FAQ
Q. Do I have to be a Parma resident to join?
A. No, but most of our members are residents, former residents, or have friends or family who are residents. We welcome anyone in the surrounding area! We have members as far as Brunswick!
Q. What does it cost to become a member?
A. Annual membership dues are $12 per year. This covers our National, State, and local PTA dues and PTA activities and expenses. PEC-PTA is a non-profit organization. All revenues from fund raising activities and dues are used to cover expenses including speakers and themes at the general meetings, subsidizing activities for our members, keeping party and event costs low, community service activities, mailings, and event publicity.
Q. What are the fundraising requirements of a member?
A. Each member must raise $30/year for the group through our fundraisers. We try and offer several different options. Fund raising starts early and is usually completed by January.
Q. How big is your group?
A. Currently we have around 100 families in our local group.
Q. Is this a Mom’s group?
A. No we are not a Mom’s group. While mostly women attend the meetings, we are open to all those interested in activities for their children. This year we excited because we have dads who have joined our group. Stay at home dads, grandparents, etc. are welcome to become involved and join! We offer Mom's night outs; Couples night outs and all activities can include parents, one parent, grandparents, etc. Most of the time entire families will attend the parties and fund raising events and activities are attended by those available or interested.
Q. I work full time. Am I still able to join or will I miss out on all the activities?
A. YES! Our group is diverse. Most of our members work part or full time. We have stay at home moms and dads, full time working parents, part time working parents and retirees. We try and have activities during the day, evening and on weekends to accommodate all schedules. Most of the parties and fund raising events are held nights and weekends. Our monthly meetings are held Tuesday evenings so more people can come! Check out our calendar of events to get a sampling of our monthly schedule.
Q. What type of activities do you offer parents and kids?
A. Check out our . Our group is able to work with area businesses to arrange tours, special events geared toward the preschool age group. We offer activities all over the Greater Cleveland area.Calendar of Events
Q. Where do I get more information?
A. You may use our online contact form on this site and someone will contact you or just come to one of our meetings as a visitor and we will get to know you!
Q. What happens at your monthly meeting?
A. Meetings start with a half hour to gather information, sign up and pay for activities and events, record your volunteer hours and turn in fundraising money. After that we have our speaker or activity for the month. We then finish up with the business part of our meeting. We then have a speaker or activity. Meetings last about 2 hours and refreshments are served. If you are visiting a meeting, let us know! We will assign a "buddy" to explain more about our group, answer questions, introduce you to members and give you a "tour" of PEC-PTA. We also have babysitters at the meeting, so if you need to bring your children, they will be able to play and have a great time while you can enjoy the meeting.
Q. What are the executive committee and board members?
A. We are affiliated with National and Ohio PTA. Therefore we follow their guidelines on how our group is run. Paid members vote on issues involving the group. Officers (President, First Vice, etc.) are nominated and voted on every year and form the executive committee. Board members are those in the group that hold a board position such as working on the website, being in charge of a party or refreshments or reading the inspiration at our meeting.
Q. How many volunteer hours are required of members?
A. We don't require a designated number of hours. We do ask you help with one of our committees and attend fundraising events.
Q. How do I report my hours?
A. At each meeting there is a signup sheet. Record the hours you worked on a PTA function, attended a PTA event (including meetings) when you sign in.
Q. How do I pay for activities?
A. Each member is given a PTA punch card worth $20 to spend on PTA outings and activities. After that is used up, it is preferred that all activities are paid for by check made out to PEC-PTA or cash. Exact change is appreciated.
Q. What is the deadline for sign-ups?
A. It is best to sign up as early as possible as seats and space in the event are assigned on a first come, first served basis and some activities fill up fast. You must pay at the time you sign up; space is not reserved until payment is received. Check each event notice for specific sign-up deadline information.
Q. I could not attend an activity. Can I get a refund?
A. Sorry, there are NO REFUNDS for activities. Many activities are priced based on participation. Sometimes we are required to give a number of people attending prior to the event.
Q. Why do I have to pay for activities if I paid my dues?
A. While we get special discounts on activities, our budget does not allow us to cover the cost of all activities. We want a variety of things to offer our members, even if there is a cost involved. We do offer many free activities and most are at a very minimal cost.