Thoreau PTA Communications Guidelines 2024-2025

Role of the Comms Chair:      Manage website: includes updating information on the  website, creating registration/payment forms, putting out announcements, sending emails, managing the calendar.

                                                   Post communications for PTA: information, events across social media: on website, FB Main, FB Board (along with committee chairs), Instagram, Twitter. 

                                                  Create/Send out PTA newsletter

--------

Important note: The process has been that any communication posts to be shared across our social media, newsletter and Frog News goes through the communications chair who does the sharing out.  Most, if not all posts, with the exception of posting on FB Board, should go through the communications chair. Committee chairs can choose to post on FB Board page or have the communciations chair do it.

2^nd note: Usually posts go out between 7am – 1:00p on FB Main, FB Board, Instagram and the website on a scheduled day.  If you don’t see an event post shared on a scheduled day – please wait until after 1p to mention on FB Board. Or you can directly contact Melanie at thoreauptacomm@gmail.com. to inquire or let her know.  More than likely, the post is set to go up and just hasn’t been posted yet.     

---

*Any communications posts should be complete with the content and graphic that you want to post. I don’t usually create content for committee events or posts. In special cases I can if given enough time (approx. 3 days). I can help find a graphic upon request. PTA does have a Canva account if you want access to graphics. Just send an email to me at thoreauptacomm@gmail.com

*Any communications requests (posts, emails, etc) are to be put in comms spreadsheet. When you put in your requests, please send graphics to thoreauptacomm@gmail.com

*Deadline to request comms is Sunday by 3:00p before the week you’d like to post. If the request comes in after that day, there isn’t a guarantee that your post will be put out on the scheduled date.

*Last-minute requests (within 24-48 hours) – put in both spreadsheet and email directly to Melanie @ thoreauptacomm@gmail.com. Once again, there isn’t a guarantee that the post will be shared due to timing, but I will try my best to share out it there. Note: if you ask a comms request to post same day (even via email), more than likely that post may not be shared until the evening – since I work during the day and am not at a computer.  

*Each time you want to post new/additional comms, another request should be put into the spreadsheet.

*Frog News: Deadline is the Sunday before the week you’d like to post.  I usually send Jordan an email Tuesday evening with the posts that will go in Frog News the following Wednesday (next day).

*Frog News: Committee chairs should put their requests in the comms spreadsheet if they want their posts to go in the PTA News Corner section of Frog News.  We are allowed up to 3 posts.  On any given week, when there are more than three requests, depending on the timing of your event, your post may not be put into Frog News. I will let you know via email if your post doesn’t make it in.

*Newsletter: I will send out a schedule for the newsletter.  The posts should be in by Wednesday before the day the newsletter is due.

  OUR MISSION:  

PTA was established as an advocate for students. PTA’s mission is to “Build a Better World for our Children.” Thoreau PTA does this by providing enrichment programs, community events, parenting classes, classroom enrichment, and health & safety measures.

How does the PTA accomplish all this? WITH YOUR HELP! Thoreau’s PTA raises money to support these programs with fundraisers and runs the committees with parent volunteers.

 OUR GOALS: 

• Advocate and support children, school, and community.
• Secure laws for the care and protection of children and insure the highest success in physical, behavioral health, and social intervention.
• Facilitate a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that promotes equality and diversity.
• Foster a bridge between the school and home that parents and teachers may engage in the growth of our children.
• Raise funds to provide enrichment to our students and teachers.

OUR Exec Board 2021 - 2022 GOALS:

• Start DEI program to foster community among our families.
• Help expand STEM & Art in the classroom by creating a STEM docent program.
• Create an event where the staff and parents partner together.
• Participate in Washington PTSA  Awards. 

WHERE DOES THE $ GO?

Funds raised by the Thoreau Elementary PTA go directly in to the school to supplement and enhance your child's educational experience.  Here are some of the things the PTA has paid for:

• Instruments for music classes
• Field trips
• Classroom equipment
• Educational and fun assemblies
• Art docent supplies
• Vision and hearing testing for all students
• Legislative support - making priorities known at the state legislature
• Family events - event admission costs do not reflect the actual cost of the event. PTA funds make up the difference.
• Emergency preparedness
• Staff appreciation week
• Student directories
• Two laptops for the Thoreau Library
• This website where all your needs are met regarding all things Thoreau PTA

Thoreau Elementary parents place a high value on education and have backed fundraising efforts and the PTA. Thanks for your continued support!

H.D Thoreau Standing Rules 2021-2022

Here are the Standing Rules for 2021-2022. These were approved by our members during the Sept 13, 2021 General Meeting. 

H.D Thoreau Standing Rules 2020-2021

Click here to view. 

GOLDEN ACORN & OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR 
AWARDS

Each year, the Washington State PTSA offers unique awards to recognize individuals who make significant contributions that enhance the education and enrichment of children. Recognition of an individual who makes a huge difference in supporting the children in our community is a wonderful way to acknowledge how much their service matters.

Outstanding Educator Award- Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding educational contributions. Nominees for this award are generally teachers, including the specialist staff (An educator includes a Teacher, Instructional Assistant, Specialist, Para-Educator, Support Staff, Administrator, etc.) 

Golden Acorn Award - Awarded to those people who have given exemplary volunteer service to children and youth in our community. The Golden Acorn is given for continued and dedicated service. Nominees for this award include volunteers that meet the mission of the PTA: "To promote the health, welfare, safety and education of all children and youth in the home, school and community".  

Frog Spirit Award - Awarded to a staff member or parent/caregiver who has been exceptionally professional in their performance and personally supportive to Thoreau staff, students, and the community. Recommendations should show how the nominee displays true Frog Spirit!

Nominations usually occur in May, please check our Forms section to put in your nomination!

BUDGET

BUDGET NOTES

 Budget Notes - Sept 2021

 Budget Notes - Dec 2021

Budget Notes - Jan 2022

PTA's legacy is strong because of passionate advocates building our legislative platform! Check out the links below to learn about legislative priorities and other supported issues.