Membership/About Us
About Us
The Wayside Elementary School is a 501(c)(3) volunteer organization which works to enhance the educational experience for our children. We operate a large number of programs around the school, ranging from before-school and after-school programs, to clubs to celebratory events and fundraisers, all aimed to support the school and enrich the school experience.
The Wayside Elementary School PTA is a member of the local (Montgomery County), state (Maryland), and national PTAs.
Some of the Great Things the PTA Does…
In addition to the general membership meetings, the PTA sponsors parent education speakers, cultural assemblies for the students, opportunities for students to learn a foreign language, after or before school science, chess, math and other enrichment activities. PTA social programs offer our children opportunities to further enhance their social skills and community building through programs such as Multicultural Night, the Variety Show, the Back to School Fall Family Picnic, and the Spring Fling. We also provide teachers with annual stipends to supplement and enhance the curriculum. Your dues also provide your children with resources such as library books, math initiatives, computers, safety patrols, science fair, and more! The PTA sponsors the Staff Appreciation to the school’s teachers through lunches, breakfasts, Staff Appreciation Week activities and gifts, and other recognitions. Each month, PTA representatives attend meetings of the Churchill Cluster and the Montgomery County Council of PTAs.
The PTA Pays For All of This…
PTA programs are partly funded by membership fees, but fundraisers are also used to help finance the PTA’s efforts. Read-A-Thon, the Book Fair, and gift wrap sales are among the biggest fundraisers. We also sponsor Spirit Nights and Logowear.
Membership
Our success depends upon your support. The best way to show your support is to get involved. Join the PTA and contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@waysidepta.org to find a place where you feel most comfortable. Even a few hours of your time can make a difference. PTA membership is available to parents and guardians of any student enrolled in the school, administrative and staff, as well as any community members concerned about local education. Members may vote on any issue at any general meeting of the organization.
Open meetings take place several times a year and everyone is welcome to attend. The meetings are subject to the Wayside’s PTA’s bylaws, as well as the bylaws of the MCCPTA and the National PTA. PTA meetings typically begin with the approval of the minutes, followed by reports from the PTA President and then the Executive Board. Guest speakers sometimes attend meetings to speak about topics like homework, nutrition, special needs, etc.
Join today by downloading and completing the Membership Form, or Join ONLINE!
Help Your Child. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. Studies show that children are more successful when their parents are involved in their school. Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school. Discover Great Resources. The PTA offers a variety of programs designed for parents as well as students. Tap into a Network. Parenting is not easy—it helps to share ideas, concerns and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PTA functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport and discuss issues that are on your mind. Watch Yourself Grow. By volunteering with the PTA, you gain valuable experiences. It’s an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause—your child and all children in the community. Speak Up. Because the PTA is a forum for exchanging ideas, you are encouraged to make suggestions. PTA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest change at your child’s school. Witness Improvement. By getting involved at your child’s school you’ll be part of the solution, helping make positive changes. PTA plays an important role in fundraising to provide building improvements, curriculum-based programs, and social events—all vital to our school’s success. Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. You'll also show your child the value of volunteering and giving back to the community. Free Membership Directory. When you join PTA you receive a complimentary copy of the Student Directory!