Frequently Asked
Questions

Still unsure about joining? Maybe you just need a bit more information. We've listed the answers to some of our most popular questions. Please email us if we haven't covered your question here!

Why Join the PTA?

We have a PTA in order to help support and enrich the learning experience for our students and more importantly to work with our District PTA in their advocacy efforts.

We work to provide programs and activities that our school would not otherwise participate in including things such as art, field trips and assemblies. Each year we also focus on special projects like the school garden, marine biology lab, and accessible playground. Family engagement is another important pillar of our PTA. Students whose families are involved with their school tend to be more engaged. We host events throughout the year where our families connect and make fun memories together!

The #1 reason to join is to benefit your child! More than 30 years of research have proven that children do better when their parents are involved both at home and in school.

Grades are higher
Self-esteem grows
Test scores rise
Schools improve

Every membership counts! When you join the RH Dana PTA, you also join the California state and national PTA and become part of a national effort to improve the education, health, and welfare of every child. Membership numbers count in a significant way when our representatives are lobbying for funding for education in the California Legislature!

Who can be a member?

Anyone! A strong PTA needs the support of parents, teachers, grandparents, students, community members, aunts, uncles, friends - anyone that loves children and wants to support the school!

Is it one membership per household?

No! Anyone can become a member - You may have as many members in your household as you wish. Even grandparents and neighbors can join!

Where does my membership money go?

A portion of your local dues is used as seed money to start fundraising events and host community building activities at RH Dana. The rest goes to your PTA council, your district PTA, California State PTA and National PTA. All these levels of PTA provide training materials, workshops, support, newsletters, legislative representation and advocacy, community programs and make the RH Dana PTA part of the network of PTAs nationally. The PTA organization is a non-profit organization of volunteers that has over 1 million members in California and over 5 million members nationwide.

Do I have to volunteer?

Nope! There will be ample opportunities, but no pressure! Most members are juggling work, kids, sports, households, etc… feel free to pass by the sign up sheets. No judgement here! But if you would like to volunteer, we have opportunities big, small and in-between. Check out the list here.

Do I have to come to meetings? What happens at meetings and how long are they?

We would love to see your smiling faces however we will make the meeting information available through the PTA website, school emails and flyers coming home in children’s backpacks.

Meetings are roughly an hour and cover info and updates from our district, principal and PTA. We also discuss upcoming events and activities, as well as volunteer opportunities and our PTA’s financials. Meetings offer an opportunity to connect with each other and hear from school leadership.

What ways does the PTA help our teachers?

The PTA serves the teachers as a force multiplier to fulfill classroom needs with supplies, staff and technology. The PTA funds field trips, art programs and the school library!

I still need more information!

For even more information and resources please visit these PTA Websites: