Confused by the difference between PTA and Foundation?  Let us try to explain
At LCES, Foundation and PTA share a common goal – the betterment of our children's education. Both organizations work together throughout the year toward that end, but we each have a separate focus and are governed differently. There are times when PTA and Foundation objectives will overlap, so it is vital that we work closely together. 

Focus PTA

• funds will be focused on building a strong community at our school 
• long-recognized entity that parents know. It is also a political entity and has a voice in Sacramento where Foundation does not  

Foundation 

• used to purchase elements of education that the district and state are unable to provide, including technology, supplemental curriculum and valuable student services. 

Fundraising PTA

• budget may only focus on the current year's needs 
• budget and programs are set at the beginning of the school year and allow for little movement
• is a national organization and is bound by strict by-laws which dictate how fundraising is achieved and how funds are implemented into programs.

Foundation

• is able to carry over funds from year to year which allows for saving for larger projects or more costly programs 
• decisions can be made, changed or redirected as needed over the course of the school year
• funding decisions are guided by the Foundation Board, as representatives of parents, together with teacher and administrative input.

What is the PTA and what do we do?
The LCES PTA was founded in 1911, so we are 111 years strong this year! PTA is a partnership between parents and educators who strive to enhance student learning and enrich the lives of the students within the school. It is also a forum for parents to obtain knowledge and voice their opinions about what is happening in their school.  

At a school level, we host fun family events throughout the year, arrange assemblies for all students, as well as act as a voice for families within the school.  As a PTA, everything we do, we do to benefit the entire school population, but we work alongside Foundation to help provide a rich learning environment, such as helping to celebrate our 6th-grade camp and party.  Volunteers also gain new skills, friendships, and confidence.   

The LCES PTA is part of a larger umbrella organization consisting of Glendale Council PTA, California PTA (CAPTA), and the National PTA, which provides oversight, support and training for our school PTA.

The focus of PTA is:

• Student and School Success — All students should receive a world-class education that prepares them for long-term success in college and careers. PTA programs like Take Your Family to School Week, Family Reading Experience and School of Excellence empower families to be engaged in their children’s education and support their learning, which makes a difference for student success and school improvement.
• Health and Safety — Every child should have a healthy and safe place to live, learn and thrive. PTA provides tools and resources—such as our Connect for Respect initiative—that help students, parents and schools work together to create a positive school climate.
• Arts and Culture — Every child should receive a well-rounded education with access to arts and cultural opportunities. PTA celebrates and raises awareness about the importance of arts education and provides all students the opportunity to explore and be involved in the arts through our annual Reflections program.
• Advocacy — All families should be at the table and empowered to advocate for their own and every child. PTA’s policy agenda, advocacy toolkit and state and national trainings make it easy for every parent to make a difference.

PTA is the premier legacy association for children, families, and education. PTA is invested in the whole child and advocates on their behalf. California State PTA reaches millions of parents and families through members, coalitions and partnerships and has a history of landmark advocacy. PTA focuses on social and educational programs that inspire an importance on family engagement in all schools and communities.

Recently, California State PTA has been a force for change in bringing light to funding issues and ensuring that family engagement and community voice have a place at the table where funding decisions are made. PTA is building ways to ensure that family engagement is never overlooked and is providing training on its importance in and out of the classroom.

The PTA offers free resources for members on issues and areas such as STEM and health & safety.