Why is membership important?

Alcott PTSA is part of a national movement, the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA) that represents parents' and students' interests, rights and values to be implemented and enforced in every school day and beyond.

PTSA is a membership-driven association. Membership in the PTSA shows that you value not only all the programs we organize and support, but also the time and effort spend by the PTSA volunteers who make it happen. Many volunteer hours are needed to achieve our mission to enrich every Alcott student’s academic experience by providing resources, enrichment activities, academic programs and curriculum support, community-building activities and more.

Does every parent need to be a member of Alcott PTSA?

A strong PTSA needs a strong membership. Only with a diverse group of parents can we ensure to have everyone's interest represented. In addition, the larger our membership base is the more voices we add to be heard on issue decided on county, state and national level.

What is individual membership and dual membership?

Individual membership covers membership for one person or entity.
Dual membership covers two adult memberships. The two people don’t need to be in the same household.

What’s the price for membership?

$20 for individual membership;
$30 for dual membership;
$12 for staff membership;
​You have an option to cover the processing fee if paid by credit card, which will save us money and therefore we will have more money to give back to students.
We have membership scholarships available for low-income families. Please contact the school's counselor.

Where will the membership fee go?

Part of the membership fees goes to Washington State PTA, National PTA,  Lake Washington Council PTSA. They provide resources, training and support for our board members and community.

Other expenses, like tax preparation and business fees are also paid by membership fees.

Any additional funds go back into our general budget and are used for all PTSA activities and programs.

Do I still need to donate if I paid my membership fee?

Being a PTSA member is different from participating in fundraising efforts at school. By becoming a PTSA member you ensure that we have legal grounds and basic funds to run our business (we are a registered 501c(3) organization. Donations allow us to do everything else we do.

What are my responsibilities as a PTSA member?

More than responsibilities, you have rights. Right to vote for the PTSA executive board. Right to audit our financial standings.

I am not a US citizen, can I join and vote for PTSA business?

​Yes!! No matter your status (citizen, resident or non-resident), you can become a PTSA member and vote at PTSA General Meeting.

How to join Alcott PTSA?

Go to www.alcottptsa.org,  click on  button "Become a member",  select individual or dual membership and register. ​

If I join Alcott PTSA, do I have to volunteer?

No. You are not obligated to volunteer once you join but we always need volunteers.  Check out our volunteer section to find more information.

What's in it for me?​

• Know what is happening in your kid’s school.
• Access to parent and student education through PTSA.
• Build relationship with other parents, teachers and staff.
• Make suggestions to benefit your kid’s school.
• Be part of  a positive change.
• Be a Role model for your child by demonstrating the importance you place on education.
• Make your voice heard on behalf of all children.
• Use your membership card to enjoy discounts from many retailers.

What benefits/discounts do I get as a PTSA member?

After signing up or renewing your membership, you will receive an email with login information to get your membership card. With that, you get access to discounts offered through the National, State and Council PTAhttps://www.wastatepta.org/get-involved/member-benefits/.
(The membership number is the same for NPTA, WSPTA and Alcott PTSA.)
Here is a list of current benefits (subject to change):

Can I sponsor a membership?

Yes you can. Contact president@alcottptsa.org.

Do I need to renew my membership every year?

YES! Irrespective of when you become a member, it needs to be renewed every academic year. We will send a reminder at the beginning of the school year.

How can I get details about PTSA business such as income and expenses?

The best way is to attend our general meetings (4x per year) and sign up for the newsletter.

What has the PTSA sponsored and supported in the past?

Examples:

• ART lessons/program
• STEM program via Nature Vision
• Drinking water service in the portables
• Dance Education
• PE & Music class support, library and author visit funding
• Teacher materials funding, picture day support, supplies for health room
• Orca Folders and agendas
• Student leadership and safety patrol
• Support for emergency preparedness
• Low income student support
• Community building activities such as Back to School Bash, Science Fair, Egg Drop, Math Night and the End of Year Carnival

In addition to becoming a member or donating, are there any other ways to support Alcott PTSA?

Check out Other Ways to Help

Why can't I make one payment for PTSA, school and classroom fees?

Find detailed information about different types of payments here. 

What if I have more questions about membership?

Contact us at membership@alcottptsa.org.