Joining the Madrona Elementary PTSA
Why does Madrona have a PTSA? Why should you officially join as a Panther Partner?
It’s an agreement to strive together for our kids
Joining the Madrona PTSA means working together towards our common mission. It means having a voice to shape that mission, helping us choose what we can do, which partnerships we make in the community, and voting on how money is spent and who is in charge.
The Parent TEacher Association is a National organization
Our local PTSA is a small part of a national organization built to help parents support their public schools and have a voice loud enough to be heard by decision-makers. At the state level, the WA PTA brings us together to advocate.
Our Seattle Council in particular, is well aware of the challenges a school like Madrona is facing. Being a part of the PTSA gives us a voice in the organization and it helps our council amplify the needs of underfunded city schools.
More practically, being a part of this national group also allows us access to insurance the school district requires to use their buildings at a rate we can actually afford.
There are member benefits to places like Wild Waves, Silverwood, Budget Rent a Car, photocopies, and FedEx. Passwords are in your membership email.
Why does it cost money to join?
The cost of membership in 2022-2023 is $8 in dues. To continue to be an accredited PTSA, we need 25 paid members.
Our philosophy is that the membership dues should not be a barrier to membership. Please choose the option that works the best for your family.
Who gets these funds?
The national and state level organizations have paid staff to coordinate the appropriate governance such as making sure that PTSAs are trained and following best practices for working for children, and advocacy work. All dues collected are passed along to these parts of the PTSA organization.
The Seattle PTSA Council and Madrona PTSA has made the choice not to collect any dues from members at Madrona. Typical PTA memberships cost $25 in Seattle public schools.