The Great Valueof PTA
And why your school should be a part of it.
The Mission of PTA
PTA Organizational Structure
National PTA
Utah PTA
RegionCouncil
Local Unit
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.
What We Do
PTA is a powerful advocate for children,
through family involvement.
Utah PTA Involves the Family Through:
Advocacy EffortsLeadership TrainingAwards 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
PTSAOn the secondary school level, PTA expands to include students. Students are encouraged to become members, making PTA at the school PTSA.
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)
ReflectionsReflections 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 BandsBattle 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 LandsTrust 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!
Trust LandsAs 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.
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.
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.