everyone for their support and the nomination.