Dear Pinchbeck Families:

Welcome back to our returning families and to our new families, welcome to the Pinchbeck Rays community! It is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to get ready for an exciting and successful 2025- 2026 school year with many exciting programs, events and activities.

Before joining a school for the first time, some people may have a misconception that the PTA is a large entity that is rigid and focuses only on fundraising. It is sometimes referred to as "THEY" in conversation. "THEY" only want your donation, or "THEY" only want you to volunteer... In truth, the Pinchbeck PTA is "WE" and "US". PTA members are parents, guardians, family members, close friends, teachers, faculty, and staff that are passionate about OUR student's physical health, mental wellness, and their public education. "WE" are advocates for our students and their needs. Every person that holds a PTA officer position or is a chairperson for a PTA committee or a volunteer for a PTA event is a parent, a family member, a teacher, or a friend of a Pinchbeck student- just like YOU and ME! 

At Pinchbeck we celebrate our diversity. Our students and their families represent over 25 spoken languages. We strive to first understand each other and then to be understood. With your support, we can continue making our school a great place for our students to learn in a diverse community based on vibrant family involvement. Your contribution, whether it is your time, knowledge, or resources makes a difference. There is a perfect opportunity for each person to be involved, I guarantee it!

Being a member of the PTA offers you a "voting voice". Through your membership, you are offered the opportunity to shape the programs and events that the PTA sponsors for Pinchbeck and how we allocate the funds we raise for those programs. Please take a look at our Programs page- I think you will be surprised to see just how much "WE" are able to sponsor through direct donations to our Sunshine Fund and through the Fundraising and Promotion programs we participate in. 

When we think with the end in mind, when we stop to consider what we want our experience at Pinchbeck to look like at the end of our journey here- what memories and learnings we want to take with us having made with our students and our Pinchbeck community, it's easy to see that being involved from the very beginning and getting started creating those experiences today will reap us the greatest rewards for both personal gain, and for our school's success. 

What is the fastest way to feel connected to the Pinchbeck community? Come to PTA meetings and school events, review the different committees and volunteer opportunities on the PTA website, and use the resources and tools found under our "Start Here!" tab, to stay up to date on events and activities so you can be engaged in your student's school life.

 “A strong PTA represents family involvement and family involvement represents student success.”

On behalf of the PTA Executive Board and all the volunteers, we wish everyone a very productive year ahead and look forward to your continued support. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at president@pinchbeckpta.com.

Please know that your questions and suggestions are always welcome! 

Thank you,
 
Ben Sleichter

2025 - 2026 Pinchbeck PTA President

5th year Pinchbeck Parent, current kindergartener and 4th grade student