PTA
About the Sojourner PTA
The Sojourner PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID # 93-1254750) devoted to supporting the parents and teachers at Sojourner School.
The PTA is a volunteer organization that strives to provide a sense of extended community and to support the school, teachers, parents and each individual child. The Sojourner PTA hopes that when each child comes to school, they have an equal opportunity to be successful learners.
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 $50 in pledges.
Seasonal Fundraisers
Each year, the PTA organizes a series of seasonal fundraisers like Dine-Out Nights and Holiday Wreath Sales. These are decided annually by the PTA to meet fundraising goals. Details, including dates and locations, vary and are announced throughout the school year.
Bottle Drop
You can recycle at Oregon Bottle Drop and benefit Sojourner School! Contact [email protected] to get blue bags with our Sojourner code. Fill your bag and return to any Bottle Drop location. Our goal is $4,200 (~5-10 bags/student/year).
Membership Dues
To be a voting PTA member, the due is $10, paid annually. A significant portion of these dues are paid to the Oregon PTA, which also forwards a portion of the dues to the National PTA. Members of the Sojourner PTA are entitled to the benefits of membership in each of these organizations as well.
BoxTops4Education
Box Tops are worth a $0.10 donation each and can be found on hundreds of common grocery products. Download the BoxTops4Education app on your phone to easily scan physical or digital receipts after shopping. Box Tops can also still be physically clipped and turned into the PTA in an envelope to the office. For examples of products to be on the lookout for, or to take advantage of printable and digital coupons available on the BoxTops4Education website or app.
PTA FAQ
What does the PTA do?
The PTA holds community meetings throughout the year to report on the budget and discuss upcoming events. The PTA puts on events during the year such as the Back-to-School Picnic, Jog-A-Thon, and Field Day.
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 picnic
- Enrichment Night activities
- School community projects
- Celebrations
- Field Day
- 5th-grade Celebration
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).
How can I volunteer?
The PTA organizes many of the volunteers who help put on our events throughout the school year. Volunteers are needed in many ways. Below is a list of ways that we ask for our parents to help within our community:
- Back-to-School Picnic
- Jog-A-Thon
- Enrichment nights
- Violin loan program
- Pod leaders
- Celebrations (set up/take down)
- Swim Days
- Dine-Out nights
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- Field Day
- 5th-grade Celebration
- T-shirts
- Directory
Sojourner PTA Members
- President: Erin Reynolds
- Vice President: Candy Powers
- Treasurer: Sam Freeman
- Secretary: Laurie Isola
- Membership Coordinator: Eryn Goodman
- Volunteer Coordinator: Jennifer Roth
- T-shirt Coordinator: Open
- Dine-Out Coordinator: Open
Contact PTA by emailing [email protected]
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
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.