Community/Business/Schools Partnership
Award Winning Partnerships!
National Civic Star Award – 2005
The Parma City School District was honored with the 2005 National Civic Star Award for a long-range partnership
with businesses and community organizations! This award was sponsored by the American Association of
School Administrators and Sodexho School Services.
The Community/Business/Schools (C/B/S) Partnership was created more than 12 years ago at a time when the leaders
of the Parma City School District and Parma Area Chamber of Commerce were discussing student needs and available
community resources. A mission was developed to focus on the development of programs to support the goals of the
Parma City School District. The mission includes matching community resources with the needs of the district
students, teachers and administrators and aligning school resources with community needs.
There are currently over 80 C/B/S members representing businesses, organizations, school district, congregations, social
services and government. Both membership and involvement continue to grow! C/B/S is considered a model program
throughout Ohio and now nationally. Other school districts within Ohio have sought information from our C/B/S leaders
to initiate a similar program within their communities!
All past and present C/B/S Partnership members have enriched and positively impacted the educational process
for our district students! C/B/S continues to make a difference in the lives of our 13,000+ students.
Friend of Education Award – 2005
Forest City Enterprises/RMS Management
who owns and operates Parmatown Mall, Midtown Towers Apartments and Parmatown Apartments was honored with the
2005 Friend of Education Award. This award was sponsored by NSPRA/Ohio.
As long-time members of the C/B/S Partnership Forest City Enterprises/RMS Management have been actively supporting a
variety of programs throughout the entire school district.
Midtown Towers/Parmatown Apartments
(Forest City Enterprises)
- Each Adopted an Elementary School
- Provides Quarterly Student Achievement Awards
- Organizes & Implements After School Homework Clubs
- Serves on Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council
- Recognizes and Honors School Staff
- PTA Members at Adopted School
- Operates Aggressive Voter Registration
- Coordinates Transportation for Residents to
Voting Polls
Parmatown Mall (RMS Management)
- Hosts & Supports Annual Student Art Shows
- Hosts & Supports Annual Read-a-Thon
- Hosts & Supports Kindergarten Registration
- Financially Supports Various School Groups
through "Fountain Fund" - Provides Opportunities for Musical Groups of
Students to Perform - Serves on Numerous School and
Community Committees/Groups
Forest City Enterprises/RMS Management is well deserving of this award! They have truly been, and continue to be,
an outstanding "partner" with the Parma City School District.
Pyramid Award – Single Project – 2005
The Parma City School District was honored with the 2005 Pyramid Award, sponsored by NSPRA/Ohio, for implementing an
outstanding "single project" to:
- identify the needs of our students,
- provide a supportive structure for students
to excel as individuals, and - create a stronger success rate in our
schools.
Under Dr. Sarah Zatik’s leadership a committee comprised of school administrators, local civic leaders and parents were
brought together to evaluate and review various national models. This research led to a model program called the
"40 Developmental Assets" approach created by the Search Institute. The Search Institute has conducted intensive
research regarding what aspects of a child’s life they need in order to have the skills necessary to make healthy life
decisions. The district conducted their own "Search style" survey of students and found a significant similarity
in the data beyond coincidence. Therefore, it was a logical conclusion that the district and community could benefit
from this simple "40 Developmental Asset" approach.
The various groups, along with the Parma City School District, that have become involved in the "Asset-building Initiative"
are listed as follows:
- Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills Mayors,
- City Council Members & other elected and
appointed officials - 65 Ministerial Faith-based Collaborative Members
- Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee
(Grades 7-12) - Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council
- Parma Council of Parent Teacher Associations
(PTA) - Community/Business/Schools Partnership
Members (92+) - Non-Public Schools (15)
- Parma City Public Schools (21)
Active Communities Together (ACT), a subgroup of the Community/Business/Schools Partnership, will continue
to work together with the district & all other groups to promote the Asset-building Initiative!
