What is PTC?

The Parent Teacher Club, or PTC is a volunteer run organization that focuses on working with you, the parents, teachers and staff to help create an enriched learning environment for our students here at Cowan.

Why do I have to pay to join?

The more PTC members we have, the better we will be able to serve our children, families, teachers and the support staff that make Cowan such a diverse and dynamic place to learn and grow.  100% of your donation goes directly to activities, programs and enrichments for our children. Please join us in making this year a strong and rewarding one! 

Do I have to volunteer?

Families, teachers and staff are the backbone of our strong and supportive community here at Cowan.  Family involvement is a long tradition at our school and one of its greatest strengths.  The parent volunteer expectation is 2 hours per month, per family.  The more you engage with the school community, the more rewarding your experience at Cowan will be.  We encourage you to look for opportunities to volunteer and share your experience and talents.  Volunteering is worth it.  Small or big time commitment- there is a place for you!

What is the EASIEST way to help? I'm so BUSY!

Any help is appreciated!  There are many ways to volunteer here at Cowan.  Don't have a lot of time?  The EASIEST way to support the PTC is by scanning your receipts with your Boxtops for Education app (J Cowan Fundamental Elementary), or setting up your AmazonSmile account to benefit James R Cowan Fundamental School Parent Club. 

What does the Cowan PTC do with my donation?

Each year the PTC has several fundraisers to cover the costs of all we do here on campus.  We depend on our families and surrounding communities to help us meet our goals.  The jog-a-thon is our biggest fundraiser of the year, the funds collected help keep the technology here at Cowan up to date as well as supports learning enrichment.  In recent years we've helped support the library, Music, Art and PE programs through Jog-a-thon funds.  Smaller events such as Daughter of My Heart Dance, Mother/ Son Sports Night, Restaurant Nights, Recycle Drives, Tile Painting and Penny Wars (after expenses) all go towards our $25,000 goal each year.  The money goes towards many things, such as: 

-Sponsors events to strengthen our Cowan Community

-Finances updates for technology and purchases new equipment as necessary

-Purchases ink, paper, office supplies, and classroom sets of Chromebooks

-Finances grade-level reading enrichment programs

-Sponsors Staff appreciation Week each May

-Sponsors school wide Assemblies

-Supports families at our school facing life-altering challenges

-Supports school library, playground equipment, PE, Art, and music programs

-Covers supplemental insurance costs for extracurricular events held at Cowan (Fall Festival, School Assemblies, Cowan Community Arts in the Park, Annual Book Swap)

When are the meetings? Am I required to attend?

PTC meetings are currently on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm-8:00pm, via Zoom. Please look for the link in an email from the Principal or your child's teacher the day before or day of the meeting. Attendance at PTC meetings is optional, however it's highly recommended!  We love to see new faces and hear your opinions! You can't get the scoop on what's happening if you stay home! 

What does a meeting look like? Can I bring my kids?

You're INVITED! PTC meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the library (room 5). The meeting starts at 7pm and ends at 8pm.  We talk about past events, upcoming events, issues concerning our school and finances.  The principal also gives a report of what's happening in other committees and information on a school or district level. You have a voice! We vote on how to best spend our money to support students and staff.  Yes, you can bring your kids.  Often we have childcare available in a separate room.  Please double check that we are offering childcare that month.  PTC meetings help you to know what's happening around our school, where the needs are and where our money is going.  A PTC meeting = 2 volunteer hours!

Can I win fabulous prizes?

Yes!  Often at our month PTC meetings we raffle off fun and fabulous prizes!  Come join us each 2nd Wednesday of the Month in room 5, 7-8pm and join in the conversation! 

I have something to donate or a contact at a business that wants to support our school!

Fantastic!  Please contact us at CowanPTC@gmail.com with your information.  We are always looking for fun prizes for our fundraisers!  Businesses can support in a number of ways, they can sponsor an event, donate services or donate goods.