Q: What is the Watchung PTA and what is its mission?
A: The Watchung PTA is an organization of parent volunteers that seeks to strengthen our school community, support our teachers, and enrich the experience of our students.
Q: What are the PTA’s main activities?
A: The Watchung PTA seeks to fulfill its mission through a variety of initiatives. Most of these initiatives fall under the categories of building community, creating enrichment opportunities for students and staff, and raising the funds necessary to support PTA programs and events.
Q: How do I join the Watchung PTA?
A: It’s simple! Just follow this link to our Memberhub store. You can use a computer or mobile device and there are a variety of payment options to cover the modest membership fee.
Q: What are the benefits of PTA membership?
A: Your $10 PTA membership not only demonstrates your commitment to the Watchung PTA, it entitles you to cast a vote on motions put forward at official PTA meetings. In addition, a portion of the membership fee goes to support the New Jersey and National PTA organizations that advocate on behalf of our schools and students at the state and federal level.
Q: Where can I learn about upcoming PTA events?
A: The Watchung PTA calendar lists all events—great and small—along with relevant details for each. Larger events, such as the Book Fair and Spring Fundraiser may have their own page on the website that can be accessed through the website once it has been posted.
Q: How can I participate in PTA events?
A: We’re glad you asked! There’s no shortage of ways to get involved. You can attend monthly PTA meetings (in-person or virtually), join one of our cool committees, and volunteer at PTA events. You can whip up something for a bake sale or contribute some goodies for Field Day. All PTA events are advertised well in advance and will spell out what’s needed in terms of volunteers and donated items. All you need to do is pick something that interests you and sign up via a web-based app. It’s easy, fun, and makes an enormous difference.
Q: When and where does the PTA meet?
A: The PTA conducts General Membership meetings every month during the school year. Most take place at 7pm on a weekday evening in the Watchung Auditorium and the dates are provided well in advance. Meetings typically last an hour and include reports on various initiatives, an overview of PTA finances, discussion of critical issues, and votes on official motions put forward by the membership. We hope to see you there!
Q: Can I attend PTA meetings remotely?
A: Yes, a Zoom link will be made available before the meeting and can be accessed via the PTA calendar or the Principal’s weekly newsletter.
Q: Can I make charitable donations to the Watchung PTA?
A: Yes! Cash donations are always welcome and much appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please click this link and you will be directed to the Watchung PTA store.
Q: Are my PTA donations tax deductible?
A: Yes. The Watchung PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Any and all donations are tax deductible.
Watchung PTA | Tax ID:23-7220110
Q: How does the Watchung PTA use the money it raises?
A: The Watchung PTA puts your money to work in a variety of ways to improve student life and our school community. These can include smaller-scale items, such as refreshments at PTA events and supplemental teacher supplies to major gifts that enhance school facilities and student resources. For the 2022-23 school year, the PTA is focused on raising funds to transform one of Watchung’s classrooms into a dedicated library. At present, the school doesn’t have one and it’s time our kids had a quiet, cozy space to feed their brains and imaginations.
Q: Are there ways to support the PTA that don’t involve money?
A: Yes! Our mission is to build community, and we can’t get there without families who are actively engaged in the Watchung experience. By attending PTA meetings and volunteering a bit of your time and talent, you are making valuable contributions. Our parent volunteers not only make PTA events possible, they make them a lot more fun. We need you, so please jump in and join us. No checkbook required.
Q: What is ASE?
A: ASE stands for After-School Enrichment, a slate of supplemental classes and activities created and managed by the PTA. Classes meet once per week at Watchung School and range from sports to slime to photography and even woodworking. While some classes meet in the morning before school begins, most convene in the afternoon immediately after dismissal and let out around 415pm. The PTA charges tuition for each class to cover the cost of instructors and materials, but also provides scholarships as needed.
Q: How do I enroll my child in an ASE program?
A: The slate of available ASE programs are shared in the weeks leading up to registration. Once registration opens, you may enroll your child in a program via the Memberhub store. Classes can fill up quickly, so be sure to log on early if you wish to reserve a spot.
Q: Where can I purchase Watchung spirit wear?
A: Watchung logo T-shirts and car magnets are always available in our Memberhub store. When possible, Spirit Wear items are available for purchase at PTA events. In the late fall, we also have our annual Spirit Wear sale, offering Watchung apparel of all kinds to order: Sweatshirts, fleece pullovers, baseball tees, pajama pants, shorts, hats, and more! Just follow the link to start browsing.
Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions or ideas?
A: Have a brilliant idea? A concern? A question? Please send them our way via email.
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