East Hill PTA Frequently Asked Questions
Following is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the PTA. If you have additional questions, or there is something you would like to see addressed please go to the Contact Me page and let us know. Thank you for your interest!
Q1 - It seems we always have the same PTA people leading meetings, events, and programs. How can I be more included?
Answer: Yes, you will see a lot of familiar faces after you’ve been to several PTA events. Many of our PTA parents enjoy helping the PTA because they get a fresh opportunity to make friends and use talents not tapped in other parts of their lives. We can use more volunteers and more familiar faces at our events. Out of the number of families that make up East Hill's community only a handful of parents raise their hand to help out . As a result events might be cancelled. As Board Members finish their terms there is the risk of not having a new crop of parents to fill these vital roles. This is sad news for the East Hill Community - without evolving leadership, we do not get the breadth of ideas needd to serve our diverse and changing community. New parent leaders can keep our PTA moving forward. Please check out the Volunteers section of the website for more information about how you can help!
Q2 - Why can't we celebrate holidays at school?
Answer: The decision about celebrating holidays is not made by East Hill PTA but by the Kent School District. If you have any questions about this please talk to the principal to get more information.
Q3 - Why does the PTA spend it's money on things like Bingo Night or the Harvest Dance instead of using it for our kids classrooms or the school?
Answer: A large amount of the budget does in fact go to the teachers . The PTA also supports the purchase of PE Equipment, Music Instruments and Equipment, and many other items for our school. In addition to supporting the school one of the primary funcitons of the PTA is to help build a school community. With that goal in mind we try to plan events that help nurture and enrich our community and the parents and students that the PTA serves.
Q4 - What is an art docent?
Answer: Due to budget priorities, East Hill does not have a dedicated art teacher, yet your student is graded on this subject. To help solve this problem, art is taught by volunteers called “Art Docents” who work with teachers to develop student art skills. Docents receive training, supplies and lessons through the PTA via a partnership with the Interurban Center for the Arts at Green River Community College. For more information visit our Art Docent Website.
Q5 - How is the PTA Funded?
Answer: Our main source of income is our fall fundraiser, but we also get income from other resources including Box Tops/Labels for Education, membership fees, spring fundraiser and various events like our skate nights. Along with this we also apply for grants throughout the year.
Q6 - How can I help in the classroom?
Answer: To help in the classroom you will first have to complete paperwork for the school district and get finger printing done. Please visit the school office to complete this process. (It's a good idea to get this done at the start of the school year so that you can help out on field trips.) Once approved you can volunteer at any time during the school day. Next step would be to discuss with your child's teacher how you can help out.
Q7 - I'd like to be more involved but I have little time due to commitments, my job, or a small child at home. What can I do?
Answer: No matter how much time you have to help there is a place for you. We have jobs that can be done at home, and others that take very little time, as well as events that only happen for a brief time during the year. Check out the volunteer section of the website or use use the Contact Us page to get in contact with the PTA Board.
Q8 - Is it required that I volunteer to become a member of the PTA?
Answer: No! You don't have to volunteer when you become a member. We encourage members to volunteer and help out so the PTA can offer more programs but appreciate all those members that cannot volunteer and look forward to their participation at our family nights and other fun events.
Q9 - I am too busy to help with fundraisers but would like to contribute in other ways. What can I do?
Answer: Since East Hill PTA is a 501c(3) approved non-profit organization, you can designate it as your charity of choice through United Way. With this approach regular donations can be deducted automatically from your paycheck and will go straight to the PTA. Also alot of companies offer a matching gift program that would allow your thoughtful donation can multiply to make a big difference.