About The PTSA

PTSA FAQs

Join the PTSA

  •  What does PTSA stand for?   
    • Parent – Teacher – Student Association 
  • How is it different from the PTA?
    • It’s only different by title. In all other respects, it is the same. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports students, parents, and staff.
  • Once my child is enrolled at CVMS, am I automatically a member of the PTSA?
    • No, you need to fill out a quick form and pay $20 to become a Member.   
  • Why do I have to pay to join PTSA?  
    • Basic membership costs $20 for the year.  This helps us cover operational expenses like maintaining our website, using financial software, paying membership fees to our regional PTSA, etc. 
    • When you pay to join PTSA, you may vote on agenda items at our Association Meetings, which occur three times per year.
  • If I join PTSA, do I have to attend meetings or volunteer at events?
    • No, if you join PTSA you are not obligated to volunteer for or attend anything, but we certainly welcome and encourage your involvement.  If you pay to join PTSA, you are supporting our operational expenses financially.
  • How many meetings will there be? 
    • The Executive Board meets once per month from August – May.  The Association, aka General Membership, meets three times per year:  September, January and April.
  • May I attend PTSA events or meetings if I’m not a member?
    • Yes, your entire family may attend any PTSA events. We exist to support every student and family!
    • Yes, you may still attend PTSA Association Meetings (three times per year), but you won’t be allowed to vote on anything unless you are an official Member. 
  • I’m willing to donate money to support CVMS, but how many groups besides PTSA might also ask me to donate this year?
    • PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) – This group represents the entire school (staff, students and families).  They plan and fund things like Classroom Mini Grants, Family Fun Nights, Technology, Talent Show, Academic Enrichment, Parent Education Nights, Career Day, Staff Appreciation, Campus Improvements and so much more.  
    • ASB (Associated Student Body) – This group represents the entire student body.  They plan and fund things like assemblies, Welcome Week, Red Ribbon Week, Spirit Week, school dance parties, lunch club fees, lunch contests/games, student agendas and more. *The 2026 Bobcat Fund is a joint fundraiser between PTSA & ASB* 
    • Math League & Science Olympiad – If you have a student in either of these enrichment programs, they will ask for a suggested donation.
    • Music & Theater – If you have a student in any of these classes, the teachers might ask for financial support of their programs.
    • After School Sports – If your student joins one of the Boys and Girls Club sports teams, there may be a joining fee.
    • Gift Card Donations –  Any gift cards used as student prizes, family incentives, or staff gifts must be donated.  Neither the PTSA nor the ASB are legally allowed to buy gift cards for these purposes.  Therefore both groups would gladly accept donations of popular gift cards for students (eg, during Spirit Week), staff (eg, during Staff Appreciation Week), or families (eg, during Back To School raffles).

Please note, unlike our feeder elementary schools and local high schools, the middle schools do NOT have foundations dedicated to raising money.  The Bobcat Fund supporting PTSA and ASB will be your two major ways to support the general programs at CVMS each year.