Why Have a PTA?

...as defined by National PTA. 

Every individual who is a member of the Ada Merritt PTA is by virtue of that fact, a member of the National PTA.

The National PTA highlighted six standards it believes are essential for any school program involving parents and families. The standards are designed to help educators and PTA program administrators incorporate parents in their child's learning process.

The six factors identified by the National PTA are:

• Regular, two-way, meaningful communication between home and school.
  
  
• Promotion and support of parenting skills.
  
  
• Active parent participation in student learning.
  
  
• Parents as welcome volunteer partners in schools.
  
  
• Parents as full partners in school decisions that affect children and families.
  
  
• Outreach to the community for resources to strengthen schools.

Proposed Emphasis for AMK-8 PTA for 2009-2010

•    Your PTA Encourages ALL Parents to Get Involved in the School Community.

How?  Sponsors Events:  Black History Month, Earth Day, Int’l Food Festival, Gala, Meet & Greet, Hispanic Heritage Week, Holiday Winter Showcase, Book Fairs, Festa Junina, Teacher Appreciation Week, Career Day, Fifth Grade and 8th Grade Promotional Ceremonies and Trips and Sponsors Special interest Groups;  Butterfly Garden, Vegetable Garden, Park Committee, Green Team, Education Political Advocacy, H1N1 Awareness, Brazilian and Spanish Culture.

•    Increase Communication to Parents on What’s Happening at Ada Merritt.

How?  By Encouraging Every Parent, Teacher and Administrator's Participation with Regular PTA Communications such as Monthly General Membership Meetings, Providing the "Butterfly", Use of  the Room Parent Network, Use of School Media--Closed Circuit TV, DVD Production, Bulletin Board Marquees and Electronic Displays like this website to establish improved school/home, home/school communications.

•    Your PTA is At Work with the Teachers and Administration to Maximize the Unique Educational Program at AMK-8.

How?   The PTA Fully Supports Implementation of PYP/MYP philosophy, Funds Teacher Grants, Plans Math/Science Program Discussion Events, Supports Math Bowl Prep, Invites Scientists/Parents/Special Guests to do Programs at School, Supports Geo Bee and Spelling Bee Competitions, Finances Student Awards, Student of the Month Recognition, Acelerated Reading Program Incentives and Trips.  Your PTA Demonstrates Continued Support of Art/Music Programs, Club Sponsorship, Sponsors Science Meeting, Scholarships for SIPA Travel & Supports Additional Morning and Afternoon Security.

Your PTA Will Continue to Make Large Ticket Purchases such as Previous Purchases for the Covering for Playground, Musical Instruments, and Other Possible Future Endeavors like SmartBoards, Campus Beautification & Landscaping.