School communities thrive when their schools are supported by parents, caregivers, and teachers who promote student success, family engagement, and community support.
Longfellow Parent-Teacher Association member Kerri Neil Storm says her PTA experience has only gotten better over the years she’s been on the board.
"You’ll build a sense of community with other parents and caregivers, making school life feel a bit more like a big, friendly family,” says Kerri. “And if I’m being honest—it’s a lot of fun. You get to enjoy school events, meet new people, and be part of something that makes a real difference for your child."
Through PTA events, parents, caregivers, and school staff come together for a common goal of creating a community of support for our students. If you've participated in a school event like Popsicles with the Principal, family lunches, color runs, or school silent auctions, you have first-hand experience of the opportunities to connect and build quality relationships among your school community. Knowing the students, staff, and administration can enhance family and student sense of belonging,
PTAs play a crucial role as a communication pathway between the school and community of caregivers. One crucial piece is advocating for student and parent/caregiver concerns at school and district levels. It’s part of the PTAs job to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a voice in their student’s education, ask questions, and seek better understanding. Ultimately, advocating and asking questions leads to improved communication between schools and families.
Not only do PTAs enhance connection, but they have the ability to bring financial support to underfunded areas of the school. As a non-profit, PTAs can fundraise, as well as provide grants and fiscal awards that enrich student education. Recently, Sunset Terrace's PTA fundraised and installed a new playground that has built-in accessibility features that enhance students' ability to play outdoors together.
Other educational gains from PTAs include:
Funding for additional field trips
Academic programs such as Math Masters
Academic events like spelling bees, book fairs, and more
PTAs are vital to our school’s success. The first two weeks of back to school are always stressful, and Longfellow PTA stepped in to fill a much-needed gap of volunteers.
"When our school needed extra hands to manage a busy pick-up and drop-off line when we merged with Pinewood, the PTA stepped in,” shared Kerri. “We provided the additional support needed to get through that initial week smoothly, allowing the school to focus on what really matters—teaching and learning.”
For families, being a part of a PTA has its own set of benefits, too:
Better connection with teachers.
Relationship building with your student's classmates and parents/caregivers.
Advocating for your student's education.
Collaborating and communicating on school and district topics.
Joining your school's PTA doesn't have to be a full-time commitment, either. Many people help out based on their availability. Even the smallest contribution and connection to your student's education can enhance their experience with school.
How can you join your school's PTA? Contact your school's front office to find out if your school has an active PTA, PTSA, or PTO that you could join. Take a step towards engaging in your student's education by asking to learn more.