PSPA PTO Overview

Meet The Leadership Team

Committees

Election Information

Overview & Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the PSPA Parent Teacher Organization! Pine Springs Prep is blessed with families that have a desire to be engaged in their child's educational experience. The PSPA PTO is one avenue that parents can get more involved and even pursue a leadership role. We hope the following FAQ is helpful and answers some of your questions...

WHY was the PSPA PTO established?

The mission of the PSPA PTO is to support Pine Springs Preparatory Academy by fostering relationships between PSPA families and staff to further enrich an environment for the education and success of PSPA students. The PTO strives to enhance the intrinsic value of our school by creating an avenue for families to get involved and stay connected, which ultimately benefits all Pioneers.

HOW does the PSPA PTO operate?

The PSPA PTO is an independent organization that is being custom-built to complement our one-of-a-kind school in all the right places! We are 100% volunteer run which is made possible by the tremendous support and commitment from our Pioneer community! Our accomplishments are all thanks to the collective efforts from our members, volunteers, and anyone who has supported a fundraiser! The PSPA PTO is an NC incorporated non-profit and also a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization per the Internal Revenue Code, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Currently, the organization consists of executive board members, committee chairs and coordinators, general members, and volunteers. The Executive Board also works closely with School Administration to align goals so that our efforts stay on track. Go team!

WHAT does the PSPA PTO do exactly?

The overall focus of our Parent Teacher Organization is to organize school-wide initiatives versus individual classroom support. In an effort to improve communication with parents and staff members, the PTO board has compiled an organizational chart (link) and a PTO Committee List (link). The items listed on the org chart represent things that have evolved since the doors opened in 2017, and things the PTO feels that we can continue doing well. Surveys and regular feedback from parents, teachers and administrators allow us to evaluate our repertoire and recommend changes as we evolve. Thus, the list of committees will be assessed periodically and may be revised based on the changing needs, programs and services provided by the PSPA PTO. As proposals for new initiatives are approved by the Executive Board, additional committees may be formed as needed.

Have any immediate goals been set for the next school year?

A prominent goal for the 2024/2025 school year is to provide clarity on what makes the PSPA PTO unique. Since we support an independent charter school, our PTO operates quite differently from other parent volunteer groups. PSPA can also organize volunteers and raise funds (unlike a traditional public school where the PTA is the only source for this). This means that Pine Springs and the PTO divide and conquer to support Pioneers, and optimal coordination of this is key! Thank you for your patience as we continue to learn our role within our evolving school.

I would love to get more involved with the PSPA PTO! What are my options?

Thank you for your interest in the PSPA PTO! It is always exciting when new families get involved and bring new ideas and more collaboration to the organization! Please click on the links provided below to help determine what type of engagement is right for you:

Where can I find more information?

Please visit www.pspapto.org regularly for information on current happenings and activities. The organization’s formation documents such as the PSPA PTO Bylaws are also provided on the website.

How do I contact the PTO?

If you ever have a question, suggestion, or would like more information, please don't hesitate to send an email to info@pspapto.org and an executive board member will direct your email to the appropriate person.

What part of the team is right for you?

Executive Board Members →

The main purpose of the Executive Board is to develop a framework and infrastructure for the overall organization. The executive board members are responsible for creating a foundation of sustainability and success for the committees that are established to carry out the approved PTO objectives; this includes communication and marketing, coordinating volunteers, preparing committee budgets, and developing standard operating procedures. The executive board also works closely with school administrators to align goals and set objectives, ensuring that all PTO volunteer time and resources are effective in supporting Pine Springs Preparatory Academy.

The executive board positions are for a two-year commitment, there is a two term limit, and these are elected positions. A nominating committee is formed each year to help prepare for the election, which is held at a general membership meeting in late spring. The time commitment varies by role, but is typically all school-year long. Board members have also been known to wear many hats, especially during these early years, but we believe you will get back what you put in! If you are interested in an executive board level position, or know someone that would be a great fit, please visit the Election Information tab (link) for more detailed information.

Committees →

The PTO has begun establishing committees, as well as an annual leadership roster of committee chairs. The wide range of approved events, activities and initiatives are excellent ways to get more involved with the school and our Pioneer community, but in a more finite role (compared to the Executive Board roles). Committee chairs and coordinators typically lead one event or initiative and will liaise with an executive board member, who will support their efforts from behind the scenes. These “teams” are in essence building a pipeline of future leaders which is important for the sustainable growth of the PTO as we grow alongside our evolving school!

Committee chairs are appointed annually by the Executive Board for a one-year commitment (there is no term limit, so it would be great if you served a few more years!!!) Following the spring election, the next step is to start finalizing the list of PTO committees and a leadership roster for the following school year ~ this step is still a work in progress and general members will receive updates as this information becomes available. The time commitment for these roles varies, but is primarily leading up to the scheduled activity or event, and is not a year-long commitment. If you are interested in a leadership role with the PTO and would like to pursue a particular talent or interest, then serving as a committee chair or coordinator is a great place to start!

The current year roster: Coming Soon!

General Members →

We literally could not do it without our general members - everything begins here! All current Pioneer families and PSPA employees are welcomed and encouraged to join the PTO! An annual membership drive occurs every fall which creates a wonderful sense of camaraderie, and we were so pleased to reach a new record of 53% membership this year. Please read the PSPA PTO General Info Pamphlet HERE to learn more about the many benefits of membership and why parent involvement matters. There are three general meetings per year and all Pioneers are welcome to attend these meetings. Please know that membership does not obligate you to attend meetings or fundraise (but it would be great if you did!), it is simply a membership donation to the PSPA PTO. Members in good standing are also eligible for leadership roles as committee chairs and executive board members. If anything is preventing you from joining (time commitment, finances, etc.) please contact us at info@pspapto.org so we can help your family be part of the PTO!

Volunteers →

The PTO offers a variety of ways to volunteer and get involved! Opportunities range from volunteering at an event to completing tasks at home. On the annual membership form, members have the opportunity to add their name to the PTO Volunteer List; they will be contacted as planning progresses throughout the school year. Volunteer opportunities are also included in PTO monthly newsletters and on the PTO webpage, typically in the form of a Sign Up Genius. PTO volunteers must follow the school’s Volunteer Policy, but are not required to be PTO Members (unless they are handling financial transactions).

We recognize that the PTO’s volunteer system is still a work-in-progress! The more we can plan in advance and get organized, the more consistent volunteering will become. Thank you for your patience as we continue to assess the different needs for each committee, and then determine the best way to facilitate sign-ups. Also, remember that the PTO is just one avenue to volunteer at school - your child’s teacher(s) and PSPA will also offer opportunities as needs arise.

Parent Involvement Matters and Pioneer Parents ROCK!

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