Why Join the Garfield Elementary PTA?
|
This is a question we get asked from time to time. It may even be a question that you’ve asked yourself.
The PTA consists of a collection of parents and/or guardians of students in all grades. We can help you navigate the elementary school process and answer your questions with our collective knowledge. We provide an opportunity for you to meet other parents and establish new friendships. We keep parents up-to-date on many of the opportunities Garfield Elementary and the Olympia School District provide for students. We sponsor events, which bring the Garfield community together and help build stronger bonds. Another thing the PTA does is fundraising. The funds we raise help make Garfield the best it can be. In the past we’ve helped make major equipment purchases for the school like the climbing wall in the gym and the bounce house that you might see at PTA events. We also help the school pay for the performing art assemblies they have throughout the year. We supply teachers with funds at the beginning of the year for supplies. Just like you, the PTA knows how important a vibrant and engaging classroom is for student learning. Where do the funds come from for all these major events and equipment purchases? Most funds come from our fundraisers like Cougar Mountain Cookie Dough, Purchase a Paver Fundraiser, and Boosterthon. We also have our 5-minute and online fundraisers. We love volunteers! It’s a great way for you to make new acquaintances and give back to the Garfield community. Many of our best events and activities require a significant number of volunteers. The great thing is it is not necessary to be a member of the PTA in order to volunteer. We’re also flexible. We have volunteer opportunities in both the evening and daytime. You can volunteer regularly or as needed, whatever works for you. We welcome you to become a member of the PTA. Membership is $9.00 per person or $18 per family. As a member you can also take advantage of a host of benefits from PTA membership including discounts and offers from member benefits providers and sponsors (such as discounts for Wild Waves, Silverwood, Great Wolf Lodge, and FedEx Office). Your membership dues go directly to the WSPTA, which also allows us to purchase low cost Board and liability insurance, discounted movie licenses, as well as access high quality training and advisors. The WSPTA also uses the money to lobby for smaller class sizes, breakfast after the bell, and better access to higher education for all Washington students (for a list of their legislative priorities please visit http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/index.html). Our PTA board meets on the 2nd Monday of the month for the 2021-22 school year. We will have four member meetings throughout the school year. Everyone is welcome to join both board and member meetings. It is not necessary to be a member to attend meetings nor is it necessary to attend the meetings to be a member. Here is the zoom link to join the meetings. We'd love to meet you and tell you a little bit about our group. Our Garfield PTA Facebook page will also be updated with meeting information. 10 Myths About Joining the PTA (borrowed from the Washington State PTA) Myth #1 Only moms and teachers need to join the PTA. A strong PTA needs the support of parents, family members, teachers, school staff, and community members. Anyone who cares about children belongs in the PTA! Myth #2 Joining the PTA means I have to volunteer. The PTA appreciates everyone's membership, whether or not a member volunteers. You will not be sucked in to a black hole of volunteering! Myth #3 I have to be a board member or chair a committee to join the PTA. You do not have to serve on the PTA Board or chair a committee to join the PTA. Your beautiful smile and wonderful support will suffice! Myth #4 PTA membership never expires, I only have to join once. Each new school year begins a new PTA membership year. Your PTA membership will be good for the entire school year! Myth #5 I don't have the time to join the PTA. If you are unable to volunteer your time, please consider becoming a member of the PTA and give your financial support. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your support helps fund events and activities for the children throughout the school year! Myth #6 I'll get roped into volunteering if I attend a PTA meeting. There will be opportunities to get involved, but no pressure. Just pass along the signup sheet if you are unable to participate. No judgment here! Myth #7 The PTA is only for stay-at-home parents with nothing else to do. Your fellow PTA members are family and community members who want to support the kids and the school. Most members are juggling bills, household chores, kids, sports, and homework, just like you! Myth #8 My child's life will be the same whether or not I join the PTA. Not only does membership put you in direct communication with other parents and teachers, it shows your child that you are interested and invested in their educational experience. Myth #9 The PTA has all the help they need. The PTA always wants and always needs volunteers! If you choose to volunteer, you decide your time commitment! Myth #10 I have an idea but the PTA isn't interested. New ideas are always welcome! It's important to keep our PTA fresh and exciting! |
2022-2023 PTA BoardKaren Deckard and Serena Crew, Co-Presidents Marianne McIntosh, Vice President Megan Christopher, Treasurer Kate Jennings, Bookkeeper Emalie Huriaux, Secretary Ready to become a PTA member?Garfield PTA Standing Rules
| ||