FAQ

What are the benefits of becoming a member of the PTSA?

National PTA® is comprised of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

In addition, a range of generous providers provide benefits to local members (benefits vary by year).

Why does the Dodgen PTSA request a donation and how are the funds used?

The Dodgen PTSA funds all its own projects and initiatives. All donated funds stay at Dodgen. Thanks to generous financial support from our families and community, the Dodgen PTSA does not do any fundraising other than asking for an annual donation.

The PTSA’s Appropriations Committee is able to purchase many materials that positively impact Dodgen’s students. The Committee invested in equipment and supplies for the 6th & 8th-grade science programs, a second AED for the building and equipment for the Orchestra program. Other purchases included additional security created by the addition of pod-entrance door locks and locking doors for the media center. We also helped the school create an additional computer lab with the purchase of computer tables for the media center. This brought Dodgen’s computer lab count to a total of six! The appropriations committee also approved the purchase of class sets of calculators for all 3 grades in order to help create consistency for standardized testing. The PTSA was also pleased to partner with Dodgen’s Foundation to purchase vital upgrades to the school’s PE equipment.

In addition to all these significant purchases, the PTSA successfully funded all our committee activities and needs – Staff Appreciation activities, Red Ribbon Week, Reflections, E-news and Communications, Student Recognition, Grade-Level Dances and many other initiatives.

Should I join the PTSA at every school in which I have a student?

Yes. Every local (school) PT(S)A determines and funds its own programs and initiatives. And, the PT(S)A has a greater impact when each school reaches its membership goals. Please join and donate to the PT(S)A at every school in which you have a student.

What is the Dodgen Toolkit?

The Dodgen Toolkit is the software our PTSA uses for managing membership, online directory, scheduling volunteers, distributing communication and managing sales. Please be certain to set up your account:

How much time is required to volunteer with the Dodgen PTSA?

A volunteer can donate a little, or a lot, of time depending on his/her schedule. The Dodgen PTSA has jobs that can be completed from home or on campus as well as long and short-term commitments. Please take a look at our volunteer interest form to learn more about our committees. Click here.

How do I sign up for the weekly e-communication?

You will be added to Dodgen’s e-communications distribution list when you create your Dodgen Toolkit account.

What is Panther Day?

Panther Day is a meet and greet type activity that occurs before the first day of school. Panther Day provides students the opportunity to meet their homeroom teacher, have their picture taken for the yearbook and explore school-sponsored activities. Check the PTSA calendar for the date of this year's Panther Day.

How do I purchase a Dodgen directory of students?

We do not print a directory. However, your membership gives you access to the online directory through Toolkit.

When and where does the Dodgen PTSA meet?

The Dodgen PTSA will hold 3 General meetings during every school year. The Executive Board meets every month and the Board of Directors meet every other month. All PTSA meeting dates are included on the Dodgen Calendar which can be located on the PTSA website.

How do I get reimbursed for expenses when working on a PTSA committee?

Getting reimbursed for PTSA committee expenses is a simple process. Please click here to locate the reimbursement request form and detailed instructions.

What is the difference between the Dodgen PTSA and the Dodgen Foundation?

Foundation and PTA are governed differently with respect to how they raise and spend money. PTA, as a national organization, is bound by strict by-laws which dictate how fundraising is achieved and how funds are implemented into programs. Foundation, on the other hand, operates as a 501c3 non-profit organization and can pursue as much fundraising as is necessary to achieve its stated goals. This means a Foundation can operate with greater discretion over monies raised and are not subject to state-mandated processes. Funding decisions are guided by the Foundation Board, which is made up of volunteer parents who dedicate their time to raise funds to enrich your child's education with input from teachers and school administration. Unlike the PTA, there are no fees or dues to pay to join and participate in the Foundation.