PTA FAQs

 

Why should I join the PTA?

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential education curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. I invite you to join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community. There is no wrong or right way to be involved - anything you can give, whether it's time or money, will support your child's potential.

Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?

PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs, including new technology and books for classroom libraries. PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child's health, safety and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child's classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.

Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?

The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyone that, however you choose to PTA is up to you. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child's potential. From volunteering at school events to participating in local, state and national advocacy efforts to holding PTA leadership roles - the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTA!

How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?

Membership in PTA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved - anything you can give, whether it's time or money, will support your child's potential. 

Isn't PTA a social club for stay-at-home moms?

First and foremost, PTA is for every family who has a child at the school. PTA is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, teachers and the broader community!

While some of the work done by PTA may appear purely social - including family events like the Fall Fun Fair and Bingo Night that are organized to strenthen the school community - much of PTA's work focuses on funding essential school resources and curriculum needs, as well as advocating at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child's health, safety and quality of education.

How does PTA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?

We encourage every family in the school to become a PTA member to support the success of their child. We want a diverse membership base that reflects all of the families and needs of students at the school. PTA strengthens connections between your family, your child's classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.

How does PTA impact my child?

PTA provides many enrichment activities throughout the school year that help connect our students, staff, parents, caregivers and the broader community. Past events include the before/after school programs, Fall Fun Fair, Bingo Night and Silent Auction. PTA also purchases new technology for the classrooms including laptops and smartboards as well as books to build classroom libraries.

PTA's national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.

PTA provides schools access to experts, resources, training and dozens of nationally recognized educational enrichment programs that impact a child's education such as the Family Reading Experience, in partnership with the Reading is Fundamental.