PTA FAQ
What is the PTA?
A Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is the official organization of the parent body in a school. Every New York City public school is required by the State Education Law and the DOE’s Chancellor’s Regulations to have one.
How do I join the PTA?
All parents of children in a school -- including step-parents, legally appointed guardians, foster parents and persons in parental relation -- are automatically members of their school’s PTA. There are no membership fees.
What’s the role of the PTA Executive Board?
The PTA’s executive board runs the organization; it also serves as the parents’ voice and agent for action. A PTA’s board must be inclusive of the entire parent body, and is responsible for encouraging and facilitating parental involvement.
What does the PTA do?
We organize community and fundraising events. We raise funds to supplement the school’s budget by offsetting the cost of field trips, swim programs, recess equipment and vacation books to support independent reading at home. We provide input on school policies, participate in decision-making on the School Leadership Team, advocate for our children, partner with school administration and staff and collaborate with community members and elected officials.
How do I stay informed about PTA opportunities and news?
How can I support the PTA?
A Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is the official organization of the parent body in a school. Every New York City public school is required by the State Education Law and the DOE’s Chancellor’s Regulations to have one.
How do I join the PTA?
All parents of children in a school -- including step-parents, legally appointed guardians, foster parents and persons in parental relation -- are automatically members of their school’s PTA. There are no membership fees.
What’s the role of the PTA Executive Board?
The PTA’s executive board runs the organization; it also serves as the parents’ voice and agent for action. A PTA’s board must be inclusive of the entire parent body, and is responsible for encouraging and facilitating parental involvement.
What does the PTA do?
We organize community and fundraising events. We raise funds to supplement the school’s budget by offsetting the cost of field trips, swim programs, recess equipment and vacation books to support independent reading at home. We provide input on school policies, participate in decision-making on the School Leadership Team, advocate for our children, partner with school administration and staff and collaborate with community members and elected officials.
How do I stay informed about PTA opportunities and news?
- Come to the monthly PTA meetings! (Second Tuesday of each month at 5:45pm) - latest dates on our calendar
- Sign up to receive PTA whatsapp messages: tinyurl.com/pta-516-groups
- Join the PS 516 PTA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PS516PTA/
How can I support the PTA?
- Become an active PTA member! - Attend PTA meetings, volunteer for events or join a committee. We currently need volunteers to: build and maintain a PTA website, help run the library after school, join our translation team, organize the Winter Carnival and manage our school garden
- Participate! - Participate in a PTA sponsored event, program or fundraiser. Upcoming events include: After School Snack Sales, March Book Fair, Earth Day Fair and more!
- Show your school spirit! Consider purchasing school merchandise from: http://www.logosoftwear.com/shareandsell/?store=PS516 A percentage of all proceeds go to the school PTA fund. Not only will you and your family be showing school pride but you will also be helping to the PTA raise funds. The PTA will also run a school store at various events throughout the year.
- Collect Box Tops! - Each one is worth 10¢ for our school. They add up quickly! There’s a collection box in the school office. You can also send them to school in your child’s blue folder.
- Donate! - Every dollar counts towards bringing more resources to our school. We are asking each family to consider donating between $5-$100. (Of course you can always donate more!) Remember the donation is absolutely voluntary. We ask that you give what you can. The state of public school education in New York City leaves a sizable gap between what a school like PS 516 needs to function and what it needs to help each student reach his or her full potential. With your support, PS 516 strives to close that gap, helping our children thrive together.
- Here are a few examples of what your money could pay for:
- $5 buys a ball for recess
- $120 buys a classroom magazine subscription
- $1200 buys swim lessons for one class
- $9,000 buys an imagination playground set.
- $10,000 buys books for one classroom library
- Here are a few examples of what your money could pay for: