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- FAQs about the Cherry Chase PTA
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Dear New Cherry Chase Families:
On behalf of the Cherry Chase Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the marvelous community we represent, I want to welcome you to Cherry Chase Elementary School. I’m confident you and your children will find Cherry Chase to be a great school and community.
Below is a list of answers to common questions asked by new Cherry Chase families. My hope is it helps familiarize you with the school and PTA and the great work volunteers just like you do to enrich every child’s experience inside the classroom, around campus, after school, and in special events that unite us and enrich our lives all year long.
I look forward to getting to know you as we travel this dynamic journey of parenthood together.
Michelle Eugeni
PTA President Cherry Chase parent since 2014 president@cherrychasepta.org
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cherry Chase PTAWhat does the Parent Teacher Association do for our children?
- The PTA is made up of families and school staff who work together to enrich our children’s experiences at Cherry Chase Elementary. Volunteers supplement in-class learning with arts, music, social, and real-world learning, and we have budgeted more than $150,000 of your donations to directly support classroom activities, teacher support, and technology. The PTA also enables about a dozen after school programs to enable learning and growth after the school day is officially over. Every child at Cherry Chase benefits from the enrichment our PTA provides.
So really, what do I need to know as a new family at Cherry Chase?
- Read weekly electronic newsletters (filter your inbox for “eBlast”)
- Use the Family Handbook and bookmark the school and PTA websites
- Connect the PTA Calendar to your phone
- Get to know your teacher and the other families in your classroom
- Visit the Volunteer Fair (August/September)
- Get to know parent leaders. They are happy to welcome you and help you get the most out of Cherry Chase!
How is PTA money spent? And who decides?
- You decide how the budget is spent. Currently 76% of Cherry Chase PTA budget goes to activities our children directly experience: in-class & after-school activities, technology, and equipment, including helping equip a brand new science classroom. The remainder goes to community and school events, fundraising, and the tax and insurance activities required to be a non-profit and a member of the national PTA.
Here are just a few of the wonderful programs we sponsor or pay for to enrich our children’s
education:- Assemblies & Parent Education
- Field trips and in-school special programs
- Science Camp contribution
- Project Cornerstone character building activities
- FAME (Fine Arts Mini Experience)
- Fall Festival (Oct) and International Night (May)
- Science and Technology
- After school program offerings
- Outdoor garden experiences
- Diwali (Nov) and Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) celebrations
How do I know what’s going on?
- eBlast Newsletters: You are automatically subscribed to the Charger News and the PTA eBlast using the e-mail address you provided during registration. Charger News is the school’s official monthly
newsletter, and the eBlast is the PTA’s weekly newsletter that will inform you about different activities, events, and opportunities at the school. The eBlast will be in your inbox the same day
each week … please take the time to read it! - PTA calendar: The PTA manages an events calendar. There are also instructions on how to attach it to your phone’s calendar.
- Websites: The school’s official website can be found at sesd.org/cherrychase. The Cherry Chase PTA website is at cherrychasepta.org.
How do I volunteer at Cherry Chase?
- Attend the Volunteer Fair, typically held on the second or third Friday morning of the school year, to learn about and sign up for the various volunteer opportunities available as of fall. Many PTA leaders will be there to answer questions. Don’t miss it! After the Fair, read your weekly eBlast; it almost always lists a way for you to get involved. Attend Back to School Night, where your child’s teacher may share classroom help opportunities. Lunchtime helper is a popular option for Kindergarten parents (October-May).
- If you have not had a TB test (blood test is best choice for many parents) or completed a TB risk assessment with a doctor in the last 4 years, start by doing that. Proof of TB clearance is required for all individuals working with students.
- Classroom volunteers must upload their TB clearance via an online volunteer information form each year (yes, even if you volunteered last year). The Principal and district office review each volunteer’s information before approval is sent via email. Field trip drivers have additional requirements (information form, fingerprinting, and proof of insurance).
- Looking for a specific program contact? Have an idea for volunteer recruitment? Or do you just need a bit of extra help finding your spot? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteercoordinator@cherrychasepta.org.
Can I come to school to volunteer in class or visit?- Yes! Visitors to campus are allowed for scheduled activities. Most school day visitors are actually there offering assistance, and will have completed volunteer registration. Our children’s school is a better place because of the commitment and volunteerism of our entire community, and that includes you.
- Come to “Friday Flag.” All parents are encouraged to stick around after drop off on Friday mornings, to observe the school-wide assembly on the blacktop. Each week, one class is responsible for making the announcements before the whole school community. Meet other parents and learn what’s happening at school. It’s fun and informative. Make attending part of your routine.
- Cherry Chase PTA asks that every family help in some way. There are hundreds of opportunities throughout the year for stay-at-home, part-time, and full-time working adults to make a difference. Start by marking your calendar to attend Fall Festival (last Friday in October) and Walk-A-Thon & Auction (third Friday in March) at a minimum.
- You are required to submit a volunteer information form (now online) and upload TB test results and proof of Covid vaccination at least 2 weeks before you begin working with children. Field trip drivers also turn in proof of auto insurance (with a liability minimum--see form) and must be fingerprinted. Volunteers always sign-in at the office before working on campus and wear a “Volunteer” or “Visitor” sticker at all times for all of our children’s safety.
How does the PTA fundraise?
- We have two main sources of fundraising. When school begins in the fall we hold a “Direct Appeal” campaign. In the spring, we host a Walk-A-Thon & Auction. Together, the goal is to raise $150,000 annually to support all of the programs provided to our children. In order to reduce our overhead costs and to save time for our families, we do not participate in selling products to fundraise. 100% of your donation stays with Cherry Chase and is tax deductible (Tax ID #94-6171785).
- Two additional “effortless” ways to contribute are by linking your AmazonSmile account to the Cherry Chase PTA (Amazon gives us a percentage back for each order you place without increasing your cost) and by applying for corporate matching on any direct donation you make to the PTA.
When are PTA Meetings and why should I attend?
- The PTA meeting is how you influence our PTA, what we do, and how we spend our money. It’s also a place to get information: the Principal and our Teacher Representative always give updates on what is happening at the school, and there are frequent updates on school activities and events. Plus it’s a great way to connect to other parents.
- Meetings are typically held the 3rd Wednesday of every other month at 7:00 PM. Please refer to the PTA website and/or calendar for specific dates and keep an eye out for PTA e-blasts. You are highly encouraged to attend. This is how you shape your PTA.