But Boyd and PTA President Sandra Smith, a former Spring Oaks student herself, want a wider circle of parents taking part in school affairs. To draw them in, they're relying on innovative programs such as the Spanish-Speaking Parents Group and the Lighted School. The former was started several years ago to bridge language hurdles in the school community. It now regularly attracts about 60 parents or other relatives to the campus each month for detailed updates on student activities and school events. The gym is open, too.
Parents help out with the staffing.
Smith says the Lighted School is one more way to transform Spring Oaks into a parent-friendly place. The outcome of a well-oiled PTA or PTO, coupled with an enthusiastic school administration and faculty, is a school where as many parents as possible are involved at school and at home. That's what staff and parents are aiming for at HISD's Lamar High School. Others were steering students to the line for the book room, where still more parents were passing out textbooks. Meanwhile, in the library, Lamar PTO Vice President Dee Haggard was reviewing the group's 1996-97 plans with PTO President French Anne Young, who was taking a break from her book room duties.