New Students and Families - Welcome!
If you are new to Carpenter, we are so glad you are now a part of our awesome school community. We put this page together to help you learn about our PTA and get answers in one place quickly. Please reach out with any questions to [email protected].
What is the PTA, and why join?
PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. It is a nationwide organization that brings parents, teachers, and school staff together to support the educational success and well being of children. The National PTA was founded in 1897 and has grown into one of the largest and most respected child advocacy groups in the United States. PTAs often organize family events, raise funds for extra supplies and programs, and advocate for improvements that benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.
What does our Carpenter PTA do?
The Carpenter PTA is made up mostly of parents who volunteer their time. Our school Principal, Ms. Collins, and two other teachers serve as the school staff members on the PTA. Here are just some of the ways the Carpenter PTA supports the school.
Classroom and Teaching Resources: Teacher grants, educational subscriptions, new library books and new technology for classrooms
Student Activities: Cultural Arts Assemblies, Field Day, Spelling Bee, Art Reflections Program, Clubs (Chess, STEAM, Cheer), Ambassadors Program, Hot Cocoa Winter Social, 5th Grade Picket Fence
Family & Community Events: Fall Festival, International Night, Family Movie Nights, Fine Arts Night, Kindergarten Social, 5th Grade Promotions, Donuts with Grown Ups,
Staff Support: Staff luncheons, shirts, teacher appreciation week, staff birthday treats, teacher of the year banquet
School Upgrades: New recess equipment and storage, new classroom signs/flags, Camp Chameleon maintenance
Community Support: Hurricane Relief, Book and Gift Card Drives
And Much More!
How is PTA money raised?
PTA Memberships, Spirit Wear, Spirit Nights, Yearbooks, Spring Fundraiser and Charitable Chameleons
How to join the PTA?
Visit https://carpenter.givebacks.com/shop. The simple act of joining and paying for a membership provides instant financial support to our students and staff for the school year. A parent/guardian membership starts at just $18. There is NO OBLIGATION to volunteer or attend monthly meetings if you join the PTA. Although, we invite parents and caregivers to let us know if they can give of their time to help on the PTA Board or be on a committee.
How do I become more involved in the PTA and volunteer for events?
Volunteers play an important role, and we are grateful to parents and community members who contribute their time and talents to supporting our students. All volunteers within our school walls during events or during field trips must be registered as a volunteer with the Wake County Public School System. To register, click here: https://www.wcpss.net/partnerships-and-community/volunteer. After becoming a registered volunteer, if you would like to learn more about serving on the PTA Board or being a part of a committee, please fill out this form to help us learn more about your time and talents.
What should I expect after joining the Carpenter PTA?
Our bylaws require that we have three general membership meetings a year. These usually take place virtually. Two happen in the first semester, and one happens in the spring. If you are a PTA member, you will get an email with the virtual meeting credentials. The general membership meetings are a great way to get an understanding about what programming the PTA is organizing, what is happening financially and how those dollars are being put to good use. The PTA Board members conduct monthly meetings, and general members are always invited to attend the Board meetings to get a greater understanding of everything the PTA does.
What other communications does the PTA send throughout the school year?
We have a calendar of events that you can subscribe to and check out for more info. We also send a weekly PTA newsletter, update our blog/website as well as post across three different social media platforms (Facebook Carpenter PTA page, Facebook private group for Carpenter families and Instagram). Flyers are also sent home for various events/activities throughout the school year (school photos, yearbook, Science Expo, etc.).
How do I purchase Carpenter Spiritwear?
If you would like to purchase spiritwear for your child(ren), including t-shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, car decals and more, please see our spiritwear order page. The biggest orders are usually placed at the beginning of the year. If you do not see what style or size you need, please reach out to our spiritwear coordinator at [email protected].
How do I "Rent the Rock?"
There is a big rock in front of our school that may be "rented" for a week and decorated (by you or an artist of your choosing) for special occasions to celebrate your child(ren). Usually it will be painted to celebrate birthdays. To see availability and pricing, please see our "Rent the Rock" page.
Does the PTA organize any clubs for students?
Yes! We have a variety of clubs including Run Club, Badminton Club, Chess Club, Cheer Club, Mad Science After School Club running at different times throughout the school year! Click on our Clubs page to learn more.
What is Charitable Chameleons?
Charitable Chameleons is our ONLY fundraising drive this year---no fun run or booster club will be held. This is to ensure we will receive 100% of all money raised, and we will avoid the significant fees of third party fundraising companies. (Last year, we paid more than $20k of our profits to the fundraising professionals to help us reach our goal). This year, we're targeting to work together to retain all our funds raised, but WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Charitable Chameleons is our collective catalog of FUNdraising events put on by Carpenter teachers and staff as well as some Carpenter parents in order to raise critical funds for the school.
There are three ways to participate:
Are Corporate PTA Sponsorships available?
Yes! Our PTA has launched a Corporate Sponsorship Program to amplify our Charitable Chameleons fundraising efforts. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer businesses a meaningful way to support our school while making a tax-deductible contribution. We encourage families to share this opportunity with local and national businesses. Details and sponsorship levels are available here.
I have more questions, who should I contact?
Please contact our PTA President via email at [email protected].
Thank you for reading, and welcome again to our wonderful school community!💚💛
What is the PTA, and why join?
PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. It is a nationwide organization that brings parents, teachers, and school staff together to support the educational success and well being of children. The National PTA was founded in 1897 and has grown into one of the largest and most respected child advocacy groups in the United States. PTAs often organize family events, raise funds for extra supplies and programs, and advocate for improvements that benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.
What does our Carpenter PTA do?
The Carpenter PTA is made up mostly of parents who volunteer their time. Our school Principal, Ms. Collins, and two other teachers serve as the school staff members on the PTA. Here are just some of the ways the Carpenter PTA supports the school.
Classroom and Teaching Resources: Teacher grants, educational subscriptions, new library books and new technology for classrooms
Student Activities: Cultural Arts Assemblies, Field Day, Spelling Bee, Art Reflections Program, Clubs (Chess, STEAM, Cheer), Ambassadors Program, Hot Cocoa Winter Social, 5th Grade Picket Fence
Family & Community Events: Fall Festival, International Night, Family Movie Nights, Fine Arts Night, Kindergarten Social, 5th Grade Promotions, Donuts with Grown Ups,
Staff Support: Staff luncheons, shirts, teacher appreciation week, staff birthday treats, teacher of the year banquet
School Upgrades: New recess equipment and storage, new classroom signs/flags, Camp Chameleon maintenance
Community Support: Hurricane Relief, Book and Gift Card Drives
And Much More!
How is PTA money raised?
PTA Memberships, Spirit Wear, Spirit Nights, Yearbooks, Spring Fundraiser and Charitable Chameleons
How to join the PTA?
Visit https://carpenter.givebacks.com/shop. The simple act of joining and paying for a membership provides instant financial support to our students and staff for the school year. A parent/guardian membership starts at just $18. There is NO OBLIGATION to volunteer or attend monthly meetings if you join the PTA. Although, we invite parents and caregivers to let us know if they can give of their time to help on the PTA Board or be on a committee.
How do I become more involved in the PTA and volunteer for events?
Volunteers play an important role, and we are grateful to parents and community members who contribute their time and talents to supporting our students. All volunteers within our school walls during events or during field trips must be registered as a volunteer with the Wake County Public School System. To register, click here: https://www.wcpss.net/partnerships-and-community/volunteer. After becoming a registered volunteer, if you would like to learn more about serving on the PTA Board or being a part of a committee, please fill out this form to help us learn more about your time and talents.
What should I expect after joining the Carpenter PTA?
Our bylaws require that we have three general membership meetings a year. These usually take place virtually. Two happen in the first semester, and one happens in the spring. If you are a PTA member, you will get an email with the virtual meeting credentials. The general membership meetings are a great way to get an understanding about what programming the PTA is organizing, what is happening financially and how those dollars are being put to good use. The PTA Board members conduct monthly meetings, and general members are always invited to attend the Board meetings to get a greater understanding of everything the PTA does.
What other communications does the PTA send throughout the school year?
We have a calendar of events that you can subscribe to and check out for more info. We also send a weekly PTA newsletter, update our blog/website as well as post across three different social media platforms (Facebook Carpenter PTA page, Facebook private group for Carpenter families and Instagram). Flyers are also sent home for various events/activities throughout the school year (school photos, yearbook, Science Expo, etc.).
How do I purchase Carpenter Spiritwear?
If you would like to purchase spiritwear for your child(ren), including t-shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, car decals and more, please see our spiritwear order page. The biggest orders are usually placed at the beginning of the year. If you do not see what style or size you need, please reach out to our spiritwear coordinator at [email protected].
How do I "Rent the Rock?"
There is a big rock in front of our school that may be "rented" for a week and decorated (by you or an artist of your choosing) for special occasions to celebrate your child(ren). Usually it will be painted to celebrate birthdays. To see availability and pricing, please see our "Rent the Rock" page.
Does the PTA organize any clubs for students?
Yes! We have a variety of clubs including Run Club, Badminton Club, Chess Club, Cheer Club, Mad Science After School Club running at different times throughout the school year! Click on our Clubs page to learn more.
What is Charitable Chameleons?
Charitable Chameleons is our ONLY fundraising drive this year---no fun run or booster club will be held. This is to ensure we will receive 100% of all money raised, and we will avoid the significant fees of third party fundraising companies. (Last year, we paid more than $20k of our profits to the fundraising professionals to help us reach our goal). This year, we're targeting to work together to retain all our funds raised, but WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Charitable Chameleons is our collective catalog of FUNdraising events put on by Carpenter teachers and staff as well as some Carpenter parents in order to raise critical funds for the school.
There are three ways to participate:
- Direct Donation - Simply donate money to school.
- Buy individual raffle tickets or raffle ticket bundles to be placed in the raffle prize jars of your student's choosing. Raffle prizes are exclusive and limited experiences such as being "Principal for a Day" or "First in Line for Carpool." Note: All raffle prize drawings have been conducted, but there may be some exciting offerings that become available in the Spring!
- Sign-up for events that staff members and Carpenter families are organizing and putting on such as bracelet making, soccer viewing, pizza party, cookie decorating, Beast Games, Sweetheart Soiree (family dance) and much, much more!
Are Corporate PTA Sponsorships available?
Yes! Our PTA has launched a Corporate Sponsorship Program to amplify our Charitable Chameleons fundraising efforts. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer businesses a meaningful way to support our school while making a tax-deductible contribution. We encourage families to share this opportunity with local and national businesses. Details and sponsorship levels are available here.
I have more questions, who should I contact?
Please contact our PTA President via email at [email protected].
Thank you for reading, and welcome again to our wonderful school community!💚💛