MTPS Awarded Best in Class for School Communications Newsletter
MTPS Awarded Best in Class for School Communications Newsletter
![Icon saying NJSPRA School Communication Award Winner 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760619361/mahwahk12njus/o74ahftxq9sjggxbzxtg/NJSPRASchoolCommunicationAwardWinnerBadge20254.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760619361/mahwahk12njus/o74ahftxq9sjggxbzxtg/NJSPRASchoolCommunicationAwardWinnerBadge20254.png","width":500}])
Mahwah Township Public Schools Thunderbird Times recognized for excellence in storytelling and community connection
Mahwah Township Public Schools was named a winner in the New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) 2025 School Communication Award Program. The district received an Award of Excellence - Best in Class in the Newsletter category, earning a perfect score which was a first for an award within this category.
The award-winning Thunderbird Times newsletter plays a vital role in the district’s communications strategy. Each issue is mailed to the Mahwah community and highlights stories that celebrate student success, promote district initiatives, and strengthen community engagement.
The Thunderbird Times stood out in what was the most competitive NJSPRA awards program so far, with 140 submissions from 53 school districts across the state. Entries were reviewed by a panel of 12 judges from eight states, including experienced and award-winning school communications professionals. Each issue of the newsletter features stories from all six Mahwah schools, covering academics, athletics, the arts, and student achievements, crafted to reflect the energy, pride, and collaboration that define the district.
“The Thunderbird Times has become a cornerstone of our district’s communications,” said MTPS Superintendent Michael DeTuro. “It showcases the energy, accomplishments, and collaborative spirit of our students, staff, and community, while connecting our schools with the broader Mahwah community and all residents across the district.”
The NJSPRA School Communication Awards recognize professional school communicators in New Jersey and the tactics they develop that go above and beyond to disseminate important messages to their various stakeholders. “Congratulations to Mahwah Township Public School for setting the standard for effective school communications here in New Jersey,” said Maren Smagala, President of NJSPRA and Communications Officer for Hunterdon Central Regional High School.
Awards are given out in eight different categories: Newsletter; Marketing, Branding, Image; Media Coverage; Photography; Social Media; Special Interest Publication; Video; and Website. For a complete list of winners or more about the New Jersey School Public Relations Association, visit www.njspra.com.
Visit the link to check out the Thunderbird Times newsletter and explore past issues: https://www.mahwah.k12.nj.us/about/thunderbird-times-archive to learn more about MTPS.