Billington said she wanted the group to be an "activist PTA" that approaches problems at the school that need to be addressed. Hablemos, which means "speak together" in Spanish, is the first parent-teacher group to ever assemble at the school.

"Gardner had not historically had much parent involvement beyond those few who participated in the school site council and a few who volunteered in the classrooms," she said.

Since its inception, Hablemos has sponsored teacher and staff breakfasts; had school beautification days, fundraisers, and bingo; and worked with San Jose District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Chavez to get a fence built around the perimeter of the campus, located at Illinois and Virginia avenues in North Willow Glen.

"Anyone could just wander onto campus at any time," Billington said.

The parents of Hablemos are proud of the work they've accomplished so far at the school, and more than one person outside the school has noticed. Billington recently received a call from an assistant at Councilwoman Chavez's office, letting her know that Hablemos was nominated by Chavez and granted a Good Neighbor Award by the city of San Jose. The award is given to one person or group selected from all 10 San Jose districts.

On Jan. 28, the group received the award in front of the captive audience at the State of the City address, before Mayor Ron Gonzales had a mild stroke. Billington said it is a unique distinction and the group is proud. Yet Hablemos members were not even aware that such an award existed until one of Chavez's council assistants contacted Billington about the honor and asked the group to attend the State of the City address so it could receive the award.

"We were all so surprised and very pleased when we heard," Billington said. "But we didn't even know about the award or the State of the City address."

San Jose Unified School District governing board member Carol Myers, who represents the Willow Glen area, was also proud of the group's recognition.

"In only two years, they've got so many parents and teachers involved, met with Cindy Chavez and other district personnel and even attended the Measure F Bond Oversight Committee to let everyone know they don't want to be left behind," Myers said.

Myers said she is pleased Hablemos received the award because they've worked so hard to have a significant voice in the community.

She adds, "It is well-deserved. In only a short time, they've accomplished a lot at Gardner."

Gardner parent and Hablemos member Graciela Delgado has worked with the parent-teacher group since it began and said the award recognition "brings everything the group has done to reality in the community."

Recently, the group held a bingo night at the school, and she was elated at the turnout for the event. It was the first time all the cafeteria tables were packed with people during a Hablemos event. It's an indication that the group's work is spreading and people are hearing about it.

"A lot of parents in this area work two jobs and believe that they don't have anything to offer the school, but I think many are starting to see that they have a voice with Hablemos," Delgado said.