About

The mission of PTA is to represent our members and to empower and support them with skills in advocacy, leadership, and communication to positively impact the lives of all children and families. The National PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of all children and youth. For more than 100 years, the National PTA has promoted the education, health, and safety of children, youth, and families.

Our PTA at the local level is linked to the state PTA and National PTA, forming a nationwide network of members working on behalf of all children and youth. Because of its connections to the state and National PTAs, the local PTA is a valuable resource to its school community with (1) access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families, and (2) the recognition and size to influence the formulation of laws, policies, and practices—education or legislative.

President – Erica Rahall

Vice President  – Emily Cullings

Recording Secretary  – Jen Leitzinger

Treasurer  – Greg Baker

Financial Secretary  – Lisa Sadowski

Historian  – Allison Palme

Membership Chair  – Bry Shen

Communications Chair  – Leslie Amin

When and where do PTA meetings happen?

2025-2026 PTA meetings @ 9:30am in MPR

• 9/8

• 11/10

• 1/12

• 2/9

• 3/9

• 4/13

• 5/11

• 6/8

What happens at a PTA meeting?

PTA meetings are a great way to hear directly from the principal about what’s going on at TOW, as well as help contribute to decisions about PTA programs and events. The general agenda for a typical PTA meeting includes:

• Welcome

• Approval of minutes (from the last meeting)

• Principal’s report

• President’s report

• Treasurer’s report

• Unfinished business

• New business

• Committee reports

• Announcements

• Adjournment

What’s the deal with the complicated parliamentary procedures?

If and when you go to a PTA meeting, you’re likely to hear motions, approvals, calls for member votes, etc. It might seem strange or even a little intimidating, but it’s just how we run the meetings. PTA meetings are governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. While these rules go far beyond what’s needed for a typical parent group (after all, they’re used for the United Nations!), the key concepts work well to keep meetings organized and flowing. An orderly, well-run meeting is best for everyone.

Is it ok to bring up my own questions and concerns during a PTA meeting?

Of course! There is always an agenda for the meetings, in order to ensure that we keep the meeting on track and tackle one item at a time. You are welcome to submit an item for the agenda in advance —email the PTA president at president@towpta.org. There’s also a point in the meeting, usually at the end, when the president will ask for new business. At that time, you can bring up any topic that is not formally listed on the agenda.

Can anyone go to a PTA meeting?

Yes, PTA meetings are welcoming of all PTA members.  Become a member to secure your spot and voting privileges!

Can I bring my baby, toddler, or preschool-age child?

Sure, but we can’t promise they will be riveted by the meeting! Feel free to bring your little one (and maybe an electronic device to entertain them).

How do I get more involved in the PTA, even if I can’t attend the meetings?

If there is a specific event or position you’d like to volunteer for, let us know. Plus, keep up to date with happenings by reading the TOW PTA Weekly Wave.

• Advocacy/Education Chair- “PTA is a child advocacy association. Its legislative mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth at the local, state and federal levels. The PTA Education Chair promotes understanding of the purposes and needs of public schools and encourages participation by parents and community members in working toward improvements in public education.”

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair- The PTA is committed to fostering a school community that welcomes all families. Parents of children with disabilities often face additional challenges that hinder their engagement. A PTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chair should lead a committee dedicated to providing support and information to these families.

• Spirit Wear Team Member- Team members would work with Spirit Wear Coordinator to ensure Spirit Wear is available for purchase at all major events, including, but not limited to, Popsicles in the Park, Open House, Bonanza, Jogathon, Talent Show, and Back to School Night.

• Jogathon Co-Chair- Jogathon Co-Chair works closely with Jogathon Chair to ensure timely communication and planning of Jogathon.   Duties may include coordinating volunteers, assigning tasks to team members, running meetings, and assisting the Chair with necessary tasks.

• Jogathon Signage and Communications- Signage and Communications works to get folders and flyers designed, printed, and distributed for Jogathon.  Duties also include sharing pertinent information and flyers with Communications chair, Principal, and Social Media Chairs.

• Jogathon T-Shirt Coordinator- T-shirt Coordinator collaborates with TOW art teacher to get designs for the Jogathon t-shirts.  He or she also works on obtaining sizing from teachers and/or parents as well as a list of sponsors for the reverse side of the shirt.  He or she orders and distributes the shirts to teachers during the week of Jogathon.

• Yearbook Assistant- Yearbook Assistant will work with the Yearbook Chair throughout the year-long Yearbook process of collecting photos from parents and staff in the classroom and at school-wide events and field trips.  Duties may also include helping with orders, organization and distribution of yearbooks.

• Website Coordinator- Website Coordinator will maintain the TOW PTA website and post events and documents as needed by the PTA Executive Team.