SM East PTA puts out call for members

The SM East PTA puts on the annual College Clinic, which returns for its 50th year next Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The SM East PTA is actively seeking new members to help the organization support the range of programs and events the organization puts on.

Last year, the organization had more than 800 members. This year, enrollment has dropped to just under 600 — a phenomenon organization leaders attribute to the fact that they held back on sending out an annual membership flier over the summer in an effort to cut costs.

But, says PTA president Kim Luger, the organization needs more parent involvement to help ensure the continued success of the things it supports, including SHARE, the large, student-led volunteer program, and the annual College Clinic, which returns next week for its 50th year.

The group also gives out Teacher Grants. Last year, it awarded more than $10,000 to fund classroom improvements, including new scales, heating elements and a weather station for the science department, new text books for the English department, a dozen voice recorders for the journalism department, and many more.

Luger said membership dues are the single biggest source of funds for the PTA, so increasing membership will help the group continue to support classroom improvements.

To find out more or to register as a PTA member, see the online membership form here.