"Ms. Simms went far and beyond to help our campus in many ways."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The State Board of Education (SBOE) announced that a parent volunteer from Harmony School of Endeavor, Ms. Tonnettia Simms, was chosen as one of the 2023 Heroes for Children Award recipients.
Established in 1994, the Heroes for Children Award celebrates citizens who go above and beyond to positively impact Texas public school students' lives through volunteer service. Each year, the 15-member Board recognizes one Hero from each district for their outstanding dedication and service to Texas public schools and communities.
Simms will receive her award at the campus staff meeting on September 27 at 4:10 pm.
Mualla Ozguven, M. Ed, the high school college counselor at Endeavor, nominated Simms for countless reasons.
"Ms. Simms went far and beyond to help our campus in many ways. Her volunteer hours were more than 800 hours last year, many times for a full day from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm before she drives her 25-mile trip home she takes daily," explains Ozguven. "She recruited parents to participate in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and increased their awareness of school programs, promoting more community support."
Ms. Simms is the mother of three Endeavor students, and she says that she volunteers at the school to "give back to a community that has provided [her] children with a solid education foundation." Simms points to her upbringing as the inspiration for her dedication, as her mother was a huge proponent of community service and modeling it for her children.
"Parent volunteers are essential because our children model us. When parents provide a positive experience for their children's school, it also impacts others," Simms explains. "Volunteering brings a sense of togetherness in all areas, including teachers, administration, and community leaders, and gives parents a chance to see what a day in the life."
Simms says she proudly shares this Heros for Children Award with all the parent volunteers at her school.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 62 high-performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 62 campuses across Texas, please visit www.harmonytx.org
