PTA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Goal of the Tuckahoe PTA?

The success of a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) depends on the positive relationship between school families and staff. It takes all of us working collaboratively to ensure that we support our school and our kids. The PTA sponsors a variety of events (including field trips) to enrich the already strong education our kids receive at Tuckahoe, help teachers attend trainings, and raise money to support practical solutions for the school.

 PTA Goals

The PTA has several exciting initiatives we will be working toward this year. These include:

• Improving PTA communications to reach more families, and put resources and information in one easy place;
  

• Volunteer opportunities – giving families four hands on events during the year and finding another APS school to partner with to create meaningful interactions between the kids;
  
  
• Building the Tuckahoe community through regular parents only social engagement opportunities;
  
  
• Working with the CCPTA to address disparities at other APS elementary schools;
  
  
• Continued funding for teacher grants and trainings;
  
  
• Ensuring broadened volunteer support for the traditional events we all know and love (HarvestFest, Global Dance Party, Trivia Night, etc);
  
  
• Sharing good stories in our weekly newsletter and social media so families are aware of the accomplishments led by the amazing teachers and staff at the school and any ongoing initiatives;
  

• Improving our PTA Teacher Grant program so that teachers have a better understanding of what is available and increase the use of the program;
  
  
• Better formalizing the role of the grade liaisons so there are more standard communications, clear expectations with teachers, and building out a calendar of events ahead of time to minimize last minute planning;
  
  
• Better utilization of our liaison budget, which we created as a way to give back to parents (evenly across all grades) what they have given to the PTA, by finding ways to decrease the amount(s) requested by teachers throughout the year.  For example: standard grade level supplies (organizers), field trip admissions, grade-wide celebrations and activities.

How Does the PTA Raise Money?

Several of our larger events fund the main portion of our budget, including Tuckahoe Trivia Night, Spirit Wear, and the Book Fair. Other events such as HarvestFest, Global Dance Party and everyday fundraising help round out our budget. 

What Does the PTA Fund & Coordinate?

The PTA funds or coordinates a variety of activities and initiatives to support and enrich the education that our kids are already receiving through the school. Below is a list of some of the major initiatives sponsored by the PTA (although there are many others than listed here!). Check out the Budget & Finance page for more detailed information.

Supporting Teachers - The PTA funds Teacher Grants (for innovative/creative instructional ideas), Teacher Training (eg Responsive Classroom), and Teacher Appreciation activities.

Enriching Student Learning - The PTA funds the Outdoor Classroom and Discovery Schoolyard, the Courtyard Pond, and supplies/materials for outdoor lessons.

Providing Extracurricular Opportunities - The PTA funds Grade-level activities (field trips, end of year celebrations), Library & Book funds, Visiting Authors, Odyssey of the Mind, Reflections, and coordinates the Educational Theater Company play and the Enrichment Program.

Building the Community - The PTA funds social activities to bring families together, supports the broader community through volunteer opportunities, and provides support to the County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) and the Special Education PTA (SEPTA).

Advocating for Strong Educational Policies – The PTA is not just about events and activities, it supports the educational well-being of our students by engaging the school, county and other bodies on a variety of topics, including: Allergy Awareness, Learning Differences, Boundary Refinement, and the Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI). In addition, the PTA serves as a bridge for parents and the school by staying on top of pressing issues and serving as a collective voice to the school.

Are Donations Tax Deductible?

Yes! The Tuckahoe PTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so donations are tax deductible. 

How Do I Join the PTA and How Much Are Dues?

Anyone can join the PTA - it is not just for parents of students! Go to the My Account tab and fill out the required forms to update your information and to pay PTA Dues. Dues are $20.00 per household (up to two adults).

How do I Volunteer?

It's easy. You're already on the website, so just go to the Get Engaged tab on the main menu and click on PTA Volunteer Opportunities. Fill out the volunteer form and let us know what you're interested in. We have everything from ongoing activities, to one time opportunities, to things you can do from the comfort of your own home. Our volunteers rock! 

If I Join the PTA, do I Have to Volunteer?

Nope. You can join and pay dues to support our activities. If you want to volunteer and help out, we always love volunteers! But it isn't required to be a part of our PTA community. And if you want to volunteer, but haven't yet become a dues-paying PTA member, that's okay too. 

Do I Have to Go to PTA Meetings?

We always love to have parents join us at PTA meetings. It's a great way to learn what's going on at the school, help plan events and initiatives, hear from teachers and other guest speakers, and to ask any questions you may have. But you are not required to go to meetings, even if you join the PTA. 

PTA meetings are held several times throughout the school year. They typically start at 7:30 PM in the Tuckahoe Library. If you missed a meeting, contact the PTA Secretary for a copy of past meeting minutes.

Who do I Talk to if I Want to Find Out More About an Event?

If you have a specific event or activity in mind, go to the Events and Activities tab on the main menu and find the contact info for the committee chair. Or you can email us at President@Tuckahoepta.us . 

What if I have School-related Questions or Issues I Need Help With?

Whether you are new to Tuckahoe or just need a refresher, check out the Tuckahoe New Family Welcome Page under Resources on our Main menu. There are also many other resources there for families. If you can't find what you need under our resources page, email us!