ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 9, 1996 TAG: 9603110046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
At many schools, it would not be news.
But for the Parent-Teacher Association at Hurt Park Elementary School, it is an accomplishment.
For several years, the Southwest Roanoke school did not have a PTA because of a lack of interest among parents and school staff. A PTA was organized two years ago and has begun to work on projects to boost the school.
The PTA helped sponsor the school's first Odyssey of the Mind team - and contributed $100 for materials to help the team prepare for competition.
The PTA hopes to raise $1,000 this year to help finance other school needs. It will have a fund-raising event today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school, 1525 Salem Ave. S.W.
Su Albert, president of the PTA, said the group has been meeting regularly, and the school's new principal, Gary Galbreath, and a new teaching staff have increased parental involvement.
"I think the staff is committed to the school. They know it's a challenge because there have been some problems in the past, but it seems to be working out well," Albert said.
Albert said morale has improved, and a feeling of school pride is emerging. Children and parents have helped plant shrubs and flowers to beautify the school grounds, for instance.
Galbreath will be the head cook at today's event. There will be raffles, with prizes ranging from tickets to a Harlem Globetrotters game to music boomboxes to cash.
Albert said the success of the fund-raiser will help determine whether the PTA can broaden its efforts. "We hope we can do more, and that's why this event is important to us."
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB