The PTA: More than Bake Sales
Find answers to the most-asked questions about parent-teacher groups.
Being involved at school helps you show your child that education is important.
Research shows that getting involved in your child's education helps him thrive at school. Not only is your child more likely to earn higher grades and stay in school, but according to a study done by the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project, the schools themselves get better when parents take an active role. One great way to keep a constant connection to your child's school is to join the PTA.
You might remember the PTA from your own childhood as moms selling cookies and chaperoning class trips, and chances are, your local PTA still does those things. But the PTA is also a great way to share opinions and information with other parents and your child's teachers, to learn about what's going on in school, and to be part of a strong voice speaking for children's welfare.
What is a PTA?
What's the difference between a PTA and a PTO?
Is there a big time/monetary commitment?
What do PTAs actually do?
Why should I get involved?
How do I join?
What is a PTA?
The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a grass roots organization that brings parents and teachers together so they can work towards improving the lives and education of students. Over 6.5 million people belong to PTAs nationwide, making it the largest child-advocacy volunteer association. Simply, a PTA is a group of adults, both men and women, affiliated with a school that have organized to work to help children thrive and learn — whether that means fundraising for school supplies, educating parents, helping teachers, or fighting for legislation to ensure every child gets a high-quality education.
What's the difference between a PTA and a PTO?
The technical difference between a PTA and a PTO (or PTF, PTG, HSA, etc.) is that PTAs are part of a national association headquartered in Chicago, which has lobbyists working at national, state, and local levels to advocate for children's issues. Groups calling themselves PTAs pay dues to state and national organizations and abide by national group rules. PTOs, on the other hand, are independent groups that have their own rules and keep their efforts concentrated on their particular school district or town. Even though it sounds like there is a big difference, in practice both kinds of parent groups function in the same manner: No matter which your school has, it will mainly concern itself with local school issues and its goal will be to improve and enrich community schools.
Is there a big time/monetary commitment?
Many parents are hesitant to join the PTA because they fear it will cut into their already overscheduled lives and stretched budgets. But not to worry! First of all, dues to join the PTA are often as low as $5 a year, and rarely go above $25. Meetings usually occur one evening a month, but may only happen quarterly — and you're encouraged but not required to attend. As for additional volunteering requirements, you will probably be asked to help with fundraising efforts, but your involvement is ultimately up to you. It's important to keep in mind that a meaningful contribution to a PTA project does not have to be time-consuming. You can sign up to do the monthly newsletter, or just volunteer one weekend afternoon to help out at a car wash fundraiser. Even if you don't have time to volunteer, you can help out with supplies or donate server space for the PTA Web site — there are a thousand ways to help.
What do PTAs actually do?
Activities and roles vary from group to group, but you can probably expect to be involved with:
Fundraising: At meetings, members bring up things the school needs help buying, from art supplies to computers, and decide how to raise funds - from smaller endeavors like car washes and ice cream socials, to large-scale events like a spring carnival.
Book Fairs: A special kind of fundraiser, PTAs are often called in to help manage and promote this event that offers students reasonably priced books, stocks classroom libraries, and raises money for the school. Find out more about Book Fairs here.
Teacher Appreciation: The PTA takes charge of showing that teachers are valued through end-of-school luncheons, Teacher Appreciation Week events, finding classroom volunteers, and other morale builders.
Back-to-School Night: Most PTAs run this important get-to-know your teachers event that allows all parents to find out more about what's in store for their children. Read more about this event in this article.
Scholarships: Many PTAs maintain a scholarship fund for children of PTA parents.
School Beautification: Efforts to re-paint, plant gardens, clean school grounds, and fix up facilities are often spearheaded by the PTA.
Parent Classes/Workshops/Seminars: Some PTAs offer classes in practical subjects like Internet safety, have experts come and discuss issues such as homework, or hold workshops on good health habits.
Newsletters: Find out what's going on in your school and in your PTA through its newsletter, which often also introduces a teacher each edition, reports on past successes, and offers parenting tips.
Why should I get involved?
Besides generally increasing your own child's odds of succeeding at school, there are myriad benefits to joining the PTA.
You can get advice from other parents. Find out about the best babysitter in town, where the kid-friendly restaurants are, which field trips are the most fun to volunteer for, get recommendations for good pediatricians and tutors, and add your own knowledge to the pool.
You'll gain a greater understanding of broad educational issues. What's an IEP? How will the No Child Left Behind act affect your child's school? When will your child take standardized tests? Discover answers and discuss opinions on these questions and many other important matters.
You'll improve teacher morale. When teachers feel connected and appreciated by the community, they are more invested in their students performance and are happier and more enthusiastic about their work.
You'll be up-to-date on what's going on at school. Not only will you know when school events are happening, you'll also learn about new staff, student accomplishments, new rules, budgets, and changes in curriculum.
You'll help improve schools for all students. Research done by the PTA and other groups shows that when the community gets involved in its schools, the schools get better. Not only will you be part of group that is committed to making your local school stronger and safer, but you will also join a national chorus that says that it is important that every child gets the chance to thrive at school and at home.
You can influence important decisions. You will get to vote on how PTA-raised funds are allocated, suggest new projects, and voice your opinion on issues affecting your child, like how to create a drug-free community or what should be covered in school health programs. It is a great way to let administrators and politicians hear what you have to say about today's issues, from funding for the arts to national standards to preventing violence in schools.
How do I join?
That's the easiest part! Anyone can join the PTA. Call you child's school and ask for the name or e-mail of the PTA president, or simply show up at the next meeting. You'll be welcomed with open arms.
