At Holly Oak Elementary in San Jose, Calif., the PTA prides itself on creating ways for families to connect with the school. Their success in doing that via a variety of family events held after school and during the evenings—all at no cost to students and their families—helped make them the 2009 National Parent Group of the Year. Such events included a “pumpkins and poems” Halloween event, a stargazing party, a talent showcase, and even a "No TV! It's Family Game Night." What’s more, it supported lots of extracurriculars like a homework club and choir and dance clubs—important offerings at a Title I school where the art and music programs were cut.
