Every school may start on a different date, may have different spring breaks, and may host a ton of different events and specialties. Those special moments that make each school just that much more fun for the kids are mostly responsible thanks to the Parent Teacher Association. If you haven’t done so already, you totally need to join and here is why you should join the PTA!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t have time to volunteer at school”. Guess what, that’s not the only thing PTA (also known at some schools as PTO) does. Sure, that’s the biggest part you see, because let’s face it, without volunteers not much gets done. And don’t expect the teachers to do anything more than they already are. They are being awesome to our kids in their own ways.
Let’s start with the Annual Membership Drive. At the beginning of each school year you will be asked to join PTA. This small monetary donation is the biggest fundraiser for the school. Let’s be real, the more they raise at this time, the less they ask for later. You can sign up everyone in the family, even grandparents and so on. But what do these funds go towards?
PTA annual dues may differ from school to school, and help support valuable programs and services for student learning and family engagement. Many PTAs support academic enrichment programs, such as field trips or after-school art, drama, music, math and reading programs while other PTAs support events and activities that promote family engagement at school, to strengthen home and school relationships or even support health programs, safety and physical education. It all depends on what the community of the school wants to focus on. Your local PTA dues stay with your school site, and a portion is sent up to support the work of your council PTA, Florida State PTA and National PTA.
The biggest part of PTA is to support the children, not just in academics but also to enjoy their time at school. Kids learn from playing. If they are having fun, then they are engaged and their minds are open and learning is more enjoyable. A happy kid is a more attentive kid.
Since events do require helpers, you will see a call out for help. Yes, not everyone can physically help and the PTA understands that, but instead of dismissing the call for help right away, find out what type of help is needed. Sometimes things can be done at home at your own time. Could be as simple as sending emails to school contacts. See you can be the helper who asks others to help.
The best part of PTA is the community it creates. It connects neighbors together creating new friendships and a special bond. Meeting others with kids the same ages as your own and connecting with others who have the same concerns as you for our childrens’ needs. Plus you can meet with your new friends at local businesses that are also supporting your school.
Ultimately, the Parent Teacher Association is a way for your voice to be heard. PTA amplifies your voice and has over 125 years of experience in using the power of collective impact to advocate for the health, safety and well-being of all children. You will have a [stronger] voice in decisions that affect you, your child and all children by giving your feedback on education policy the collective bargaining power of not just our own PTA members, but millions of PTA members nationwide. This strengthens your ability to support your child and serve all children and families. Your membership dues fund advocacy efforts that change policies and laws in our city, our state and on Capitol Hill.
In the end, joining PTA is all about the kids, supporting their academic growth and mental health, and supporting the teachers and schools to help our kids grow. Thankfully in the process, we can also build laying friendships. And we can all use more friends.
