Case In Point

MISD is one of the few districts of its size with a PTA represented in 100 percent of school campuses. This is done with the support and guidance of the MISD Council of PTAs. Mansfield has eight high schools, six middle schools, six intermediate, and 23 elementary schools. The MISD Council of PTAs formed in May of 1990. This was to help provide guidance and support to the Local PTA units. When the organization launched, Mansfield ISD had 11 schools and 10 PTAs. Now the district has 43 PTAs, which includes the Mansfield Early Childhood PTA and Mansfield Special Education PTA.

 The MISD Council of PTAs

The MISD Council of PTA’s is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan association. “PTAs are the backbone of the district. Parental involvement is critical in the success of any school. Furthermore, PTAs are a large part of this,” said MISD Board President Raul Gonzalez. The Council of PTAs also runs the Mansfield ISD PTA Clothes Closet. Which assists families in need with clothing for their students. Families can help the Clothes Closet by donating outgrown school-appropriate clothing and participating in various drives. Items such as socks, underwear, and dental supplies are all accepted.

PTA Schools of Excellence

Mansfield PTAs have also won their share of honors. Recently, Cora Spencer Elementary was named a National PTA School of Excellence. An honor won the previous year by Brooks Wester Middle School and Mary Lillard Intermediate. The honor for Cora Spencer is one of only 18 awarded to schools in Texas. As well as one of only 149 awarded nationally. Given to PTAs that have demonstrated a strong dedication and family engagement. The PTAs chosen have made a year-long commitment in identifying and implementing an action plan for school improvement. This is based on the national standards for family-school partnerships.

Setting The Standard

Those standards include welcoming all families into the school community, communicating effectively, supporting student success, speaking up for every child. “PTA is a vital part of educating our children. PTA builds strong working relationships with parents, teachers and schools, all with the goal of supporting students in education.” Said first-year Cora Spencer Principal Georgie Swize. “From fundraising to volunteering to involving families in school activities, the PTA truly makes a difference in our students’ lives. “Gonzalez noted that at the high school level PTAs have student members, which actually makes them PTSAs.

PTA Membership

“PTA membership is also important at the high school level where “S” is added for student members,” he said. “Many parents who have actively participated in PTA when their children were younger become band, athletic, theater or choir parents. Typically when their kids get to high school. I encourage high school families to continue their service in PTSA. As they are the glue that brings each of these individual booster clubs together.” High School PTSAs work to earn scholarship money for students. As well as, assist with campus needs of all sorts that are not covered by the district. Gonzalez also noted that PTAs in the district are currently in their recruiting and registration process.

Mansfield Parents

“I encourage each person in MISD to join their PTA or PTSA, and now is the time to do that.” He said. “Even if you cannot give your time, your membership fee goes to help your school.”Mansfield ISD prides ourselves on the participation of our families and believes that PTA involvement is critical for success. PTA parents are selfless in their service and help not only their student but classmates as well.”