Ethel McKnight PTA – Why should I join?
There are many reasons for each and every parent to join our PTA, not least of these the ability to vote on the budget and any amendments.
Each member is entitled to vote and have his/her voice heard at the monthly meetings. We are always looking for fresh ideas.
Each member gets a discount at every event held by the PTA – in 2 or 3 events, you will have saved the $6 cost of membership. The discount will only be good for member adults, so please don’t be afraid to have both parents join!
Where does my $6 go?
Well, the $3.50 of the $6 goes to the NJ State PTA, which covers insurance, legal and general & administrative costs as well as funding numerous programs as advocates of children (see www.njpta.org to find out more). The remaining $2.50 stays with our school PTA to help fund the many great events we sponsor.
What events do the PTA sponsor?
The Ethel McKnight PTA, thanks to the generous support of our members, sponsors:
· 5 School Assemblies annually. For these assemblies, our PTA budget $6,500 so our children will be exposed to cultural events in an innovative and educational manner.
· Our PTA sponsors an Author/Illustrator to come speak to the children- this year our Author is: Pegi Deitz Shea (cost is $1,000)
· Class trips. Our PTA budgets just under $8,000 for school trips, including $500 extra towards the special 5th grade trip. Some of the class trips do require additional fees from parents.
· Playground equipment: Our PTA purchased both the kindergarten playground and the main playground equipment, and also the smaller equipment, like jump-ropes and balls. Just this year we had answered our gym teachers wishes by purchasing two gym mats ($1,300) to help keep our children safe.
· The Back to School / Halloween party is one of the most popular get togethers sponsored by our PTA. We also have a fun end of school year picnic where you get to bring your picnic dinner and have fun with other EMK families! (Check our website calendar to view our year’s planned events.)
· Miscellaneous items for our school e.g. the great inspirational banners you see throughout the halls, the school camera, organization of the Guided Reading Room, flowers that bloom beautifully in spring etc
· This year, our big push is to purchase a marquis for the front of our school.
· Other family fun events: Ice-skating at
· We hold 2 book fairs annually, and sponsor the Read across
We have many events and many areas where we could use your help. Please join our PTA and come to our meetings!
Deirdre Misiura
EMK PTA Treasurer
