What is PTA?
PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association
PTA members are moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members working together to make sure we have a great school for our children. PTA is not just about fundraising. It's not just about volunteering. The National PTA mission is "to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children."
We are dedicated to the educational success, health, and well-being of all children. We acknowledge the potential of everyone and we advocate for every child.
- Do we do fundraising? Yes, but only to be able to raise enough funds to make sure that the students, the teachers, and the school have the tools needed to help each child reach their potential.
- Do we need volunteers? Yes, we do, but the time you spend will be reflected many times over in our children and in our community.
Our goal is to enhance, extend, and enrich learning opportunities for our students and to promote open communication and cooperation between parents, teachers, staff, and our community. We cannot effectively do this without our members.
Family engagement is essential to both children’s success and school improvement efforts, and it is critical that we model and advocate for more transformative approaches.
- Jim Accomando, president of National PTA (2017-2019)
One of the goals for Mountain View Elementary PTA is to increase family engagement at our school. We want to help build successful partnerships between families and our school.
10 Myths About Joining the PTA
Are you considering joining the PTA but just aren't sure yet? Well, let us help you learn the truth about why you should consider joining the PTA.
Myth #1 Only moms and teachers need to join the PTA.
Fact - 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.
Fact - The PTA appreciates everyone’s membership, whether or not a member volunteers. You will not be sucked into a black hole of volunteering!
Myth #3 I have to be a board member or chair a committee to join the PTA.
Fact - You do not have to serve on the PTA Board or chair a committee to join the PTA. Your support (time, talents, financial) will suffice!
Myth #4 PTA membership never expires, I only have to join once.
Fact - 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.
Fact - 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.
Fact - 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.
Fact - Your fellow PTA members are family and community members who want to support the kids and the school. Most members are juggling jobs, higher education, 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.
Fact - 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.
Fact - 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.
Fact - New ideas are always welcome! It’s important to keep our PTA fresh and exciting!