Although her parents weren’t involved in her education too much, Gloria Lowe said she always wanted to get involved in her son Cristen’s education.

“I always wanted to get involved, I want to help students prepare for college, and do some fun things for them too,” said Lowe at the November Parent Teacher Organization meeting.

“I also want to help getting kids to do some community service and fundraisers to make money for things they want to do,” said Lowe, the group’s new president.

Although parental involvement in the school has been traditionally low, a new PTO has formed this year with plans to turn that around.

Members of the group suggested that parents, teachers, and students should get involved.

“We would like for teachers to be present during the meetings to give their input on situations,” said Karen Manzano, secretary and parent of senior Ebony Manzano.

Studies show that students whose parents are involved are likely to do better in school.

Part six of a School Improvement Series called Parent Involvement in Education written by Stanford University researchers Kathleen Cotton and Karen Reed Wikelund, states that parental involvement can have an effect on student achievement, attitude and behavior.

The report says this includes attitude toward school or toward particular subject areas, self-concept, classroom behavior, time spent on homework, expectations for one’s future, absenteeism, motivation, and retention.

In contrast, some don’t think that parent involvement has an effect on students’ outcomes or achievements.

“I wasn’t affected by my parents not being involved in my education, but I still want to for my child,” said Lowe.

Students views on the issue were scattered. Some thought parent involvement was not effective while others said they thought it was.

“I don’t think that it has any effect on students. Any student can pass, their purpose is to strive for their goals,” senior Alex Ozojie said.

While he thinks one way, senior Katrina Edwards said parent involvement does have an effect on students.

“If a child doesn’t have anyone to look up to or be influenced by and aren’t being watched, they won’t do good,” Edwards said.

According to Dean John Marquet, the group of fifteen has been very energetic, creative and self-directed.

“I think they’re a group who cares. They have all of these great events they are planning and I’m all for it,” said Marquet.

The first event that the PTO has planned is a Chinese Auction, scheduled for Jan. 20.