PTA Membership
What is the PTA?
PTA is the largest child advocacy organization nationwide. Your PTA membership supports Almond students, teachers, and school. The PTA provides financial and volunteer support for programs that extend and enrich curriculum.
How do I join?
Our goal every year is to have 100% of families join and participate in PTA. Annual family membership is $50, but donations in excess of that amount are greatly appreciated. Become a member by selecting the “Join PTA” link on your profile in Classroom Parent or contacting the PTA VP of Membership. If you would like to become a member but the cost is the concern, please reach out to the Almond Secretary; being an engaged community member is every bit as valuable as a monetary contribution.
When are the meetings?
General PTA meetings are held throughout the year on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Meetings are usually in held in the multi at 8:40am (following assembly), but we sometimes hold meetings in the evenings or online. Check the Almond Calendar for specific dates and times. PTA Meetings are open to all parents and Almond staff and community members, whether or not they are official PTA members. We invite you to come learn about school news and volunteer opportunities as well as share your ideas and concerns.
Board meetings are held online in the evenings on the second Wednesday of the month.
While everyone is invited, only Almond PTA members may make or second motions or vote. Quorum to conduct business is 16 members.
What happens at meetings?
Coffee is provided. Usually carafe, but we do occasionally upgrade to a full coffee cart!
We strive to make meetings fun and engaging for all members, but there is some official business we have to get through. You are welcome to make comments or ask questions throughout the meeting.
The meeting agenda along with minutes from the previous meeting and financial reports are sent out to all PTA members 10 days in advance of the meeting.
Standing business at meetings is to accept or amend the previous meeting minutes and a financial update detailing account balances and income/expenses since the last meeting. Votes are needed to ratify checks (most meetings), approve or amend the annual budget (September then as needed), or elect board officers (March). Our principal, Raquel Matteroli, also provides a leadership update about school news and events.
PTA leadership will give summaries of events or other accomplishments since the last meeting as well as detail any upcoming events. This is a great time to learn about where your volunteer efforts can be the most impactful. Many committee chairs attend meetings and can give the most up-to-date information about their upcoming events.
We also welcome guest presenters at our meetings. Please check the agenda to see if any are scheduled:
LASD School Board Representatives
LAEF Representatives
Student presentations to showcase learning
Specialist teachers (eg. Resource Specialist, Reading Specialist, STEM)
Why should I commit my time and energy?
Being a vital member of the school community, getting to know other Almond parents, and at the same time meaningfully contributing to your child's education is essential, fulfilling, and fun. Almond parents contribute approximately 40 volunteer hours PER STUDENT each year, and it is this time commitment which enables our school to remain competitive nationwide, despite California budgetary constraints. We urge you to get involved, and look forward to working with you during the school year.
PTA Meeting Schedule 2024-2025
25 September 2024 at 8:40am
23 October 2024 at 8:40am
4 December 2024 at 8:00pm
22 January 2025 at 8:40am
26 February 2025 at 6:00pm (paired with movie night)
26 March 2025 at 8:40am (annual elections for board members)
23 April 2025 at 8:40am
28 May 2025 at 8:40am