The Lisbon PTA is the parent and teacher association for Lisbon Elementary School in Woodbine, Maryland USA. The PTA is composed of parent and school staff volunteers who strive to fundraise, host events, and provide support to the students and staff at Lisbon Elementary School.
What is a PTA?
The PTA, which stands for Parent Teacher Association, is an organization that brings together parents and teachers to collaborate on behalf of children and schools. Think of it as a team where everyone is working towards the same goal: creating the best possible environment for students to learn and grow.
Here’s what the PTA does in simple terms:
1. Supports Schools and Students
The PTA helps schools by organizing events, fundraising for school supplies or technology, and supporting programs that might not be fully covered by the school’s budget. This can include things like art classes, field trips, or playground equipment.
2. Fosters Community
It creates a sense of community among parents, teachers, and students. By getting involved with the PTA, parents can meet each other, share experiences, and work together to make the school a better place for their kids.
3. Advocates for Children
The PTA doesn’t just work at the local school level; it also advocates for policies at the local, state, and national levels that benefit education and children’s well-being. This means they can have a say in important decisions that affect your child’s education and future.
4. Volunteer Opportunities
Being part of the PTA gives parents a chance to volunteer in various capacities, whether it’s helping out at an event, participating in a fundraiser, or serving in a leadership role within the organization. It’s a hands-on way to contribute to your child’s educational experience. This volunteer opportunity is also a great addition to your resume to showcase what you’ve accomplished at your school.
5. Keeps Parents Informed
The PTA helps keep parents informed about what’s happening at school and any issues or changes in the education system. This can be through meetings, newsletters, or social media groups.
Why Join the PTA?
Joining the PTA is a great way for parents to be more involved in their child’s education. It allows you to have a voice in decisions that affect the school, provides opportunities to contribute to your child’s learning environment positively, and helps you stay connected with other parents and teachers.
In summary, the PTA is all about parents, teachers, and the community working together to support students’ success and improve the school everyone is part of. It’s a way to make a real difference in your child’s education and school life.
PTA Membership
PTA (Parent Teacher Association) membership typically runs on an annual basis, aligned with the school year. This usually means that memberships are renewed each year around the beginning of the school year, although the exact timing can vary depending on the school or district. The Lisbon PTA begins in August/September each year at the beginning of the Fall semester.
The Executive Committee
The Lisbon PTA executive committee is comprised of a:
- President
- 1st Vice President
- 2nd Vice President
- Treasurer
- Recording Secretary
- Corresponding Secretary
- (2) PTACHC Representative
While we often need new committee members, there are many other volunteer roles as well.
Meetings
PTA meetings are open to the public and generally meet once per month during the school year. We do not host a meeting in December or June, however, due to the holiday and upcoming summer break.
Voting
The frequency of voting within a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) can vary depending on its bylaws, the specific needs of the school community, and the issues at hand. However, there are a few common instances where voting typically occurs:
1. Election of Officers
PTA officers, such as the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, are usually elected on an annual basis. Elections for these positions often take place toward the end of the school year or at a designated annual meeting, to prepare for the upcoming school year.
2. Approval of Budgets
The PTA’s annual budget may require approval by a vote of its members. This usually happens at the beginning of the PTA’s fiscal year, which often aligns with the school year.
3. Major Decisions
Significant decisions regarding the PTA’s projects, initiatives, and changes to the bylaws typically require a vote. These can include decisions on large-scale fundraising events, substantial financial expenditures, or changes in the PTA’s direction or policies.
4. Regular Meetings
Many PTAs hold regular meetings (monthly or bimonthly) where members may vote on smaller, ongoing decisions related to event planning, committee reports, and other operational aspects of the association.
Key Points:
- Scheduled Meetings: The PTA bylaws usually specify how often the general membership meetings occur, where voting can take place on various matters.
- Special Meetings: Sometimes, special meetings are called specifically for the purpose of voting on urgent or significant issues.
- Voting Rights: Typically, only paid members of the PTA have the right to vote, emphasizing the importance of joining the PTA to have a say in its decisions.
- Transparency and Participation: Voting procedures are designed to be transparent and to encourage participation from all members, ensuring that the PTA operates democratically and represents the interests of the broader school community.