Author: Bethany Spencer
Posted: 10 May 2017
Estimated time to read: 2 mins
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) get a bad wrap in the media, with films depicting cliquey mums who run the ‘club’ of which your baking for their latest fundraising event will never be good enough. The truth in this stereotype is that PTAs do in fact run fundraising events, but that’s about the only thing that rings true.
PTAs are in fact a great way to help make a positive impact in your child’s school, be that through pushing for new initiatives or helping to improve the communication between home and school. We’ve gone through some of the benefits of joining a PTA so you can get a better understanding of how they run, and if they’re worthwhile for you:
Stay informed about what’s going on in school
By attending your school’s PTA meetings you’ll be kept in the loop about what’s going on in the school first-hand as opposed to hearing it through playground Chinese Whispers. Not only this, but you’ll be able to voice your opinions on what new initiatives the school may be bringing in and also use this as a forum to voice any concerns or ideas you may have.
Represent the parent body and meet new people
By default, every parent is a member of the PTA but not everyone is actively involved. By going along to the meetings you’re acting as a representative for the rest of the parents who may not be able to attend but still have concerns and ideas they need communicated. Not only this, but attending these meetings is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
Make a positive impact in your child’s education
Attending events outside of your home and work life is a great example to set for your child. They will understand the importance of making commitments and following them through, but also the importance of donating their free time to worthwhile causes. Not only this, but issues discussed within these meetings regarding the school have a direct impact on your child’s education and it’s important that you get to have a say in these matters.
You can choose how involved you are
Being a part of your PTA isn’t like signing a contract, you’re not expected to attend every single meeting, you can be as involved as much as you like. Teachers and parents know how busy and valuable your time is and understand that committing to every meeting is a hard task. Attending once or twice a year and volunteering at fundraising events is more than enough, and will make a positive impact.
Have a say in where money raised is spent
Being an active member of your PTA means you have a part to play in where money raised is spent. The great thing about PTA groups is that through fundraising and brainstorming you can provide your school and its students with resources and opportunities that they may not have otherwise been able to afford. These can include funding school trips, providing tech equipment that’s needed or revamping areas of the playground. Whatever it is, you will help to make a difference to you child’s and other students, school career.
