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Middletown Public Schools

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Farm Hill PTA Recognized for Record Membership Growth

Posted Date: 09/22/26 (04:00 PM)
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The Farm Hill Elementary School PTA was honored this past weekend with a $1,000 grant from the Connecticut PTA for achieving the largest percentage increase in membership during the 2025-2026 school year.

The award was presented Saturday, September 19 during the annual Connecticut Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Symposium & Expo, hosted at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.

The recognition highlights Farm Hill PTA’s intentional campaign to move past the historical stereotype of PTA being a "mom’s club,” by intentionally inviting fathers, guardians, grandparents, extended family, teachers, staff, and local community members. The Farm Hill PTA has redefined participation around "microvolunteering"—small, flexible acts of service like taking pictures for the yearbook at an event, putting together a newsletter, bringing your child to a community event, donating snacks, chaperoning field day, or staffing an event like book fair.

"Our goal has been to ensure every single person who cares about our students knows their voice matters and deserves to be heard, regardless of how much time they can give," said Karen Ladr-Finefrock, Farm Hill PTA President. "Earning this statewide recognition validates the incredible dedication of our diverse community. We look forward to reinvesting this $1,000 grant directly into initiatives that support our members and students."

Four parent leaders were in attendance for this event representing three of the District's elementary schools - Spencer Elementary School, Bielefield Elementary School, and Farm Hill Elementary School.