What is the DSE PTA and what does it do?
The DSE PTA is a non-profit organization created to develop united efforts between educators and parents to provide our children with the highest advantages in education.
What programs and volunteer opportunities does the DSE PTA support?
With the cooperation and support of teachers, staff, and parents, the DSE PTA provides a variety of enrichment programs, educational materials, and services, including Math Stars (a voluntary, math enrichment program), Tiger Science (a parent-guided, classroom-based, science enrichment program),volunteer staffing of the Teacher Workroom (providing clerical and creative support to teachers), coordination of School Supply sales (providing parents with pre-packaged, grade-specific supply packs), hosting a Talent Show (showcasing the many talented students at our school), coordination of an annual Memory Book (a photo yearbook available for purchase), maintenance of the Outdoor Classrooms (living laboratories designed to teach students about the natural world around them), developing Planet Protectors (increasing students’ environmental awareness) and much, much more!
How can I become more involved in my child’s educational experience?
First, review the Volunteer Opportunities list included in this packet, find the activities that you would like to assist with, complete the Volunteer Questionnaire, and return it to your child’s teacher. Second, communicate directly with your child’s teacher and find out what their specific needs are for parental assistance. Finally, get involved in the PTA by becoming a member and letting your voice be heard at the meetings.
I work full-time (or part-time), how can I become involved with school activities?
The PTA needs parents to assist with a wide variety of activities, some of which may be done at home while others are a once-a-month activity (such as Tiger Science) or even a once-a-year event, such as Fall Fair, PE Fun Day, Talent Show, or Book Fair. If you are not sure where you’d like to help, please contact the PTA 3rd Vice President of Volunteers.
I’m a stay-at-home parent with small children, how can I help?
Come join us! The PTA Workroom in the Activity Building on the DSE campus is set up as a child-friendly environment for parents with young children to assist with Teacher Workroom services, such as photocopying, cutting/pasting, collating, etc. Additionally, parents with small children may also wish to assist with grading student papers for Math Stars on Wednesday mornings (in the PTA Workroom). Also, the PTA occasionally needs parents to assist with work that may be done at home, such as assisting with Teacher Workroom needs. Remember to check with your child’s teacher to see if there are needs that may be done at home.
I am new to the school and I’d like to get to know other parents, what do you suggest?
Jump right in! Volunteering to serve on a committee, serve as an Officer, Committee Chair or Program Coordinator for an available position, assist with a PTA activity, or help in the school office, library or Teacher Workroom, all provide terrific opportunities for meeting other parents at DSE and forming new and lasting friendships while directly benefiting our students.
How does the PTA finance the programs, events, and materials for the Dripping Springs Elementary School?
The DSE PTA coordinates just two major fundraising events throughout the school year. The Fall Fundraiser provides friends and families an opportunity to financially support our school through the purchase of gift-wrap and special occasion items. Our Fall Fair is a school-wide carnival complete with refreshment stands, games (for the kids), and a silent auction (which the parents enjoy). Each class creates a gift basket to be sold in the silent auction and assists with staffing of a booth. Both fundraisers are held during the early part of the school year so that teachers and students can utilize funds generated by these events during the remainder of the year. In addition to our major fundraisers, the DSE PTA also coordinates redemption and recycling programs, which enable families to purchase products or utilize services that benefit our school financially. The Redemption Programs flyer in this packet gives specific information.
