The following is a collection of the more frequently asked questions and misconceptions concerning the Kent Gardens PTA. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us and we'll be glad to get back to you.
When does the KG PTA meet?
The PTA will meet on Wednesday evening in 2015-2016, please check the school calendar for location and date.
Is the KG PTA some part of KGES or the Fairfax County Public School system?
This is a common misconception due to the highly successful partnership PTA has with the KGES and Fairfax County Public Schools. However, the short answer is that PTA is not at all controlled by, or a part of Kent Gardens ES. The Kent Gardens PTA is a separate organization on behalf of the children. It functions as a separate non-profit entity and chartered from the Virginia State and National PTAs. The PTA must abide by the rules and by-laws of those organizations as well as Federal rules regarding non-profit organizations.
I already pay taxes for public education, doesn't that cover PTA too?
Because the PTA is an independent non-profit organization. It receives no financial support from the public school system.
I already pay taxes, so the school should have everything it needs.
Yes, but no. Taxes fund only what taxpayer are willing to pay. A school can always use more monies. What is nice about contribution to PTA activities is that they are all elective. This allows you to participate in only those activities that you like (unlike taxes…).
If I join PTA, will you call me or bother me always wanting something?
Nothing could be further from the truth. PTA needs volunteers who want to be involved with their child's education. We only call and ask for volunteers from those individuals who have specifically completed a volunteer registration form or contacted our volunteer coordinator. When you join PTA you are helping us financially as well as help our PTA obtain positive recognition and keeping its volunteers motivated. Imagine how much less enjoyable Kent Gardens would be without bingo, the bookstore, school spirit items, carnivals, and parties. Imagine how stressed the staff would be without the thousands of annual volunteer hours provided to assist them. Join PTA. Have Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and everyone else you can find join PTA. We won't call. We promise but we do need your support.
I want to be volunteer, but I only have a couple hours a week/month I can donate.
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Diana Kost at dkost@cox.net. There are many little events or projects throughout the school year that can make use of even the smallest amount of time available.