PTA

PTA

About the Sojourner PTA

The Sojourner PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID # 93-1254750) devoted to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. PTA’s role is more important than ever in connecting parents, teachers and administrators, and supporting school needs.

The Sojourner PTA hopes that when each child comes to school, they have an equal opportunity to be successful learners. We want every family in our schools to join PTA, because we can do more together.

The Sojourner PTA and the Sojourner Education Foundation work closely together to support the Sojourner School community. 

PTA Fundraising

The PTA raises money through the following activities:

Jog-A-Thon

The Jog-A-Thon is a fun, annual fundraiser that helps encourage an active lifestyle while raising money for favorite PTA events. This is the PTA’s largest fundraiser of the year, and the only one that depends on student participation to be successful. Students are invited to solicit pledges from parents, friends, family and neighbors. Our goal is for each student to raise $40-50 in pledges.

Seasonal Fundraisers

Each year, the PTA organizes a series of seasonal fundraisers like Dine-out nights, holiday wreath sales or Spring flower baskets. These are decided annually by the PTA to meet fundraising goals.  Details, including dates and locations, vary and are announced throughout the school year and posted on the calendar.

BottleDrop Give (Blue Bags)

BottleDrop Give is the can drive that never ends. You just get pre-labeled Blue Bags, fill them with empty beverage containers and drop them off at any BottleDrop location or a partner retailer. There are two bonus times (typically November and April) when BottleDrop gives participating non-profits a 20% bonus for bags turned in during the promotion timeframe. To get Blue Bags, pick them up in the lobby of the school, at a community event, or contact pta@sojournerschoolcommunity.com.

Our annual goal is $4,200 (~5-10 bags/student/year).

BoxTops4Education 

For over 25 years, Box Tops for Education is a program that allows families to earn cash for their school by purchasing participating products. The Box Tops app simplifies the process, enabling families to scan their receipts (paper or digital) and earn money for their school with every purchase. It only takes a few minutes, and every purchase helps. Our goal is to raise $500. Have your friends and family join and submit receipts for us as well!

PTA FAQ

What does the PTA do?

The PTA is a collaborative, volunteer group of parents, teachers, and school staff working together to support students and enrich the school experience. The PTA plays a vital role in:

  • Building Community: Strengthening connections between families, educators, and the school through events, volunteer opportunities, and open communication.
  • Organize Events: Hosting fun and inclusive activities like family nights, fundraisers, and teacher appreciation days to foster school spirit.
  • Fundraise: Raising money for classroom supplies, field trips, enrichment programs, and special projects that benefit all students.
  • Advocate for Kids: Supporting policies and initiatives that promote safe, inclusive, and well-resourced learning environments.

Are there membership dues?

To be a voting PTA member, the annual (school year) due is $17 ($14.50 Unit Dues + $2.50 Processing Fee). A portion of these fees go to our PTA, Oregon PTA, and National PTA. The portion that goes to Oregon PTA and National PTA supports statewide training, advocacy, leadership development, and educational resources for local PTA’s. So when families join, they’re not just supporting their school—their plugging into a larger network that advocates for kids at every level.

Do I have to be a member of the PTA to participate in school activities? 

No, you do not need to be a paid member of the PTA to help with events and activities. How do I become a member of the PTA? There are three ways to join the Sojourner PTA:

  • Complete and return a membership form to a PTA meeting or to the school (directly to the school office or through your child’s folder) with a check for $10 made payable to the Sojourner PTA. Download the membership form.
  • Complete your membership application at any PTA General Membership Meeting (see above for dates) or Enrichment Night.
  • Register and submit payment electronically through the Oregon PTA website.

How are the PTA’s funds spent? 

PTA funds are critical to putting on our community events and purchasing items for teachers and our whole community to enjoy. Below is a list of some ways and items the PTA has been able to provide

  • Teacher Grants
  • Back-to-School Ice Cream Social
  • Enrichment Night Activities
  • School Community Projects
  • Field Day
  • Swim Days

When does the PTA meet? 

The PTA board meets monthly, and General Membership Meetings are held throughout the school year, in cooperation with Sojourner Education Foundation. See calendar.

Sojourner PTA Board Members

  • President: Erin Reynolds
  • Vice President: Rachelle Webster
  • Treasurer:  Sam Freeman
  • Secretary: TBA
  • Membership Coordinator: Jeni O’Dell
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Jennifer Roth
  • Events Coordinator: Amber Callister
  • Dine-Out Coordinator: Open

Contact PTA by emailing pta@sojournerschoolcommunity.com

Overview of PTA board member duties

President (Required)

PTA President serves as the primary PTA representative and liaison to Sojourner staff and the parent community. Coordinates with Sojourner staff as needed. Ensures that PTA remains in good standing with Oregon PTA. Enforces Sojourner PTA Bylaws and Standing Rules. Sets agenda and presides over all Board meetings.

Vice President

Supports the President in any activities or communications as needed.

Secretary (Required)

Records and posts minutes from all PTA executive and general meetings. Takes minutes and records action items during meetings, including attachments, original copies of requests, and other such materials as are necessary for a complete record. Helps keep meetings moving forward.

Treasurer (Required)

Performs the fiduciary duties as described in State and Local Unit Bylaws. Maintains PTA bank accounts including checking account(s), prepares and presents monthly budget at PTA meetings, reconciles monthly bank statements, maintains the PTA checkbook (all checks require two signatures), disperses payments and reimbursements as requested (and approved by the PTA), prepares and maintains files for annual audit. Two PTA members who are not on the executive committee conduct the annual audit. Responsible for IRS 10-99 filing, filing PTA tax returns and annual report with Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Membership Coordinator

Encourages new members to join, collects membership dues, and submits to Oregon PTA.

Volunteer Coordinator

Holds training for volunteers. Sets up volunteer shifts for events and communicates event and shift details to parents. Actively recruits volunteers. Shares information about event and volunteer positions.