Mini-grant merry-makers include Geneva Morrison and Darrell Morrison -- both representing award sponsor HTS, INC Consultants -- and Parks teacher Mindy Galvan.

Administrators and support staff at Parks held a pep rally to motivate students for their recent round of tests. Participants dressed up as super heros and characters from "The Wizard of Oz." They performed a skit -- "Follow the Yellow RAPS Road." (Below) Skit participants (front) Principal Frances Burley and science coach Ana Head; (middle) aide Julia Benedict, peer facilitator Diana Tovar and Assistant Principal Irma Parkin; (back) teacher Mindy Galvan, peer facilitator Kim Richardson, aide Rebecca Flower and aide Barbara Bates.

Parks held its annual Fun Run and Health Fair last Saturday (March 5). An estimated 350 people from around the community attended. Event photos follow.

Staff members at Parks cleared their throats, attached an 18-foot trailer to a truck and went caroling through many of the apartment complexes where Parks students live. Dwight Key played Santa, Julissa Chapa played guitar and Gary Jackson drove the sleigh, uh, truck! Students came out and joined in the fun. Event photos follow.

Parks held its annual Donuts for Dads breakfast recently -- and more than 150 dads attended. Event photos follow.

Students at Parks recently used role-playing techniques to demonstrate behavior expectations. Posters were displayed and students gathered in the cafeteria to play out scenarios in which behavior decisons must be carefully considered. Event photo follows.

As part of the morning routine at Parks, students are encouraged to grab a book and read outside their classroom while they wait to enter. Students who take part are rewarded with a "Caught You Reading" slip, which is then placed in a box for a once-a-month drawing. Winners get to dig through a treasure trunk for a prize. (Below) "Captured" readers show off their drawing slips.

Once a month, throughout most of the school year, Parks students host family members for a Book Breakfast. The school provides each participating student with a book to read aloud to a parent or family member and then take home. Book Breakfast is held every month of the school year except November and December. Event photo follows.

Parks hosted its '"Trunk Or Treat" carnival last week for the fourth consecutive year. Staff members wore costumes and distributed candy to students and their family members. Event photos follow.

Students at Parks were treated to a visit from Team Impact on Thursday, Sept. 24. The group is a motivational team fo former professional athletes who visit schools to deliver positive messages about setting and achieving goals. The team uses demonstrations of strength to model the importance of hard work. Event photo follows.

For one hour each week, community members are helping, on a volunteer basis, to tutor third-grade students at Parks.

Young scientists have invaded Parks Elementary. You can find them in the halls, in the classrooms, in the labs, outside -- everywhere! -- as the following photos will show.

Second-graders work in the classroom testing water absorbency.  
 

Third-graders separate mixtures in the Science Lab.  
 

Second-graders work outside to measure temperature.