Frequently Asked Questions

Being a first time parent or new to a district can leave many questions unanswered. We have put together the following list of "frequently asked questions" to help you find the information you need.

To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children.
To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools.
To protect access to quality education for all children.
To see accurate information on policies, curriculum and laws that affect children.
To share accurate information with members and the school community.
To know, help and interact with teachers and administrators.
To work within the partnership with school professionals to determine appropriate programs and services.

The National Congress of Parents and Teachers -- the National Parent-Teacher Association -- is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. An organization of parents, teachers, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities, the PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children. Nearly 6.5 million people belong to this nonprofit, noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan organization.

The National PTA advocates before decision makers for children's rights to better health, education, and well-being, working closely with other national education and health agencies and organizations. It provides current information and offers programs, guidance, publications, and training to state and local PTA groups in developing family-centered programs and encouraging parental involvement in all areas of a child's life.

For over 100 years, PTA has been leading the way in improving the lives of America's children and youths. Parent education is a primary part of PTA's philosophy and aids in the association's quest to protect and encourage all children. PTA draws on the experience and input of its membership and cooperating groups and shares what it has learned through its programs, publications, and services.

PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a state and national affiliated organization dedicated to advocacy for all children. It has as resources other PTA units, state and national organizations, a voice in state and national legislation, and a network capability with 6.5 million child advocates. PTA's work is based on the concept that many groups with similar goals working for children are much more effective and benefit more children than just a single organization working for the children on one campus.

A portion of PTA dues are dedicated to the National and State PTA. All other monies are used as the local unit desires and decides.

PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a campus level group that deals primarily with issues arising from its school. There is no affiliation with other PTOs, and there are no state or national resources. Decisions and actions made by a PTO generally affect only the children of its affiliated school. PTO dues are determined by the local unit. Since PTOs are independent of any state or national organization, all monies are kept in that unit.

Who belongs to the PTA?

PTA membership is open to individuals and families who pay an annual fee. Memberships may be purchased at any time, with the annual membership drive occurring throughout the school year.

The Bellmore Elementary PTA usually meets once a month. Please refer to the meetings page of this site for the next meeting date and location.

No, anyone may attend a meeting. However, membership confers voting privileges.

Meeting attendance is not required but the welcome mat is always out. Anyone can attend a PTA meeting. Parents, teachers, staff, students, grandparents - all invited to attend the meetings, if just to become more informed about school activities. All members of the school community are encouraged to become active in PTA activities.

The opportunity for PTA Membership is extended to all members of our school community upon payment of nominal annual dues.

How active do I have to be?

As active as you want to be. There are opportunities to serve on various committees and projects, become an officer, sign up to help with special projects, etc. The PTA welcomes everyone to become involved and/or attend meetings when it works for you.

Fund-raising events and PTA Memberships. We are a non-profit organization.

The PTA funds numerous cultural arts programs and educational activities throughout the school year. PTA fundraising helps to fund programs such as shows, performances, authors, field day, pumpkin patch, sixth grade activities and many more.

The PTA budget is normally prepared by a budget committee during the summer and presented for adoption to the PTA general membership at the first meeting of the year.

The annual budget is proposed by the PTA Board and approved by the PTA general membership.

Attend regularly scheduled PTA Meetings and volunteer to help one of our programs.