Even before reaching the front doors to East High School's main entrance, you could see people greeting, hugging, and talking. Laughter could be heard.

Was this a Rochester school district event for parents?

Yes, it was. And kudos goes to School Board member Melisza Campos for orchestrating last night's "Reach Out" to parents. It was by any measure a success.

School district-parent forums are nothing new, but the format of last night's effort was different.

For too long, most of the district's events of this kind are reactionary to some kind of crisis. Even those without some pressing emergency have usually involved the superintendent and School Board members fielding questions from the audience.

This often turns out the same group of people who barrage the district with criticisms and personal attacks.

They take control of the event, and by the end, everyone is exhausted, angry, and frustrated.

Last night's Reach Out was pre-emptive and festive. More than a dozen booths were set up in East High's lobby, representing various district departments that may be of interest to parents.

The Department of English Language Learners, Youth Development and Family Services, Parenting Education, and Student Enrollment were among the departments represented.

The folks manning the Pre-K Enrollment booth nearly patted you down in search of 4 year olds.

Best of all, there were parents.

"I think it's wonderful," said parent Esther Lorenzo. "I think there should be more events like this one, and more workshops for parents."

Lorenzo felt welcome, she said, and that was a nice change.

"During the usual School Board meetings, participants can only speak," said board member Allen Williams. "They can't ask questions and we can't really interact. This gives us a chance to talk."

Williams and most of his colleagues joined Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard and senior administrators to meet parents and to answer their questions.

Board members need to be more accessible to parents and family members, Campos says. "I remember when I was first running for office, people kept saying to me, ‘Customer service, customer service.' We need to be closer to our customers."

Campos is planning at least two more Reach Outs, and though last night's event certainly is not the solution to building an involved and spirited community of parents, Campos is clearly on to something.