Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join PTSA?
PTSA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. Being a member of PTSA means that you are part of a powerful association and action plan that is focused on programs and initiatives that strengthen your child’s education.
PTSA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and 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. Join PTSA 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.
PTSA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and 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. Join PTSA 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.
Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?
PTSA dues directly support your child. PTSA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs, including musical instruments, sports equipment, art supplies, and supplemental reading. PTSA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. PTSA 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 PTSA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?
The only thing required of you to be a member of PTSA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to PTSA is up to you. PTSA 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 PTSA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTSA!
How much time to I have to commit to being a member of PTSA?
Membership in PTSA 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 PTSA a social club for stay-at-home moms?
First and foremost, PTSA is for every family who has a child at the school. PTSA is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, teachers and the broader community!
While some of the work done by PTSA may appear purely social – including family events such as festivals and talent shows that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTSA’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.
While some of the work done by PTSA may appear purely social – including family events such as festivals and talent shows that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTSA’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 PTSA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?
We encourage every family in the school to become a PTSA 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. PTSA 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 PTSA impact my child?
- PTSA has provided funding through teacher Mini-Grants. Last year’s funding including ukuleles, sports equipment, middle school scholastic subscriptions, and 4th grade reading books.
- PTSA supports teachers by providing hospitality at school events, organizing classroom volunteers, and showing appreciation in various ways throughout the year.
- PTSA provides schools access to experts, resources, trainings 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.
- PTSA funds the nation's largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama and visual arts.
- PTSA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.
How do you advocate at the national, state, and local levels and why is it important to my child?
PTSA is active at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. During the past 120 years, PTSA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system, and anti-child labor laws.