ABERDEEN, S.D. – Erin Doering’s involvement with PTA started on day one of her children’s education at Aberdeen Public Schools—which was also day one at Mike Miller Elementary.
“The year it opened, the twins were kindergarteners, so we were part of that very first kindergarten class,” she explained.
Ten years later, Doering serves as PTA President at Holgate Middle School, where her son Deacon is a sixth grader. Her twins, Alex and Arianna, are now ninth graders at CHS.
Doering said she has always planned to remain active with PTA at her children’s schools.
“I want to be involved in the school and know the teachers and get a sneak peek of what’s coming,” she said.
Jessica Pruitt agrees. Pruitt is the PTA President at Central, where her daughter, Annabelle, is in ninth grade. Pruitt is also mom to Harmony, a sixth grader in Ada, Minn., and Oliver, a second grader at Mike Miller.
Even though Pruitt doesn’t have any children attending Holgate this year, she’s also serving as that school’s PTA Vice President.
“I think it’s all hands on deck,” she said. “Many hands make light work for some of the things that happen day to day directly impacting our students here.”
Pruitt has been involved with PTA since Annabelle started at Mike Miller as a first grader, and she intends to continue that involvement.
“I’ll be involved until my kids graduate because I like to be there for things, like Erin said. I like to know what’s coming when I can,” she said. “I enjoy being able to help plan some of the events, and I know that kids whose parents are more involved do better.”
From Local Involvement to National Advocacy
While Doering always expected to be active at her local PTA, she didn’t expect that involvement to grow into advocacy for public schools at the state and national level.
That advocacy first began in 2020 when she started on the state board. She now serves as president-elect.
Doering has traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak with legislative representatives about advocating for public schools and policies that will affect children.
The national PTA organization’s motto is “every child, one voice.”
“The mission of the PTA is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children,” Doering said.
Nationwide, PTA has 2.5 million members, who support 750,000 teachers and 4.3 million students across the country.
“And we will fight for every cent these kids need,” Doering said. “We will fight for the resources these kids need. Yes, I’m focused on what is happening here at Holgate and Central for my children, but the big picture is that it’s for every child in this school and all 144,000 public school students in the state.”
But that kind of advocacy does not have to be part of someone’s PTA membership.
“You can be a member of this PTA and only focus on what good we can do at (your child’s school),” Doering said.
Many Ways to Support Local Students
There are many ways to support local students and teachers.
“It’s been really eye-opening to see how much we actually can do,” Pruitt said.
At CHS, the PTA is starting a program that will provide free hygiene products for students.
“If you take away the everyday worry from students, they’re going to be able to focus on their classwork more and do better in school,” Pruitt said.
The CHS PTA has also provided extra boxes of tissues and disinfectant wipes in all classrooms, paid off negative meal balances, and supplied physics teachers with solar car kits to work on in the classroom. They will also sponsor some school district families this holiday season.
At the elementary and middle school level, PTA involvement can also involve planning fun activities such as the recent Family Bingo night at Holgate. Other activities include snack carts the week before Christmas and during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Doering and Pruitt encourage people to attend meetings and bring their own ideas.
“Come to a meeting and help us make a decision on how we’re supporting our teachers, and how we’re supporting their classroom education,” Doering said, “especially when funding may not be there to do all the fun activities that a teacher wants to do, or they’re missing crucial components.”
Can Choose Your Level of Involvement
PTA involvement doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, they said.
“I like that PTA gives you the option to choose your level of involvement,” Pruitt said.
Some people might show up at every event and help with everything, some might be able to help at events occasionally, and some might just drop off a donated treat when possible.
“It really can be catered to each individual person and how much they want to be involved,” Pruitt said.
Also, you don’t have to be a parent to be involved. PTA is also open to grandparents, other family members, or anyone who wants to be involved and support students.
“Anybody who wants to invest in a child’s education is welcome to be a part of PTA,” Doering said.
Students need people in their corner, Pruitt said, and PTA is a way to be there for them.
“It’s such an easy way to be involved and show them support,” she said.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.