The Ben Rush Parent Teacher Association is an important part of the Ben Rush Elementary School community. We fundraise and recruit/manage volunteers to support the many programs at Ben Rush.

When and how do I join?

PTA membership drives take place in the fall, but you can join any time of the year. Please sign up online and join us today!  If you have questions about your membership status, please contact vicepresident@benrushpta.org

What are my responsibilities after I join?

Membership in the PTA does not require any particular action on your part. For example, you don’t have to attend meetings or provide volunteer assistance for PTA-sponsored activities – although we hope you’ll choose to do so!

What type of organization is the PTA?

The Ben Rush Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a local, self-governing membership association incorporated as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. We work in the school, for the school, and in partnership with the school, but are an independent legal entity.

Our local PTA unit is chartered through, and affiliated with, the larger Washington State PTA (WSPTA). The purpose of the WSPTA is to “promote the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth in home, school and community.”

Through our relationship with the WSPTA and its affiliates (at the council/district, regional and national levels) we have access to a number of valuable resources and the ability to provide input for their broader-reaching efforts. However, we also have the independence to develop goals and priorities consistent with the needs of our unique school community.

Why should our family join the PTA?

Your tax-deductible membership in the PTA does not require any particular action on your part. For example, you don’t have to attend meetings or provide volunteer assistance for PTA-sponsored activities – although we hope you’ll choose to do so! However, membership has the following impacts and benefits:

• Community Building. By joining, you express support for our entire school community – teachers, staff and volunteers -- who work together to make Ben Rush an exceptional place for our students to learn and grow.
• Reputation Building. The level of PTA membership is one element used by outsiders to judge the quality of our school. By joining, you enhance its reputation as well as the quality of teachers and staff attracted to the school.
• Legislative Impact. The level of PTA membership weighs into governmental spending decisions for our schools at the local, regional and state level. In addition, a portion of our membership fees go to our affiliated state and national organizations, which play an increasingly important advocacy role for students before various legislative groups.
• PTA Voting Rights. While any individual in the Ben Rush community is encouraged to provide input and attend thrice-yearly PTA general meetings, only members may cast votes on proposals – including those which establish budgetary and programmatic priorities for the organization.

How are membership fees used?

The first $8.25 per member goes to support the activities of our larger affiliates at the district, regional, state and national levels. As mentioned above, these affiliates in turn provide us with a number of valuable resources and take the lead on broader-based initiatives. Remaining funds go into the Ben Rush PTA’s budget to assist with administrative costs.

How does the PTA allocate its financial resources?

The Ben Rush PTA supports activities not funded by state and district budgets. Over the past few years, we have underwritten the following:

Science Fair • Art Docents • Passport Program • Nature Vision • Young Author’s Day • Class Field Trips Transportation• Physical Education Equipment • School Assemblies • Emergency Preparedness • Teacher Classroom Supplies • Staff Appreciation • Ice Cream Socials • Family Fun Nights  • Student Scholarships • Peace Coaches • Math Enrichment • Safety Patrol Supplies • Running Club • International Night • Spelling Bee • After School Programs • Choir Stipend • Electronic PTA Newsletters

Questions or Concerns?

Please contact Rashma (Ben Rush PTA vice president) at vicepresident@benrushpta.org.