Lucy wears many hats: she’s a district employee, a mom, a wife, a dog-lover, and the fearless president of Sunset Terrace Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association, or PTA. PTAs are key to helping our parents and caregivers stay engaged in our students' academic, social, and emotional development. When her son started kindergarten, she was looking for ways to be involved in her son’s education and started attending a few PTA meetings here and there. After a year of getting acclimated to the school calendar and activities, she officially committed to joining Sunset Terrace’s PTA.
“I saw that it was a great way for me to advocate for fellow parents,” says Lucy. “As the PTA, we create a dynamic between the school and parents for the benefit of the students and families.” Lucy finds this relationship vitally important, especially since it creates an avenue for those who may not be comfortable speaking directly with school administrators.
Under Lucy’s leadership, the Sunset Terrace PTA has been able to host a myriad of never-been-done-before events. Students participated in a color run where they received white shirts and played in chalk to color themselves and their shirts. They brought an outdoor ninja course where students could participate in various obstacle courses. They even host an ongoing “Stuffie Sleepover” where students can drop off their stuffed toys to spend the night at Sunset Terrace. PTA and staff members photograph the stuffies’ shenanigans and share the pics with students. Most recently, they held a Sweetheart Dance for families to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
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Students dropping off their stuffies for the Stuffie Sleepver
Student participating in the color run
Sunset Terrace mascot WilsonIt sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. “Start small,” Lucy says. “Sign up to help change out the marquee sign in front of your school. Or donate a box of donuts for teachers during conferences. Or sign up to wear your school’s mascot uniform for a one-hour event.”
Lucy acknowledges that many parents have competing tasks, activities, and meetings they go to. Her main message is that PTAs need help, and parents donating one to two hours a month of their time to the smaller items means the PTA leaders can help with the big-picture items.
“If you have a skill in something, and everyone does, we need you, and we want you!” Lucy adds. “Get involved. It’s a team effort.” She encourages moms, dads, parents, and grandparents are invited to join!
PTAs are vital to the workings of public schools, and we’re thankful to the many parents and caregivers who are a part of our schools’ PTAs.
If you are interested in getting involved in your student’s school, joining your school’s PTA is the easiest and most helpful way. Reach out to your student’s teacher or school principal for more information.