2023-2024 Board Video Coming Soon! 

 

 

We are Stonegate PTA!

 

PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association, a school-based organization with a mission to make the school a better place for children to learn. PTA members are parent volunteers. Stonegate PTA is an official non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 95-1683870), with an executive board and an operating budget.  

 

Our parents partner with teachers to raise money for school programs and supplies, volunteer in classes, and generally support the school's efforts.

 

What does the PTA do for the school?

 

Stonegate PTA works with parents and faculty to organize and facilitate events both during and after school hours that serve to enrich our children’s educational experiences and build a stronger community. Some of the programs that Stonegate PTA coordinates include: Hawk Run, all Family Fun Nights (Spring Carnival, Trunk or Treat, Welcome Back Festival, etc) Field Trips, ACE Program, Reflections, Library Support, Classroom/Teacher Support, Red Ribbon Week and most recently, the STEM Innovations Lab.

 

How is PTA funded?

 

Stonegate PTA’s $15 membership fee gives parents who want to be involved a way to do so without necessarily committing time to help in classrooms or with after-school programs and fundraisers. 

 

Our PTA also depends upon parent donations and fundraising activities to cover the budgets. Fundraising can involve sales campaigns, securing the support of local businesses, or bringing in donations from other parents within the community. The goal is to shore up holes in a school's budget and to provide teachers with the supplies and support they need to effectively do their jobs.

 

 

How does a school benefit from a strong PTA presence?

 

1. Improved School Environment

 

A school with an active PTA will have parents who know what's happening in the school, what's being taught, and what is expected of their children. This is a great boost to our school’s climate because parents and teachers become part of the same team, and that unity improves learning. Schools with a strong PTA often even see an increase in involvement and school pride. 

 

2. Morale

 

One important function of the PTA is to boost morale for teachers and administrators. Parent-teacher relations can sometimes feel adversarial when parents aren't fully aware of the school's programs, curriculum, or procedures. The PTA creates a more open dialogue between parents and teachers, which reduces tensions. PTAs often step in to donate needed items to classrooms that schools are unable to purchase, and many PTAs sponsor Teacher Staff Appreciation Week (TSAW) to show their appreciation. These activities help improve teacher morale, which in turn, positively affects student learning.

 

3. Communication

 

Stonegate PTA writes a monthly newsletter and manages social media pages to keep parents informed about what's happening at the school. PTA Board Members can also function as intermediaries for less formal lines of communication between schools and the community. It's common for school committees to have a PTA representative who helps administrators and teachers make decisions that are best for the students. One example of this is our Tech Committee and their work on bringing a STEM lab to Stonegate. In that way, the PTA can empower parents to have more of a say in what happens in their children's schools.

 

What does the PTA Executive Board do?

 

Stonegate Elementary is an outstanding school because parents and staff work together for the good of the students. This could not be accomplished without parental support and the volunteer contributions of parents just like you! 

 

The nominating committee plays a central role in the life of a PTA because its decisions shape a unit’s future. Its main focus is to identify potential candidates for the elected positions on a PTA board for the upcoming term.

 

Job descriptions for PTA board and committee chair roles are listed at the bottom of the page. 

 

Why should I serve on the Stonegate PTA Board?

1. You get to meet and work with people within your community.
2. You stay updated and informed on what is going on at our school. 
3. You can more effectively suggest changes at our school.
4. Your child feels a sense of pride to know that his/her parent holds an office. 
5. Everyone has different strengths and talents. Everyone has something unique to offer our school and our children! 

 

What is the time commitment to of a PTA board position?

 

The time commitment depends on the board position. Some duties can be performed from home and some require your presence at school. Some positions are seasonal and some require effort for most of the year. Explore which position would be right for you. The time you donate to actively participate in your child’s school is time well-spent. It shows our children that we care about what they do every day. 

 

 

GENERAL PTA MEMBER    (Membership Dues of $15)

 

• Attends monthly PTA Meetings (But this is not a requirement)
• Votes on PTA issues brought forth by the PTA Board

 

 

Stonegate Executive Board Position Descriptions

 

 

PRESIDENT.  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Undetermined

• Oversees and coordinates the work of an executive board to run a PTA effectively

• Presides at PTA board and association meetings

• Serves as the official contact, communicator and representative of a PTA

• Designated as an authorized signer for PTA checks, contracts and authorizations for payment

• Serves as ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee

• Works with other PTA leaders to connect families, school and community to support student success

Official job description from the California State PTA for the office of President can be found here. 

 

 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT.  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Undetermined

• Works as the primary aide to the president

• Helps lead the PTA towards specific goals consistent with PTA purposes and policies

• Performs president’s duties in his or her absence

• Carries out other duties outlined in unit bylaws and standing rules or as assigned

Official job description from the California State PTA for the office of Executive Vice President can be found here.

 

 

TREASURER   (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averges 6 hours a month

• Tracks and records all financial transactions: membership dues, donations, receipts, disbursements

• Keeps the PTA compliant with rules and regulations, reporting to government agencies and state PTA as required

• Informs committees of budgeted funds

• Pays bills and reimbursements as required as it is approved by the President and Financial Secretary

• Oversees ongoing PTA finances

• Ensures adherence to approved PTA budget

• Prepares and presents budget/treasurers report for each PTA meeting

Official job description from the California State PTA for the office of Executive Vice President can be found here.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECRETARY  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 6 hours a month

• Works closely with the treasurer and other financial officers in handling PTA funds

• Keeps a record of all PTA funds collected, deposited and disbursed

• Prepares monthly and annual financial reports

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Financial Secretary can be found here.

 

 

AUDITOR   (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 3 hours a month. Additional time spent during auditing period which is twice a year. 

• Audits the books and financial records of a PTA to determine their accuracy

• Presents written reports on audits to the board and the association for adoption

• Forwards copies of adopted audits to council/district PTA as indicated in unit bylaws

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Financial Secretary can be found here.

 

 

SECRETARY   (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 3 hours/month

• Records minutes at PTA meetings, submits minutes for inclusion on website

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Secretary can be found here.

 

 

VP OF MEMBERSHIP  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours before the beginning of the school year and an average of 3 hours per month during the school year.

• Plans and executes PTA Membership & Pledge Drive including setting goals, campaign themes, calendar of events for Membership Spirit Week, budgets, etc. 

• Distribute membership cards

• Plan rewards for winning class parties

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of VP of Membership can be found here.

 

 

VP OF COMMUNICATION   (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 7 hours a month

• Plans and creates the monthly PTA Newsletters, Hawk Highlights, with the help of the president.

• Manages social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram. 

• Maintains the PTA website to make sure information is current.

• Assists with the marketing and communication of PTA events with event chairs.

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of VP of Communication can be found here.

 

 

PROGRAMS CHAIR   (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 3 hours a month. Varies according to events.

• Collaborates with the PTA president, principal and other committee chairmen to coordinate, plan and implement programs. 

• Recruits and manages committee for Family Fun Nights 

• Communicates with businesses to plan event nights

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Programs Chair  can be found here.

 

 

HISTORIAN  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages 3 hours a month

• Captures, assembles and preserves record of activities and achievements of a PTA

• Collects volunteer hours for PTA meetings and events

• Completes and submits the PTA Unit-Annual Historian Report to council/district PTA

• Maintains the Stonegate PTA Google Drive 

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Financial Secretary can be found here.

 

 

PARLIAMENTARIAN  (Executive Board Member)

Minimum Time Commitment: Averages approximately 3 hours a month, Additional 2 hours when nominating committee is in session (Dec - March)

• Assists the president to manage meetings and advises on parliamentary procedure

• Chairs Bylaws committee to review unit Bylaws each year and revise Bylaws every three years

• Arranges nominating committee’s first meeting, providing information on nomination and election process

Official job description from the California State PTA for the position of Financial Secretary can be found here.

 

 

What Programs and Committees can I volunteer for?

 

Here is a list of the programs and events that the PTA currently organizes and sponsors.

 

Please note: Committee Chairpersons are appointed by the elected Executive Board. The Nominating Committee cannot nominate chairpersons, but would like to collect names of interested PTA members in order to help the new Board fill these positions.

 

 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

IPSF Ambassador/Legislation

Hospitality 

Spirit Wear

Teacher Staff Appreciation Week (TSAW)

Dad's Club

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Yearbook

Room Parent Coordinator

 

 

FUNDRAISERS

Hawk Run 

Shop & Earn

 

 

GENERAL ENRICHMENT

ACE Program (IPSF)   

Culture Week Tasting

Reflections