Jan Harp Domene says one way a school can become successful is if the students' parents feel comfortable being there.

"That kind of school is Reese Road Elementary, here in Columbus," said Domene, national president of the Parent Teacher Association.

Domene was in town Thursday afternoon to participate in the AXA Foundation's awarding of a $1,897 check to Reese Road. The school was one of 32 chosen nationwide in the "Take Your Family to School Week" competition.

"We had 400 applicants," Domene said.

She says Reese Road, under the leadership of principal Jeanella Pendleton, does a great job encouraging parents to come to the school for things other than parent-teacher conferences.

"Reese Road has a wonderful open door policy and has a lot of programs to encourage parents to get involved, just all sorts of activities," Domene said. "Teachers and administrators do a great job of communication."

Pendleton said it's a great honor to receive the award. "We want our parents in the school," she said.