PTA Volunteering and Support
"I work during school hours and want to support my school. How can I do that if I can't be there??"
There are many ways! Make sure your child gets a good night sleep, healthy meals, and homework help. Having your child in school every day and prepared assists our teachers in educating our children. Other things you can do from home include clipping Box Tops and Campbell's Labels. Many of the PTA activities take place in the evening--you can help by attending as well as volunteering time during the event!
"I'd love to help, but I'm not comfortable being in a classroom full of students. What can I do?"
We have a great place for you! The teachers always need help with photocopying, cutting die-cuts, folding, stapling, laminating, etc etc. And it's something you can do at any time during the school day.
"I'm at work all day, but Grandma and Grandpa would love to help at school. Is that OK?"
Sure! We just need to have them fill out a Washington State Patrol Background Check. Once they are approved they can start helping in the classroom and throughout the school!
"A Background Check?? What's that all about?"
All volunteers and staff must have an up to date Washington State Patrol Background Check on file with the district. Forms are available at the information table just inside the school doors. Make sure yours is current. You need a new one every two years.
"I'm a PTA member, but life is just too crazy to help right now. Can I be a member and still not attend meetings or help at events?"
Sure! Just being a member shows that you support Bay View PTA and Bay View students and staff.
Fundraising
"Why did I have to pay to join PTA? Where does that money go?"
Our members pay dues that include a small portion for the state and national offices. In return, local PTAs and members receive access to many valuable resources, information, and training programs.
As a local affiliate of a national organization, local PTAs may be eligible for discounted insurance for special events that are not covered by the school insurance. Non-PTA parent groups usually must purchase more expensive insurance policies to cover special events and liabilities or leave their members at risk. (taken from the National PTA Website)
"Hmm...PTA membership fees can't be enough to pay for all the great things PTA does. How do you get money for everything?"
We hold one big fundraiser a year. For the 2009-2010 school year our fundraiser is the Fund Run taking place in May. Last year we had an Auction to support PTA. These two great events rotate every other year.
"What about all the other times I go to a PTA sponsored event and have to pay money? Where does that go? And what about the magazine sale?"
Ticket sales for the Missoula Children's Theater productions turn right back around to pay for the actors/directors from MCT to come here. Concessions during MCT and Family Fun nights are covered by that event's concession sales. The money from Bingo card sales goes right back into Bingo winnings. The majority of our activities pay for themselves and we don't make a profit.
The magazine sale supports Bay View ASB. ASB funds are used for field trip buses, recess equipment, supplies for K-6 Student Recognition, referees for 7/8 games, WIAA membership and fees, Science Fair, piano tuning, student leadership workshops, 7/8 dance treats, Spelling Bee, and much more!
"Oh, OK. That makes sense. But I'm sure the Auction and Fund Run make a lot of money! Where does that go?"
A large portion of the profit from our fundraiser goes to Art Enrichment and the salary for our Family Involvement Coordinator. Some of the money raised will go toward Scholarships for field trips, purchasing food and other supplies for the Ice Cream Social, Play Day, Pumpkin Carving, and so many other family fun events. Teachers can also make requests of the PTA for help with supplies, such as PE equipment, music equipment, books, and other classroom needs. PTA also helps with some big ticket items around school like playground equipment, smart boards, and other classroom technology.
"I would like to donate an obscenely large amount of money to Bay View PTA. Can I do that? Are there any specific needs?"
You bet! Donations to PTA are always welcome. One need we have is for field trip scholarships. Over half the amount we budgeted for this was gone by January. If your child is going on a field trip, please consider paying that amount again so that another child in the class has an opportunity to attend. You don't need to go through PTA for this, just send the additional money with your child or take it to the office.
