Have you been thinking about a way you could make a positive impact in our community? If you are wanting to contribute in an easy, meaningful way and meet new people, consider joining the PTSA!
What PTSA does
Parents who join PTSA have first-hand involvement in the schools, can voice ideas or concerns, and develop relationships with teachers and staff. Each year the PTSA asks what the school’s needs are and after the school proposes their needs, the PTSA checks into details and costs, then issues a PTSA grant to the school to make the purchases. For instance, money raised by the PTSA has provided NOJH with new cameras, a new defibrillator, and mural for the new gym.
NOJH PTSA President Amy Jacobs (2018-19) said, “I think there is a misconception that if you become a member you are required to attend meetings and somehow participate. We do encourage people to at least come to a meeting to learn about what is going on at school and how their children are affected, but it is not required.” Jacobs explained how helpful it is when people join the PTSA because membership dues provide necessary funds for the school.
How you can make a difference
You may join Weber High School’s PTSA, or any other school’s PTSA that suits you! There are three levels of involvement for parents and grandparents.
Level 1: Join! You simply have the privilege of attending the monthly meeting, but you don’t have to if you don’t have time. Your membership strengthens the PTSA.
Level 2: Get involved! NOJH meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. You can work with student reps in planning stomps, help contact local companies to advertise on our gym banner, or simply offer your input (which they love!) and build friendships with new people.
Level 3: Volunteer to serve in leadership! You can serve as treasurer with basic accounting knowledge. If you enjoy meal planning, your skills would benefit our teacher appreciation dinners. If you want to serve more vocally, you may enjoy serving as legislative vice and meeting with our representatives and senator at the Capitol.
For the kids, there are two levels of participation.
Level 1: Join! Becoming a member makes you eligible for PTSA scholarships at the state level your senior year and your volunteer work is an important addition to your college application.
Level 2: Get involved by becoming a student PTSA rep! You meet once a month on a late start morning and offer your input to the adults at PTSA meetings. You help plan and decorate for stomps, help with Hope Week, Red Ribbon Week and Earth Day.
How to join
An annual membership is only $7 and a portion of this goes directly to the school. By joining, you benefit the school and the kids in many ways. The easiest time to sign-up is when you register your child online for school and you’ll see the option to join the PTSA under “Optional Fees.” You can also sign-up at Back-to-School night, during registration, or at the front office during the first few weeks of school.
Membership perks
Memberships offer your student benefits. For instance, at NOJH, students receive discounts on white P.E. t-shirts, discounted tickets to the three yearly stomps, and a free donut on the two Donut Days.
How about it?
Jill Kirkham, new NOJH PTSA president for the 2019-2020 says, “Serving your community this way is fun and fulfilling. ‘Many hands make light the work’ is true here! Come see how things work in the PTSA and become more knowledgeable about what is going on in your children’s schools. So, participate at whatever level suits you, but please, choose to participate! We need you in the PTSA!”