The Mission of the PTA is Threefold:             

• To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children.

• To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children, and

• To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

The Purposes of the PTA

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship;

• To raise the standards of home life;

• To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth;

• To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth; and

• To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

South Orangetown Central School District PTA’s consist of SOCSD PTA Council which provides a link between the local PTA units, school district, region PTA, state PTA and National PTA.

In the South Orangetown Central School District we have five schools and three PTA units organized as follows:

Each PTA has its own personality and its own programs.  We operate with a full executive board, all volunteers, and we meet every month.  Everyone is welcome to our meetings.  Our goal is to share information, collect feedback, provide assistance and work together to make our school district the best it can possibly be.

The Value of Your PTA Membership

PTA works on behalf of its members, providing state and national information, influence and recognition to help unite parents, teachers, and the community for the common good of all children.  Together members can create a healthy, nurturing environment for improving opportunities for all children and youth.

How You Can Get Involved and Why You Should Get Involved

You may think as a member of the PTA, you just organize carpools and chaperone field trips.  But by being a member you do much more.  Your voice is being heard on all of the issues that affect your children.  Children and violence.  Children and TV.  And of course, children and education.

Just by belonging to PTA, you are doing more for kids than you can know.  Your membership in PTA means:

•  Investing in your children’s future

• Communicating with local and state decision makers on issues and concerns facing our children

• Growing personally and professionally through leadership development
• Obtaining valuable resources and materials on parenting, education, health, and safety topics
• Uniting with a national association that advocates exclusively on behalf of all children.

Membership dues are collected and used specifically for that PTA unit, ie: TZHS PTSA dues support our children at the high school.  Each unit uses a portion of their membership dues to support programs for our children.  Membership in unit PTAs is important because it brings together home and school.  Research shows when parents are involved, students have:

• Higher grades, test scores and graduation rates

• Better school attendance

• Increased motivation and better self-esteem

• Lower suspension

• Decreased use of alcohol and other drugs

• Fewer instances of violent behavior

• Greater enrollment rates in postsecondary education

Please remember that there is a different PTA Unit for elementary, early childhood, middle school, high school and special education.  Membership in the unit or units you have children in, is greatly appreciated. 

For membership information, please send an e-mail to socsdptacouncil@aol.com  We will get back to you right away.

PTA Links of Interest

www.schoolcash.com	Youth to Youth	Join Together
www.boxtops4education.com	New York State PTA	Kids Peace
PTA National	Connect for Kids