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PTA Fequently Asked Questions

Every year we have lots of people who ask many of the same questions. We hope this FAQ sheet will help answer most of those and encourage you to join and support our Kipps PTA.

I joined PTA last year, so I’m covered, right? No, sorry. PTA has an annual membership and we collect dues each year.

I’ve heard of both PTA’s and PTO’s. What is the difference between a PTA and a PTO? A PTO (parent-teacher organization) is an independent organization, not affiliated with a national group and not supporting any political agenda. A PTA (Parent-teacher Association) has national chapter dues (per person) to become an affiliate of a national organization. This organization works on state and national levels to support initiatives to benefit all of our children. The Kipps PTA is very supportive of these initiatives and supports the nationwide PTA.

Where do my dues go? National PTA dues are $2.50 per person annually. For each adult registered in the PTA, Kipps remits $2.50 to the National PTA organization and each registered adult receives a membership card. This card makes you eligible to vote on any issue at PTA meetings throughout the year. A membership also gives you access to the National PTA website filled with articles, discounted services and many more member privileges.

Kipps offers a family membership and an individual membership. What is the difference? Kipps offers a family membership for $5 per family. This includes national dues for two adults in a household. We encourage families to join together! If there are not two adults in the household, or if only one adult wants to join the PTA, an individual membership option is available for $3 ($2.50 to national dues, and $.50 to Kipps PTA)

Who can join PTA? The Kipps PTA is open to all adults in the community, not just parents and teachers. Grandparents, community leaders, neighbors, or anyone who has an interest in supporting our school and the PTA initiatives.

Do I have to join now? Maybe later, I just have a lot on my plate! If you put off being a part of PTA, you may miss out on having your voice heard when you need it most. Please make the effort to join our PTA! We encourage you to join now and to just offer as much support as you can. If you cannot attend meetings regularly, or if you only want to volunteer for certain projects, let us know! You do not have to be a volunteer to be a member! Our members are all involved in many activities and we value their time and strive to use it effectively. In addition, National PTA requires a membership percentage to be able to continue to grant Kipps national chapter. We would like to have as many members to support us and the community as possible!

Why do you ask for donations on the membership form? The Kipps PTA offers many different programs throughout the year. Past events have included a fall carnival, science and math nights, summer kickoff events, chili cook off, bingo nights, and other fun family events. We try to offer these nights to our families for little to no cost. However, to be able to do this WITHOUT FUNDRAISING, we ask for a one time tax deductible donation to support our annual programs. Please consider making a donation in addition to the annual dues. Even if you choose to not join the PTA, you can make a donation directly to the Kipps PTA fund for our annual events.