The PTA at Old Mill Middle School South in Millersville has been named a 2025-2027 National PTA School of Excellence, recognizing its partnership with families to enrich students’ educational experience and overall well-being.
The designation places Old Mill Middle South among just 321 PTAs nationwide to earn the honor, and it’s the only PTA within Anne Arundel County Public Schools to receive it. Statewide, four other Maryland schools were named to the same two-year cohort: Patterson Mill Middle High School in Harford County, and Sherwood Elementary School, Wheaton High School and White Oak Middle School, all in Montgomery County.
The National PTA School of Excellence program recognizes PTAs that demonstrate measurable progress across six standards over a two-year cycle: welcoming all families, communicating effectively, supporting student success, speaking up for every child, sharing power with families, and collaborating with the broader community.
Principal Linda Chandler said the recognition reflects work the PTA has done throughout the school year. “Our PTA continually demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families,” Chandler said, pointing to the group’s role in student incentive programs, leadership recognition, family events and fundraising. “We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition.”
The PTA’s activities have included the Halloween Dance, Trunk or Treat, a Holiday Craft Fair, Spirit Nights, student leadership luncheons and various school incentive programs, according to the school.
PTA President Kristin Sym said the award reflects work done collectively by the school community over the 2025-2026 school year. “Receiving this award is an incredible honor and a reflection of what we accomplished together as a PTA,” Sym said, crediting the school’s volunteers, families, staff and community partners.
Old Mill Middle School South serves roughly 1,170 students in grades 6 through 8 and holds national certification as a STEM magnet school through Magnet Schools of America. A celebration recognizing the PTA’s award is planned for this fall.
