Frequently Asked Questions

PTA Membership 

Why should I join the Highlands PTA?

Joining the PTA is an easy way to stay connected, support our school community, and have a voice in the work of the PTA.

 

As a member, you can:

• Access the PTA member directory and connect with other Highlands families
• Vote on PTA matters and help shape priorities for our school community
• Be part of the California State PTA and National PTA
• Strengthen the partnership between families, teachers, staff, and the PTA
• Stay connected to school events, programs, and opportunities throughout the year

What does the PTA do?

The Highlands PTA is a volunteer organization of parents, guardians, teachers, and community members working together to support our students and school community.

 

The PTA helps organize community events, volunteer efforts, enrichment opportunities, teacher support, fundraising, and other programs that enhance the student experience at Highlands.

 

Much of this work is made possible through donations to the Highlands SMART Fund, our annual giving campaign.

 

LEARN ABOUT THE SMART FUND

Do I have to attend meetings if I join?

No. You are always welcome at our general PTA meetings, but meeting attendance is not required to be a member. Find upcoming meeting dates on our PTA calendar.

Do I have to volunteer if I join the PTA?

No. PTA membership and volunteering are separate.

 

We would love your help if you choose to volunteer, but there is no volunteer requirement to become a PTA member. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more.

Do I have to be a parent to join?

No! Parents, guardians, grandparents, extended family members, teachers, staff, and community members are all welcome to join the Highlands PTA.

How much is PTA membership?

PTA membership is renewed each school year.

• Individual Membership: $15
• Family Membership: $25 (two adults)

JOIN / RENEW PTA MEMBERSHIP

Is creating a Membership Toolkit account the same as joining the PTA?

No. Creating a Membership Toolkit account and joining the PTA are separate steps.

Membership Toolkit is the online platform that powers our PTA website and family tools. Once you create an account or sign in, you can update your family information, access PTA resources, and join or renew your annual PTA membership.

Do I need to renew my PTA membership every year?

Yes. PTA membership is renewed each school year, even if you were a member last year.

Returning families should sign in, review or update their information, and renew their membership for the current school year.

 

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Highlands SMART Fund

What is the Highlands SMART Fund?

The SMART Fund is Highlands PTA’s annual giving campaign and is separate from PTA membership.

 

SMART Fund donations provide the additional funding that helps support student enrichment, teacher grants and support, school and community events, and PTA-funded programs and resources throughout the year.

 

100% of SMART Fund donations stay at Highlands Elementary.

What is the difference between the Highlands SMART Fund and the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation?

100% of donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at Highlands Elementary to support programs and opportunities at our school.

 

The San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization that raises funds to support district-wide programs benefiting schools across the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

What is the SMART Fund goal for 2026–27?

Our SMART Fund goal for the 2026–27 school year is $65,000.

Is there a suggested contribution?

To help us reach our annual goal, the suggested contribution is:

• $900 per student
• $1,400 per family

We recognize that every family’s circumstances are different. Every contribution, at any amount, is meaningful and appreciated, and we hope every Highlands family will participate.

SUPPORT THE SMART FUND

What does the SMART Fund support?

SMART Fund donations help support programs and resources such as:

• Student enrichment
• Teacher grants and classroom support
• School and community events
• PTA-sponsored programs
• Other resources and opportunities for Highlands students

Visit our SMART Fund page for current information about how donations are used.

Does my employer match SMART Fund donations?

Many employers offer matching gift programs that may double or increase the impact of your donation.

Check your employer’s employee giving or benefits portal to see whether your gift is eligible.

LEARN ABOUT CORPORATE MATCHING

What is the Highlands PTA tax ID number?

Highlands Elementary PTA’s Federal Tax ID (EIN) is:

94-6172358

 

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Membership Toolkit & Your PTA Account

What is Membership Toolkit?

Membership Toolkit is the online platform that powers the Highlands PTA website and family tools.

 

Whether you are new to Highlands or a returning family, sign in — or create an account if you haven’t set one up yet — to access PTA resources and complete important PTA actions.

What can I do with my Membership Toolkit account?

Once signed in, you can:

• Update family and student information
• Access the family directory
• Join or renew PTA membership
• Donate to the SMART Fund
• Sign up for volunteer opportunities
• View PTA calendars and resources
• Manage your subscriptions
• Record volunteer hours
• Purchase Spirit Wear and other PTA items
• Access additional PTA forms and resources

What should I do at the beginning of each school year?

We encourage every Highlands family to complete these steps:

1. Sign in or create your Membership Toolkit account
2. Review and update your family information
3. Join or renew your annual PTA membership
4. Make your annual SMART Fund contribution

Membership and SMART Fund giving are two separate actions.

How do I manage my newsletter and calendar subscriptions?

You can review and manage your subscriptions under My Account – Subscriptions.

 

 

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Volunteering

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to help — both in your child’s classroom and across the school.

For classroom opportunities, connect with your child’s teacher or Room Parent.

 

For school-wide events, committees, leadership roles, and other PTA needs, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page or complete our Volunteer Interest Form.

VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are there requirements to volunteer?

Requirements may vary depending on the volunteer activity. If you have questions about what is needed for a particular role, please check with your child’s teacher or the Highlands school office.

 

Still Have Questions?

Not sure where to start? Reach out to the Highlands PTA at highlandssmartfund@gmail.com and we’ll help point you in the right direction.