Frequently Asked Questions about KEPTA Membership

What is KEPTA?

The Kenmore Elementary Parent Teacher Association (KEPTA) is a group of parents and teachers/staff at Kenmore Elementary who work together to provide enrichment activities and other support for all our students.

Why should I join as a member?

The number-one reason to join Kenmore Elementary PTA as a member is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. Research shows that students do better when their families are involved both at home and at school. Grades are higher. Test scores rise. Self-esteem grows. Schools improve.

Being active on the PTA is also a fantastic way to get to know teachers, staff, and other parents. Your membership helps create a louder voice for state and national PTA as they advocate and lobby for our children and schools. Whether you are here for only a year or for 6+ years, we welcome you to our community of learners! Our events are funded annually, so your child will directly benefit from your support.

When you join, you receive several benefits, plus offers available from State and National PTA.  Some of these include:

  • Discounts on Silverwood, Wild Waves, Avis rental cars, and other attractions, plus discounts on supplies, copy and printing at FedEx Office and Office Depot.
  • Access great resources. State and National PTAs provide information on topics ranging from homework help to bullying prevention to media safety to child health and more.

I joined as a member last year – do I need to join again?

Yes. We ask all parents and teachers/staff to renew each year as we run our PTA programs on an annual basis.

Does joining as a member mean I’m required to volunteer or attend meetings?

No, joining does not obligate you to do anything more than that. Please join and show that you care and are invested in the welfare of our children. You are not required to donate, volunteer or attend PTA meetings – but we’d love it if you did!

What if I’ve already joined PTA at my other child’s school? Do I need to join twice?

We ask that you please join the PTA at each school you have a child attending. Each school runs an independent PTA program that supports the students at that particular school. PTAs run programs based on the volunteers and funds provided annually by their individual members. Kenmore Elementary PTA supports all children at Kenmore Elementary, regardless of whether their parents join.   We are striving for 100% membership to share support for your child across all families – every dollar or hour you spend with Kenmore PTA goes directly to your child this school year.

Why do I need to pay to renew my PTA membership?

Our membership dues cover the cost of the Washington State PTA and help offset some administrative costs. PTA Programs at Kenmore are made possible through our fundraising efforts, not membership dues.  Membership dues are 100% tax deductible.

For information on Washington State PTA, please visit their site at http://www.wastatepta.org/member/value_benefit/value_benefit.html

What if the cost to join/renew is outside my budget?

If joining PTA is a financial burden, we can provide financial assistance for you.  Please email membership@kenmorepta.org. All inquiries are kept confidential.

I already donated to PTA fundraising – is this the same as joining PTA?

Thank you for your support!

In addition to donating to the PTA, we ask that all parents become a member. The PTA is a voice for students in the education system – and the more members we have, the louder the voice.   PTA is the largest child advocacy group in the United States and lobbies and protects the interest of our children. One membership adds up to thousands of members, and thousands of voices, all for the kids. Joining PTA also benefits you individually, with access to many benefits from Washington State PTA and National PTAs.

More questions?

Ask away!   Contact our PTA President or our Membership Chair. We’re here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks to http://challengerpta.org/Page/PTA/PTA%20Membership%20FAQs for the template to this FAQ page.