And why your school should be a part of it. The Great Value of PTA And why your school should be a part of it.

The Mission of PTA

PTA Organizational Structure National PTA Utah PTA Region Council Local Unit Local PTAs are part of Utah PTA and the National PTA organizations.

Who We Are PTA is the largest volunteer VOICE for child advocacy in the State of Utah and in America. PTA works directly for children and education advocacy with local, state and national governments. Local and State PTA policies reflect local and state VALUES. Members are the strength of our organization. Active and informed members make positive decisions that affect the welfare and education of youth locally, statewide and nationally. Everyone can be a member at any PTA. The more members enrolled in PTA, the more powerful our voice.

PTA is a powerful advocate for children, through family involvement. What We Do PTA is a powerful advocate for children, through family involvement. Over 3 decades of research show that the most single effective element in a student’s success is the involvement of family members in the student’s education.

Utah PTA Involves the Family Through: Advocacy Efforts Leadership Training Awards and Grants PTA Programs

Advocacy Efforts Training on How to Work with Policy Makers Information on Current Issues Affecting Children and Families Member-to-Member Network PTA Day at the Capitol Advocacy Conference Oversight of School Trust Lands

Leadership Training Leadership Convention Utah PTA Handbook for Local PTA Boards Handbooks for Leaders Emerging Minority Leader Training Student Leadership Conference Field Service for Local PTAs

Leadership Training Financial Training and Oversight National Standards for Family-School Partnerships Utah PTA Web site (www.utahpta.org) Utah PTA Connection Newsletter found on utahpta.org

Awards and Grants PTA/KUED Golden Apple Awards Outstanding School Administrator “Spirit of PTA”, Advocacy, Involvement, and Development Membership and LEAP Awards Student Involvement Scholarships Arts Education Grants

PTSA On the secondary school level, PTA expands to include students. Students are encouraged to become members, making PTA at the school PTSA. Local PTSAs include students in leadership activities and events. Students are organized at the local level in different ways as best fits each individual school.

National PTA Programs & Grants Reflections PTA Three for Me PTA Take Your Family to School Week Teacher Appreciation Week Healthy Lifestyles Grant Healthy Lifestyles Month (November) PTA MORE (Men Organized to Raise Engagement)

Reflections Reflections is a National program and allows your child the opportunity to be awarded up to a National level. Utah has a history of several National PTA winners.

Utah PTA Programs Battle of the Bands Gold Medal Schools (partnering with Utah Dept. of Health) Hope for Tomorrow (partnering with Nami Utah) McGruff House/McGruff Truck (partnering with Utah Council for Crime Prevention) Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week (Partnering with Utah Dept. of Health)

Battle of the Bands Battle of the Bands is a yearly event, where bands from high schools across the state come to together to compete for prizes and recognition.

Trust Lands Trust Lands directly benefit the children in our public schools. As Trust Lands generate revenue, the Permanent School Fund increases It currently has over $1.25 billion dollars! Utah PTA works hard to ensure the money makes a difference at local schools. 

Trust Lands As the fund continues to grow, we will need to stand together and insist on the preservation of this resource for our children and future generations.  Our voice is important, it has made and will continue to make a difference in ensuring the lands are well managed and profitable.

Why Have A PTA? Why have a PTA? The number one reason to have a Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. But there are many more PTA advantages.

Why Have A PTA? To Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school. To Discover Great Resources. The PTA offers a variety of programs designed for parents as well as students.

Why Have A PTA? To Tap into a Network. PTA functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, building rapport and discussing issues that are on your mind. You can share ideas, concerns, and experiences. To Watch Yourself Grow. By volunteering with your PTA, you put your skills and hobbies to use for a noble cause—your child and all children in the community.

Why Have A PTA? To Speak Up. PTA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest and bring about change at your child’s school. To Witness Improvement. By getting involved at your child’s school you’ll be part of the solution, helping make positive changes. Local PTAs play an important role in fundraising to provide building improvements, curriculum-based programs, and social events. For less than 3 cents a day, you can become a PTA member, joining more than 5 million other people who share your interest in issues affecting children. Everyone—parents, educators, students and other citizens active in their schools and communities—is invited to join PTA a not-for-profit parent association.

Why Have A PTA? To Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. To Enjoy Substantial Benefits. Individuals and local units can take advantage of a host of benefits from PTA membership including discounts and offers from member benefits providers and sponsors, magazine subscriptions, leadership training, e-newsletters and much more.  

Assistance From Region Directors Collaboration and Coordination with other PTAs Information on PTA advocacy at the Legislature Representation at School Board Meetings Meetings with the Superintendent to discuss issues Help with school or PTA problems Representation on school district committees

Financial Benefits of Joining Utah PTA National PTA trains Utah PTA on the most current laws for non-profits. Utah PTA advocates for local PTAs with the IRS, Utah State Tax Commission and Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

Financial Benefits of Joining Utah PTA Local PTAs fall under Utah PTAs tax-exempt status and all PTAs are able to receive their sales tax paid in Utah as a refund. Utah PTA keeps local PTAs in compliance with tax filings.

What Does It Cost To Join PTA? Utah PTA Charges $1.75 in dues per person per year. National PTA Charges $2.25 per person per year. Each local PTA charges the amount that is in their individual bylaws. Most are charging $5 or $6 per person per year. Dues are not a fund raiser and should not replace a school’s fundraising project.