How are PTA funds spent?
Funds are spent based on a budget composed by the Budget Committee (incoming & outgoing treasurers, incoming & outgoing presidents, and other volunteers) and then approved by both the Executive Board and Association (at General Meetings).
Once approved, checks are signed by two check signers. Only three individuals are able to be check signers in the PTA: treasurer, president, and executive vice president.
PTA funds are spent based on the budget each year. In previous years, funds have been spent to reimburse teachers and other certificated staff for classroom expenses, BrainPOP, Classroom Agendas for 4th & 5th grades, Otter Times, activities that promote literacy, Art & STEM Nights, Bike Rodeos, Bingo Nights, Halloween Parties, Movie Nights, the 5th Grade Camp Out at RHD, RHD office supplies & site improvements, spirit wear to be able to purchase on site, yearbooks to be able to purchase on site, refreshments for Veterans Day, and teacher appreciation.
Why do we use Totem for members to join our PTA?
Robert H Down PTA is part of a larger system of PTAs, including our local Monterey Bay Council PTA, 6th District PTA, California PTA, and National PTA. There are benefits to belonging to a larger system of PTAs that can collaborate and advise us when we have questions as volunteers and have access to resources, like insurance. Local PTAs pay dues to the larger PTAs. Totem keeps tract of members for us and automatically distributes dues to each level of PTA, requiring fewer local volunteer hours (documentation, fee processing, forms, collaborating check signings) and resources (stamps, envelopes...) to doing that work.
All PGUSD schools use Totem, so you can join Forest Grove PTA, PGMS PTSA, and PGHS PTA with your single login!
What if I want join our PTA and not use Totem? How does that work?
Robert H Down PTA is part of a larger system of PTAs, including our local Monterey Bay Council PTA, 6th District PTA, California PTA, and National PTA. There are benefits to belonging to a larger system of PTAs that can collaborate and advise us when we have questions as volunteers. Local PTAs pay dues to the larger PTAs.
You will need to give us your name and email and provide a form of payment (cash, check, credit card, or PayPal). We will then go to the bank to deposit your cash that same day, use the online banking to electronically deposit your check, or pay additional fees for credit cards or PayPal. Then the Treasurer or VP of Membership will record your information in Totem. At the end of the month, the treasurer will fill out a form and write a check. Two check signers are required for every check written, which requires coordination of the Treasurer and President or Executive VP (IF we have an executive VP). Once the form is completed and the check signed, the local PTA treasurer must mail the form and check to Monterey Bay Council PTA. Monterey Bay Council PTA will deposit our check and then write a check to the 6th District PTA (again, two check signers and mailing processes are required). 6th District PTA will deposit the check from Monterey Bay Council PTA and then write a check to the California PTA...
Please join via Totem if you are able. Click here to join via TOTEM.
Can I use Totem to join other PTAs?
Yes!
All PGUSD schools use Totem, so you can join Forest Grove PTA, PGMS PTSA, and PGHS PTA with your single login!
Robert H Down PTA is part of a larger system of PTAs, including our local Monterey Bay Council PTA, 6th District PTA, California PTA, and National PTA. You can join most PTAs in the state of California.
485 Pine Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
General Email: info@robertdownpta.org