A majority of students at Sugarland Elementary speak Spanish, and principal Angela Robinson wants to make sure students and parents feel like they’re a part of the school community.

Of the school’s 390 students, about 140 are enrolled in Sugarland’s ESL program. Robinson said the school tries to reach out to parents – many of whom aren’t native to the country.

“Teachers take the time to reach out to parents and overcome the language barrier we might have between us,” she said. “We can’t do it without them.”

According to the school’s improvement plan, 53 percent of kindergarten students and 67 percent of first-grade students performed at or above grade-level reading proficiency.

The improvement plan also shows that 63 percent of students with limited English proficiency passed the SOL reading and math tests, compared with 79 percent in reading and 68 percent in math.

Robinson said the school recently banded together to raise money for a new playground. The money came from the PTO and private donations.

She said the school has several events throughout the year that help bring the school and surrounding area together. Included in the activities are different community service projects.

“The dance and bingo nights are fun, but we like to show kids it’s also good to help others,” she said.

Robinson said she’s proud of Sugarland’s teachers for their ability to attract grants.

"We find ways to fund creative projects,” she said. “The teachers spend a lot of time writing grants.”

Sugarland is unique because about 95 percent of students walk to school each day. The school is also going through a major renovation that will be finished in late 2007.