PTSA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to all of our new and returning families!

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

If you have additional questions, please contact Heidi Perala-Dahl, PTSA President, at president@fhmsptsa.org

What is the PTSA?

The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is the nation's largest child advocacy organization. It is a non-profit organization that is organized at the National, State and Local level and run entirely by volunteers. Our local PTSA provides many educational and social programs to benefit students and families as well as to support teachers in the classroom at FHMS.

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

While we depend on volunteers to run our programs and we greatly appreciate their time, we understand that not all families have this flexibility. By joining, your membership dues help support our programs and help give the State and National PTA's a stronger voice when they support legislation that benefits children.

Do PTSA Board Members or volunteers get paid?

PTSA Board Members and and volunteers give their time to help the students, staff and FHMS community. We welcome anyone who is willing to assist. Our volunteers work very hard to promote a comfortable atmosphere for the entire FHMS community.

Why should both parents /care givers join the PTSA?

We encourage all care givers to join the PTSA and we encourage all to attend our meetings and volunteer for activities. As mentioned above, your membership dues help support our programs and help give the State and National PTSA's a stronger voice when they support legislation that benefits children.

How many PTSAs can I join and do I have to pay dues to each one?

You may join as many PTSA’s as you like (e.g. preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school. Your voice is important in each school building. You have to pay full dues to each organization you join. We are all separate and your membership does not carry over.

I do not like fundraisers but I would like to support the PTSA. What can I do?

You may make a tax-deductible contribution to the PTSA anytime during the year. Since the PTA is a 501(c)3 organization you may also request a matching donation from your employer. We run only one “Pass The Hat” fundraiser each year and our budget is based on what we are able to raise at that time.

How do I know the PTSA funds are really being used for our children?

Any parent, care giver, or community member is welcome to participate in ALL PTSA events/meetings. Our records ae not confidential and we would be glad to provide documentation on how our PTSA funds are distributed.

What is the best way to receive information from the PTA and to find out what is happening?

Aside from attending PTSA General Membership Meetings, the best way to receive PTSA information is to sign up on our website as a member. We post many updates there as well as on our Facebook page.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

There are opportunities to volunteer both inside FHMS and outside of the building. PTSA and volunteer opportunities will be available for every possible time consideration throughout the year. Please be sure to fill out the Volunteer section on our website if there is a specific area you feel your talents could be utilized. Otherwise, keep an eye on our FB page as well as our website.

What if I have an idea for a new PTSA activity or program?

Please contact any of the PSTA officers. We welcome ALL new ideas!