Why is the PTSA necessary?

While public education in the United States is “free,” it cannot be sustained without families, teachers and members of the community committed to supporting the educational needs of students. Our educational system relies heavily on the support of parents and others through the community through volunteering as well as financial support. Without the PTSA we would have far fewer books, supplies, no arts program, no science labs, no spelling bee, and no curriculum support for teachers which covers many educational supplies that students use every day. Simply put, without the PTSA our school would look and feel very different.

Why should I join?

Joining the PTSA benefits your child. Research shows that students do better when their families are involved both at home and at school. Being active on the PTSA is also a fantastic way to get to know teachers, staff, and other parents. Our events are funded annually, so your child will directly benefit from your support.

When you join you receive several benefits including access to the Cougar Ridge student directory, emergency shelter supplies for your child and discounts at local, state & national businesses.

Part of your membership fee is also directed to the state and national PTSA which is the main source of advocacy at the government level for our children.

I joined last year – do I need to join again?

Yes. All parents and teachers/staff need to renew their membership each year as we run our PTSA programs on an annual basis.

Does joining mean I’m required to volunteer or attend meetings?

No. Joining does not obligate you to do anything more than being a member of the PTSA. You are not required to donate, volunteer or attend PTSA meetings but we always welcome your help, support, and input.

Volunteering with the PTSA is a fantastic way to get to know teachers, staff and other parents. You can volunteer in many ways, it does not have to be during the day and in class. You can volunteer by making copies, doing work at home for teachers or helping with events in the evening, among other opportunities.

What if I’ve already joined PTSA at my other child’s school? Do I need to join twice?

Each school runs their school PTSA separately and independently of each other. So, it is helpful and important to join the PTSA at each school you have a child attending, thereby having a voice at each school.

I already have a PTSA login id – have I joined?

While your PTSA login id remains with you each year you still need to renew your PTA membership annually. 

Why do I need to pay to renew?

Our membership dues cover the cost of the Washington State and National PTA and help offset some administrative costs. PTSA programs at Cougar Ridge Elementary are made possible through fundraising efforts, not membership dues.

What if the cost to join/renew is outside my budget?

If joining the PTSA is a financial burden, we can provide assistance. Please contact our Membership Chair for assistance. All inquiries are kept confidential.

I already donated or plan to donate to the fundraiser – is this the same as joining PTSA?

Thank you for your support. The yearly fundraisers are separate from membership dues and are the primary source of funding for all our programs each year. We ask that each family purchase a PTSA membership as well as donate to the fundraiser as much as their resources allow.

More questions?

Please contact Betty Ko and Sara Woody 

Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA Co-Presidents.