Ben Franklin PTA Information 

Why should I join PTA??

When you join PTA, you will become connected to the wonderful Ben Franklin Community.  You will have a voice in enhancing your child's learning experience by volunteering for committees, supporting activities and speaking up at General PTA Meetings.  

What does Ben Franklin PTA do or support?       

• Art Enrichment: In-class art lessons, Reflections Art Program, Art docent program
• Science Enrichment: In-class science projects, science fair, Science Docent Program
• KFN: Kid’s First News Network on Fridays
• Community Building: Family Bingo Night, Welcome Back BBQ, International Night, Pancake Breakfast
• Assemblies:  Special event assemblies such as The Toy Maker, Pacific Science Center 
• Staff Appreciation: Supplemental classroom supplies, Staff Appreciation Week in the spring
• Scholarships: This pays for students who can't afford field trip costs
• Health & Welfare: Emergency supplies, vision/hearing screening, Safety Patrol
• Communications: Newsletter, yearbook, student directory
• Field Trips: Buses, admission fees supplements
• School Play: Jungle Book presented at Rose Hill Junior High (last year)
• Popcorn: Every Friday we pop popcorn for the students
• And much, much more

Where does my $10.00 Membership Fee go?

This supports training, services and legislation at three PTA levels - $1.75 goes to National PTSA, $4.75 goes to Washington State PTSA, $1.00 goes to Lake Washington PTSA, and  $2.50 goes to Ben Franklin PTA. 

What does membership mean to Ben Franklin and the Ben Franklin PTA?

Ben Franklin is judged nationally and locally by the number of parents who support and join our PTA.  PTA membership affects the reputation of the school, (i.e. property values), and the quality of teachers, staff and principal attracted to the school. Why? Because it shows the interest and energy of the parents and that they care about their children's education. It also weighs heavily with the legislature in their spending decisions for schools. Government bodies are less likely to say “no” to an area that has a strong PTA membership base, as they realize their “no” will be challenged, and not go unnoticed. 

Do I have to volunteer?

No, Ben Franklin Elementary PTA encourages parent and community involvement to support our children in their academic and social education; however, becoming a member of PTA does NOT mean that you must commit to volunteer hours or attend every meeting – we respect that you do only what you can, when you can.  Even if you can afford no time other than filling out the membership form and sending in your membership fee, we absolutely welcome you and your support, as the information you learn through out PTA correspondence (emails and newsletter) will really help you connect with your school community. 

PTA Student Directory:

PTA members receive one copy of the student directory, which comes in very handy for planning play dates, contacting school friends and contacting teachers.  All staff emails are included in the directory as well as the school daily; PTA Committee listing and roster of chairperson to contact to volunteer; helpful school district phone numbers.  Students are listed by classroom as well as alphabetically to make sending birthday invitations a snap! NOTE: Family memberships receive 2 PTA student directories. 

Questions regarding PTA Membership?

Contact: Tamara Hill, tkhill@comcast.net, 425-576-9052