ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050089
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
THE ROANOKE COUNTY school has more than 500 members in its PTA - 27 percent more members than kids in classes.
When Mary Lucas needs a volunteer for a project at Cave Spring Elementary School, she doesn't have any trouble finding one.
The Roanoke County school has more than 500 members in its Parent-Teacher Association, one of the highest percentages in Virginia.
"We're a strong group. We have volunteers who man the school computer lab every day, work in the library and do many other jobs," said Lucas, president of the Cave Spring PTA.
The children at the school Tuesday showed their appreciation for the work of their parents and the national PTA by celebrating the organization's 100th anniversary.
They released 100 balloons, all in the school colors of red, black and silver, tagged so their final destination can be tracked on a map set up in the school as part of a geography lesson.
The children also participated in classroom activities that related to the number 100 in math, science, history and English.
Unlike many schools across the country, Cave Spring doesn't lack parents' support and interest in their children's education.
Last year, the school ranked second in the state with a membership rate of 127 percent - 27 percent more members than students.
Cave Spring's membership exceeds 100 percent because grandparents and other neighborhood residents have joined, in addition to students' parents.
Nationwide, teachers say the biggest problem facing schools is the lack of parents' support and interest, according to a recent national poll of teachers' attitudes for Phi Delta Kappa, a national professional fraternity for teachers.
Twenty-four percent of teachers cited parents' lack of support, and 22 percent said the biggest problem is the lack of funding for public education.
One teacher wrote on a survey form:
"Parents either blame the teacher for their child's behavior and grades or they just don't care at all."
The public ranked drug abuse as the top problem facing the schools, followed by the lack of discipline. Teachers ranked the lack of discipline as third and drug abuse seventh.
Studies have shown that students are more motivated and make better grades if their parents are involved in their education and encourage them.
Research also shows that parents develop better attitudes toward their children's schools when they get involved. Teachers also work harder when parents show an interest.
Superintendent Deanna Gordon said parents "make a difference" in Roanoke County schools. "I never go to a school that I don't see evidence of the PTA's work. The schools wouldn't be the same without the PTA."
Gordon attended Tuesday's Cave Spring event. She regularly attends the meetings of the County Council of PTAs.
In Roanoke, Superintendent Wayne Harris shows similar support by attending the meetings of the city's Central PTA Council.
Roanoke Valley schools have expanded their efforts this year to get more parents involved in their children's education.
The Roanoke School Board has asked its long-range planning committee to develop a plan by May to increase parental involvement.
The committee, which is made up of parents, retired educators, business and community representatives, serves as an advisory body to the board.
Roanoke schools and the Mental Health Association of the Roanoke Valley are co-sponsoring a series of workshops for parents this school year on topics from homework to surviving the teen-age years.
City schools also recently sponsored a "parents university" that included several workshops with advice for parents on school-related issues.
Six Roanoke County schools recently shared a $6,000 grant from First Union National Bank of Virginia to support parenting and family involvement programs this year.
The grants provide funds for seminars for parents and educators and several awards, including one for the school with the highest parent and community involvement.
As school budgets get tighter, many schools rely on parents to help furnish needed equipment and supplies. At Cave Spring Elementary, the PTA has contributed up to $29,000 in some recent years for playground equipment, calculators, art supplies and other instructional materials.
"The school really needs us, and we're glad to do it," Lucas said.
LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: JANEL RHODA STAFF. 1. Students release 100 balloons inby CNBthe school's colors from their parking lot Tuesday afternoon to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the national Parent-Teacher
Association. color. 2. Second-graders Brian Blevins (from left), Sam
Jones and Jonathan Brown put together a 100-piece puzzle Tuesday as
Cave Spring Elementary celebrates the national PTA's centennial
anniversary.