The PTA of PS/IS 217

The PTA is managed by an executive board whose members, all parent volunteers, are elected by the general membership for a one-year term. The executive board meets regularly with the school administration to discuss issues of concern to the parents, and to identify ways in which the PTA can assist the administration in providing a better education to the students. This assistance can include financial help for school programs, equipment, and supplies, volunteer help during the school day in the school office or cafeteria, and bringing school problems to the attention of the district school board, the Board of Education, and our elected officials.

The PTA also organizes volunteer efforts to assist in conducting such programs as eye tests and height and weight checks for students, and encourages parents to become official school volunteers who are trained and certified by the Board of Education. The PTA also assists the school in organizing events such as Project STOP, which trains teachers, students and parents in conflict resolution, an annual Career Day for middle school students, the school’s participation in the citywide School Fairs, and the welcome back to school each September.

The PTA asks parents to pay annual dues of $5 per family, and conducts fundraising activities throughout the school year. These activities usually include a Halloween carnival and party after the Island’s Halloween parade, a candy and gift wrap sale, a book fair, and an international buffet dinner. The PTA also oversees the Marketplace near the Motorgate garage, where vendors sell produce and other items on Saturdays. The PTA receives a fee from vendors.

The funds collected by the PTA are used for a wide variety of programs. The PTA provides funding for after-school programs such as chorus, track and gymnastics, for the Reading Is Fundamental book program, and for the Young Audiences cultural enrichment programs. Each year, the PTA gives a stipend to every teacher for supplies, class trips or other uses. The PTA also provides funds for lunchtime equipment and supplies, classroom and electives support, tutorials, and administrative supplies.

The PTA’s ability to provide funds for these programs and activities is especially important at a time when the school’s budget is repeatedly being reduced by the Board of Education.