FAQS

 

Who can join PTSA? PTSA is open to parents, students, teachers, administrators, staff, friends, family members, and the community at large! Anyone who values children has a place and a voice with PTSA.

Why should I join PTSA? 
Being a member of PTA means that you are part of a powerful association and action plan that is focused on programs and initiatives that strengthen your child’s education.
PTSA membership and dues support children by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTSA because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community. 

What are the benefits of being a member of PTSA?
Did you know PTSA members can get special savings and discounts?  Check out the California State PTA website and  National PTA website for more information. 

What does my money go when I pay membership dues?
The dues are $10 for an individual or $7 for students/teachers/staff.  $6.25 of these dues cover the cost of individual registration with council, district, state and national PTSA organizations. This funding contribute to the training, oversight, lobbying and important advocacy work within LAUSD, California and nationally --  to ensure our students have what they need to thrive! The remainder of the dues, as well as any voluntary donations or fundraising, directly support your child.  These funds stay at Reed and are used to support programming for Reed students and families. This year that will look like opportunities for virtual fun and engagement as a community with themed contests, virtual check-ins and parties, family education, and other creative events to keep up student (and parent) spirit.  

How do I become a member of the PTSA?
It’s simple! Join online or by cash/check.

It is our goal to have 100% participation by making membership available to anyone wishing to join. If you need assistance and would like your membership fee waived, please indicate a scholarship need to WRMSPTSAPres@gmail.com

Does PTSA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?
The only thing required of you to be a member of PTSA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to PTSA is up to you. PTSA offers all parents and caregivers, students, teachers, and staff the opportunity to be engaged in student potential. From attending PTSA programs and events to participating in local, state and national advocacy efforts to holding PTSA leadership roles to giving high fives and support– the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTSA!  

How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA? 
Membership in PTSA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support our Reed students and families.

Are the PTSA  reports from meetings available for review?
Yes, PTSA members may request to see the bylaws, financial and audit reports and meeting minutes. They are also available at each PTSA General meeting. Email WRMSPTSAPres@gmail.com with requests.

Isn’t PTSA a social club for stay-at-home moms?
First and foremost, PTSA is for everyone in the Reed community. PTSA is for students, teachers, parents, caregivers, grandparents, family members, and the broader community!
While some of the work done by PTSA may appear purely social – including family events like Community Connection Events that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTSA’s work focuses on building student leadership, advocating at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education, building an inclusive school environment, providing resources to families, and helping to fund school resources and curriculum needs.

How does PTSA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?
We encourage every family in the school to become a PTSA member to support the success of their child. We want a diverse membership base that reflects all of the families and needs of students at the school. PTSA strengthens connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone. That is also why PTSA is forming an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Action Committee to ensure that our school community is inclsuive and representative.

How does PTSA impact my child? 

•    PTSA plans student social events and Community Connection family engagement events to strengthen and build the family school connection. PTSA also works with student government to plan events and work on cooperative fundraising to help build student leadership, as well as 8th grade grad night.

•    PTSA provides opportunities for scholarships, access to experts, resources, and training opportunities to better understand school curriculum, funding, the CA dashboard, and more.

•    PTSA funds the nation's largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama and visual arts.

•    PTSA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, anti-child labor laws, and movie rating system. Local and state advocacy efforts have recently exerted pressure to fully fund our schools, including arts education, fight for updated curriculum, and to prohibit flavored tobacco products marketed to children. 
 

How is PTSA different from the other parent groups at Reed? PTSA is the only parent group at Reed recognized by LAUSD as a parent teacher organization authorized to engage in cooperative events and fundraising with the student body on campus for students.  Becuase PTSA is a membership association, all funding and programming decisions must be voted on and approved by the membership (as opposed to just the Executive Board). Also, as the largest children advocacy group in the nation, PTSA has a nationwide and local support system providing training and oversight, additional programming, and opportunities for advocacy. In addition to PTSA, and working cooperatively, Reed also has two booster organizations authorized to fundraise with parents.  These two groups - Friends of Reed and Friends of IHP - fundraise for the whole school and IHP programs respectively. Each of these groups does valuable and important work at Reed!