Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Purdy Elementary School PTA! You can click the links in the numbered list below for a shortcut to each question and answer.

  1. What is the PTA?
  2. How much money does the Purdy PTA fundraise each year and what does it support?
  3. Who is part of the Purdy PTA?
  4. What does the Purdy PTA do?
  5. How often does the Purdy PTA meet?
  6. What’s discussed at the Purdy PTA meetings?
  7. Do I have to be a teacher at Purdy or parent of a current Purdy student to join?
  8. Is there a cost to join the Purdy PTA?
  9. How can I get involved with the Purdy PTA?

1. What is the PTA?

National PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association. The Purdy Elementary School PTA is a member of the Washington State PTA.

The mission of the Purdy Elementary PTA is to help students realize their full potential by engaging and empowering families through organizing volunteer and financial support for school programs and activities that enhance the educational opportunities of Purdy’s students, staff and community. The Purdy PTA is an advocate for all students attending Purdy Elementary and Peninsula Public Schools. Click here to join.

2. How much money does the Purdy PTA fundraise each year and what does it support?

For over ten years, the primary fundraiser for the Purdy PTA has been the bi-annual Auction. This school year, the PTA goal is to raise $100,000 through the PTA “Under the Sea” Auction on March 28th, 2026 to fund programming for the next two years. Meeting our fundraising goals every two years is critical for sustaining the programs our families and staff rely on.

Every day our teachers and students use the tools and materials funded by the PTA. For example, our funds support sending every grade on a field trip—including destinations like the Washington State Capitol, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Gig Harbor History Museum and Camp Seymour. We cover all the costs of the Panther Paw store, where students earn rewards for kindness and responsible behavior. We provide each staff member with a grant that they use to enrich their curriculum in unique and exciting ways. The PTA provides funding for field day, the talent show, math and reading rewards, and many other programs that otherwise would not have coverage for costs by the school district. PTA-sponsored activities and events include:

  • Monster Mash (free event for families to enjoy the fall and spooky season annually)
  • Make It Take It (event for children to make handmade gifts for families during the holidays)
  • Grants for specialists to cover costs (Music, Art, STEM, Counselor, PE, Special Ed)
  • Dinners for late night conference weeks for staff
  • Staff appreciation week in May 
  • 5th grade graduation ceremony
  • Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) 
  • Purdy Elementary School Yearbook
  • Special assemblies
  • Scholarships for families who need support (examples: 5th grade camp, book fairs)
  • Financial contributions to Peninsula HS scholarship programs and Hands on Art program
  • The 2024 Auction helped fund the new sound system in the Purdy gym

3. Who is part of the Purdy PTA?

The PTA is a small but mighty group of parents, teachers, and community members. There are five different PTA Board roles: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Member at Large. Visit the “About” page to see the list of current Board Members.

We are always looking to grow our PTA! Many of the current PTA members have students in 5th grade and will be moving on after this year. The reality is that without the support of more volunteers, many of the events and programs that make our school such a wonderful and special place could fade away. We are actively looking for parents of younger students to start to get involved in the PTA. Please join our next PTA meeting in person or via Zoom to learn more. You can also purchase your PTA membership here.

4. What does the Purdy PTA do?

The PTA organizes beloved activities like the Monster Mash, Teacher Appreciation Week, Popcorn Fridays, and the Yearbook. We also provide vital support for events like Make-It-Take-It, school musicals, Field Day, and Camp Seymour for our fifth graders. Check out the “Events” page to view the calendar of Purdy PTA and PTA-sponsored events. Our PTA helps fund field trips, assemblies, and programs like Dancing Classrooms, as well as support critical reading and STEM programs through our budget. Additionally, we provide each teacher with a stipend and give our specialist team individual budgets to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

5. How often does the Purdy PTA meet?

The Purdy PTA hosts open meetings every other month. We encourage parents, teachers, other family members, and community leaders to join us. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 10th from 7-8 pm in the Purdy Elementary School library. A link will be available to join by Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. The Purdy PTA Board Members meet more frequently.

6. What’s discussed at the Purdy PTA meetings?

There is an agenda for every PTA meeting, which includes updates from the Treasurer and Purdy Principal, reports from each committee (i.e. yearbook, auction, etc.), and discussions of any new business. Meeting minutes are captured by the PTA Secretary and are required to be reported to the National PTA organization as part of our membership. If you’re interested to get a sense of what is discussed during these meetings, visit our past meeting minutes page.

7. Do I have to be a teacher at Purdy or parent of a current Purdy student to join?

No, you don’t have to be a teacher or a parent to join. The Purdy PTA is open to all community members who are interested in supporting our mission to help students realize their full potential by engaging and empowering families through organizing volunteer and financial support for school programs and activities that enhance the educational opportunities of Purdy’s students, staff and community. Join today.

8. Is there a cost to join the Purdy PTA?

Through our membership with the National PTA, we’re required to have 25 paying members each school year (this is more than we currently have). The cost to join the Purdy PTA is $25 for each family and $15 for teachers. Please join us! Your membership fee contributes to supporting the mission of the Purdy Elementary School PTA. Visit our GiveBacks website to purchase your membership.

9. How can I get involved with the Purdy PTA?

You do not have to hold a PTA Board Member position to be a part of the Purdy PTA. Start by connecting with a current member informally or by joining us for our next meeting (by Zoom or in person) to learn about what opportunities are available. The meetings are a fantastic opportunity to network with other parents/families and community members to learn more about Purdy and the PTA, upcoming events, and ways to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities can include helping out in planning or by volunteering at PTA events, assisting with Purdy Yearbook design, supporting communications by passing along information to other school community members, or even just by sharing your ideas about how to make our PTA and events even bigger and better every year! We know that many of us are busy, but there are plenty of ways to contribute, even from home. From small tasks to larger responsibilities, your involvement—no matter how much time you can spare—makes a huge difference. Purchase your PTA membership today!