Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yale PTA?

The Yale Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is part of the nation's largest child advocacy organization. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. 

We are run entirely by volunteers and provide many educational and social programs to benefit students and families as well as to support teachers in the classroom. We do this through fundraising and volunteering.

Why should I join the PTA?

Joining the PTA gives a voice to each child at Yale and supports all of our efforts to benefit everyone on the entire Yale campus. In 2020, the Yale PTA earned the distinguished recognition of A Voice for Every Child. 

What is One Voice for Every Child?

One Voice for Every Child represents that for each student at Yale, there is at least one adult advocating on their behalf. By getting One Voice for Every Child, we become a more relevant voice during the Texas PTA’s legislative session each summer. It is a huge accomplishment for any school that achieves it. Less than 10 percent of schools in Texas ever reach this goal.

Why does One Voice for Every Child matter?

The Texas PTA’s legislative work is driven by a grassroots model that seeks input from its members. A series of resolutions and legislative positions, each of which is adopted by our members during the annual meeting, provides a framework that allows the Texas PTA Board of Directors to establish legislative priorities and act effectively on behalf of our members. As a school with a considerably active membership, our opinions and positions on key issues matter more. We can make a stronger stance on issues that the Texas PTA will then take to the Texas State Legislature and advocate on our behalf for our school and our students. 

Who can join?

The Yale PTA is an inclusive organization that is open to everyone who cares about the students and staff at Yale. We are made up of parents, guardians, family, friends, teachers, and local community members.

Should both parents join?

We encourage every member of your family to join, attend our meetings, and volunteer for our activities. Your membership and those of the others in your family or household help support our programs and our school. The more people we have, the stronger our voice is at the State and National level when they support legislation that benefits students. 

How do I join?

Great! Thanks for asking! We’d love to have you! You can click here and be taken directly to the place where you can fill out a form and pay your dues. Your membership will be good until next August.

Where does the money go?

Well, a portion of your dues covers the national and state dues. The rest goes to support our programs that benefit the students and teachers of Yale. 

I don’t want to fundraise. Can I just cut you a check?

Absolutely! You can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Yale PTA anytime during the year. We are a 501(c)3 organization, so you can also check with your employer if they will make a matching donation.

If I join the PTA, do I have to volunteer?

Of course not. While we depend on our volunteers to help run many of our programs, and we appreciate any time you can give us, we totally understand that not everyone or every family has this flexibility. Just by joining, your membership dues help support those same programs. 

But if you want to volunteer, we would love to have you! We can always use more help! Whatever type of involvement you choose, your time and effort shows that you care about your student’s education.

Do I have to join the PTA for my student and me to participate in events and programs?

No. While we hope you join the PTA to support us, the students, the staff, and the teachers at Yale, you are not required to be a member for anyone in your household to participate. However, if you do not join, you will not be eligible for any discounts, raffles, or giveaways that we do. PTA membership provides more benefits and opportunities throughout the year that we hope you will utilize.

I want to volunteer!

Great! We have a bunch of different ways parents can volunteer and make a difference at Yale. There are even ways to help if you work full time or have younger children. First and foremost, you have to fill out an RISD Volunteer account (Voly). This allows our school district to keep track of who is participating in our schools. Then for many of our events and programs, we’ll send out sign-up sheets. If you want to volunteer for a particular event or program, sign up! 

Can I volunteer for the board or a standing committee?

Absolutely! We are always looking for dedicated people to help support the students and staff of Yale Elementary. Please drop us a line and we will certainly find a place to best use your talents!

Do I have to come to school to volunteer?

Not necessarily. There are tasks you can do at home to help. For example, sometimes we need help putting packets together or helping to coordinate projects by making calls or writing emails.

How will I know what the PTA’s up to? 

We have lots of different ways to keep you up to date on what we’re doing.

1. Our events will be in the Community Newsletter that comes home in the Tuesday Folders.
2. We have a fantastic Google Calendar that has all the dates of the upcoming events. (You can even sync it to your own digital calendar.) 
3. Find us on Facebook 
4. Like us on Instagram 
5. Follow us on Twitter 
6. Come to our monthly meetings! Each of our general meetings is a part of an event already held at the school. They’re super short and we update you on everything we have going on and they’re super fun!

What happens at the PTA general meetings?

We do a lot for the school and the community. During a general meeting, the leaders come together to share their plans, ideas and questions with the membership at large. They present what we call “business” and solicits questions and/or concerns from the membership. Then it’s up to the membership to decide if a project or proposal moves forward. 

Where can I get school supplies?

We publish the supply lists for each grade at the end of each school year. We also have a program where you can buy pre-packaged School Supply Kits. More information will be sent out when that program launches in the Spring. 

I have a great idea for the PTA! How can I tell you about it?

Drop us an email! We’re always looking for cool ideas and fun things that we can do that benefit our students, teachers and staff.

I have a question about a rule or procedure at Yale

That’s not us. We are just a volunteer group that helps make the school better. We are not in control of things like that. We strongly suggest you contact the front office with your specific question. They may have the answer.

How can I get in touch with my student’s teacher?

The easiest way is to contact them directly. We have a list of the teachers and their contact information posted on our website. If you cannot find the teacher or staff member you are looking for, please contact the front office. 

My student’s teacher is awesome! How can I do something nice for them?

Teachers love being told how awesome they are. We have a few ways for you to do something nice for your student’s teacher or a staff member who has made a difference.

1. Check out our Teacher and Staff Information Sheet and send them a nice email.
2. Check out our Teacher and Staff Favorites Sheet (coming soon) and send them a treat.
3. Check out our All Yale Faculty suite of Wish Lists and send something that could benefit the entire staff.