Edwards AFB News

PTA bridges communication gap between parents and school

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mike Young
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Acting as the wingman to the Desert High and Edwards Middle school student body, Edwards' Parent Teacher Alliance discuss school related topics while striving to provide a link between school and home. 

The PTA is an organization that serves as a forum to encourage and facilitate communication between parents, teachers, administrators and other concerned adults associated with the school system on base. 

"The PTA has an excellent working relationship with the school administration and the school board," said Deanna Collins, PTA president. "Our partnership has allowed us to become a vital resource improving our student's education and environment." 

It allows parents to be informed of school activities every month, Mrs. Collins said. It provides an avenue for parents to discuss issues with the principal and other parents. The PTA also advocates new ideas to improve the educational environment by providing information from other school districts to the administration. 

The PTA is an executive committee consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and various other committee chairs. 

"However, parents are the backbone to this organization," Mrs. Collins said. 

All parents and legal guardians are considered members. Administrators and faculty may be members as well. 

Members of the PTA are encouraged to donate $10 to help support graduations, scholarships, special improvement projects, sports programs and other school-related events. 

"Joining the PTA and attending meetings is also an excellent venue to meet other parents and teachers," said Roberta Ross, vice president of the PTA. "By joining the PTA, parents become a part of a team they can trust to keep them informed of the latest information affecting their children." 

The PTA kicks into gear from September to May. PTA members meet on the first Wednesday of every month. The meetings alternate from the DHS library to Club Muroc. 

"The PTA enhances vital communication needs between parents, teacher and students," Mrs. Ross said. "We help improve the educational experience for the students, and support the school's mission."