Elvis impersonators, twirling poodle skirts, leather letter jackets and hand-jiving moves were the fad of the day at South Houston Elementary School’s recent Sock Hop fundraiser that brought in more than $760 for the school’s PTO.

The PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) is combined of teachers, parents, local businesses and members in the community who work together to raise money for field trips, special events and educational materials in an effort to better meet the students’ needs.

“The money we raise provides our students with experiences they normally wouldn’t be able to afford,” said South Houston kindergarten teacher and PTO president Monica Vela. “It motivates the students because they know they are going to experience something new and fun, and it’s important because it allows them to see the world outside of their community.”

This is the first year the school held a Sock Hop to raise money for the organization. Ticket sales, concessions and pictures in front of a 50’s backdrop all contributed to the funds raised at the event.

While all the young Elvises competed with their best impersonations, the girls competed for best dressed. The winners received trophies. A disc jockey played 50’s music while groups rock ‘n rolled to dances such as the stroll and the hand jive. Students also participated in a Hula-hoop contest.

The PTO holds various fundraisers throughout the year including Fall Festival, Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, catalog sales, Supper with Santa and Friday After School Sales.

One special event the students were able to experience as a result of the funds the PTO raised was the Discovery Dome from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which is an inflatable, full-dome theatre that allowed students at different grade levels to watch various science-related shows.

Starting the year with $3,500, South Houston’s PTO has now raised around $7,000 this year. Each grade level received the same amount of money from the PTO to choose how they wanted to spend it. They’re allowed to use the money for field trips and events, and if there is any money left over, they can spend it on parties, educational materials and more.

Vela said money was also distributed to the music, physical education, PACES, Deaf-education and SUCCESS classes.

South Houston kindergarten teacher and PTO vice president Norma Reta said the PTO encourages more parent and teacher participation.

“Parents can help by volunteering their time,” she said. “The more help we get, the more activities we can do and the more our students can learn. This organization provides an opportunity for our parents and community to be involved in their child’s education and extracurricular activities.”

South Houston Elementary Principal Karen Holt said the organization is crucial to the success of the school and its students and that participation is welcomed from all parents.

“Our PTO provides an avenue for all stakeholders to develop a meaningful relationship with the school and to feel significant about their contributions,” Holt said. “Parents are more likely to be involved in their child’s school-life if they feel a sense of ownership. PTO also provides an opportunity for us to receive input from the parents and to view the educational process from the parent’s perspective. It’s important for the students to see we are united with their families in meeting their academic, social, emotional and physical needs.”

South Houston Elementary parents interested in helping the PTO, please contact Vela at the school at 713-740-0736 or at mvela@pasadenaisd.org.