PTA goes high-tech

The Top of the World Elementary PTA recently launched towpta.org, designed to make all PTA information accessible in an effort to facilitate communication and be “eco-friendly.”

Created by PTA President Peggy Wolff, Vice President Tammy Skenderian and parent volunteer and web whiz Peter Pillsbury, the site offers an array of information including after-school agendas and registration, calendars and the ability to buy tickets and merchandise, newsletter and hot sheets, photographs, biographies and contacts, and a place to make a donation or volunteer with the PTA.

“Our new site is a first step in taking our PTA into the technological age,” Wolff said. “We are committed to going green and being accessible for all parents via the Internet, and are working hard to integrate all the technology and phase parents out of paper and onto their computers for information.”

To save paper, the committee will send out “E-mail Blasts” rather than mailing 630 packets.

Wolff said she and Skenderian were growing overwhelmed by paperwork and processing of checks, which led them to abandon the antiquated system. They were further compelled by the environmental benefits.

“So far we’ve had a great response. Parents have been able to register their kids for classes online with no problems, and we’re saving a lot of money in printing costs,” Wolff said.

Principal Ron La Motte applauded the endeavor.

“I am thrilled about the outcome of this exciting project. It is amazing how much this new technology has streamlined the process of registration for parents and office staff alike. We are so fortunate to have leaders like Peggy Wolff and Tammy Skenderian with vision and commitment to making TOW the best there is,” he said.

Supt. Robert Fraisse also praised the organization.

“Increasingly schools must deal with the ‘business side’ of education in order to promote the best possible educational programs for students,” he said. “Top of the World’s investment in this business practice is a great example of stakeholder stewardship.”