We are one month into the school year, and the learning curve is still like a roller coaster.
For every moment when I get the hang of things, there is a moment of weakness where I mutter, “I hate you” at Seesaw (I’m not proud). And just like other roller coasters this year, navigating this school year also requires we scream inside our hearts.
Since March, we’ve seen countless yards signs, commercials and speeches advising we are in this together. As parents, we have come together over backyard fences, school board Zoom webinars, and Facebook groups. But, if you are not in this together with your school Parent Teacher group, you (and your school!) are missing out. The landscape has changed, but Parent Teacher groups continue to be an essential source for accurate information, relevant connections, and support.
It’s never been easier to get acquainted with your school community.
This year, there’s no need to drive over to an evening meeting or avoid eye contact when they ask for volunteers. Being involved is as simple as a click. Most groups use Facebook and weekly text/email newsletters to share updates, meeting links, and event details. Join meetings over Zoom, support fundraisers by ordering delivery, and attend community events (like trivia night!) from your couch.
Also helpful: join!
Financial dues tend to be low but are crucial to your group. Parent Teacher group budgets include items like teacher appreciation, liability insurance, and Zoom memberships. This year’s dues will fund next year’s ice cream social and field trips.
If you are new to your school, the name of your group may vary. Most names are interchangeable. A PTA, however, is a dues-paying member of the National Parent Teacher Association, and receives member benefits. In the Iowa City area, you’ll find:
- PTA: Parent Teacher Association
- PTG: Parent Teacher Group
- PTO: Parent Teacher Organization
- PSTO: Parent Student Teacher Organization
- DPO: Districtwide Parents Organization
Alexander Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email, Website
Meetings: Second Monday of the month
Amana Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email
Borlaug Elementary PTO
President: Laura Noiseux
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Clear Creek Elementary PTG
President: Kassie Speers and Bri Wagner
More info: PTG email
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. (Google Meet)
Coralville Central Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email
Garner Elementary PTO
Presidents: Hailey Kauffman & Brooke Allen
Meetings: Last Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Grant Elementary PTO
President: Laurie Cavanh
Meetings: First Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Hoover Elementary PTA
Presidents: Heather Younker
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Horn Elementary PTO
President: Laura Broffitt
More info: Facebook, Horn Buzz email
Meetings: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: 9/23, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/21, 5/19 (Zoom: request link by emailing [email protected])
Lemme Elementary PTA
More info: PTA email
Lincoln Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email, Facebook
Lucas Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email, Blog
North Bend Elementary PTG
Presidents: Hannah Shultz
Meetings: 1st Monday of the month (virtual)
North Central Junior High PTSO
Oak Hill Elementary PTG
More info: PTG email, Facebook group
Penn Elementary PTO
President: Jessi Benest
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Regina Catholic Education Center
President: Kathy Shey
Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., Regina Elementary Library (not currently meeting due to COVID-19)
South East Junior High PTSO
More info: PTSO email
Tiffin Elementary PTG
President: Brenda Delsing
Meetings: First Thursday of the month (virtual)
Twain Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month (virtual)
Van Allen Elementary PTO
More info: PTO email
West High PTSO
President: Colleen Brown
Meetings: First Wednesday of the month, 12 p.m. (WebEx)
Wickham Elementary PTO
Presidents: Jenny Struthers and Denise Seabold
More info: Facebook
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Does your school have updated contact information or links? Comment below and we will update the post!
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Longfellow Elementary PTA has a facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/255415340460
Thanks Megan – I’ve updated the page!
What about Southeast or Grant Wood?
Hi there! I’ve updated the post with their Facebook links, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem either have been active in the last couple months.