The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. Founded in 1897, PTA believes that the education of children is a shared responsibility of the home and the school. PTA works to benefit children and to support parents. Your membership dues ensure your right to vote at PTA meetings, defray the costs of materials you receive, and support your child's education. If you decide not to pay dues, you may still attend meetings, but you may not vote. When you join a local PTA, you also become a member of your county PTA, your state PTA, and the National PTA - all working together to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn and be successful in school and in life.

Some of the ways your local PTA works for you:

• Brings parents together
• Provides parent training
• Sponsors workshops for parents
• Uses newsletters to inform parents
• Works on school climate
• Identifies volunteer tasks in school and at home
• Works with schools on ways that parents can support school instruction at home with their children
• Has representatives on the school improvement team
• Researches issues
• Testifies at public hearings on issues affecting children and families

What do my dues pay for?

Members pay dues that include a small portion for the county, state, and national offices:

• $1 goes to MCCPTA (www.mccpta.com)
• $1.50 goes to Maryland PTA (www.mdpta.org)
• $1.75 goes to National PTA (www.pta.org)

In return, local PTAs and members receive access to many valuable resources, information, and training programs. Be sure to check your PTA membership card for password information to sign in to specific sites in the National PTA website.

The rest of your annual membership fee goes to our PTA budget to provide funding for our many different yearly activities and programs. They may include, but are not limited to, activities targeting students' educational needs, teachers' classrooms enhancements, staff development, and family and community enrichment.

By joining the PTA, you take the first step to BE INVOLVED in your child's education. Please consider taking an extra step and sign up to volunteer some of your time or talents for the many activities we have planned for the school year. Visit our PTA Executive Board Member page, and our Volunteer page.