Frequently Asked Questions

PTA Membership

Why should I join?

Here are just a few of the benefits of joining the PTA:

Access the PTA member directory to connect with other Highlands parents
Be part of the California State PTA and National PTA, the largest and most powerful children’s advocacy organization in the country
Get your voice heard on important school decisions
Partner with the principal, teachers, and staff to expand your child's education
Create positive memories for you and your child by sharing in school events!

What does the PTA do?

The people who make up the Highlands PTA make a real difference at Highlands and support the programs and staff positions that give Highlands its unique learning environment. We are a volunteer group of parents, guardians, and teachers who want to show our support for our teachers and execute on supporting important programs for our kids.

PTA fundraising allows our school to fund additional programs and support teachers to expand your child's education beyond the basic curriculum. Learn more about what the PTA funds in the Highlands SMARTFund section, here.

If I join, do I have to go to meetings?

No! You are welcome to attend our general meetings, but definitely not required. You can find the dates & times of PTA on our calendar.

If I join, do I have to volunteer or spend a lot of time at school?

No - joining the PTA is not the same as volunteering. If you choose to volunteer we would LOVE the help—but volunteering is not required. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at Highlands on our Volunteer page.

Do I have to be a parent to join the PTA?

No! Anyone is welcome - grandparents, aunts, uncles, community members!

How do I get involved? How much are dues?

You can become a PTA member here. Dues are paid annually. They are $12 for an individual or $20 for a family. There are a lot of ways to get involved!

Join our PTA general meetings (find the dates on our calendar)
Join the PTA executive board or be part of a committee (email our Executive VP, Rachael Webster, for more info)
Find school-wide volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Opportunities page
Talk to your student's teacher about volunteer opportunities at the classroom level, like Room Parent, Art in Action, Garden, and more

Highlands SMARTFund

What is the difference between the HIGHLANDS SMART FUND and the San Mateo-Foster City Ed Foundation?

100% of the donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at our school to support our programs. The San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation (SMFCEF) is a non-profit organization that raises dollars to support District-wide programs at all schools in the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

What is the SMART fund tax ID number?

Our EIN Federal Tax identification number is: 94-6172358

What is the SMART fund goal for the 2024/2025 school year?

The SMART fund goal this year is: $50,000

What is the suggested amount for families to donate?

To reach our goal, we are asking each family to donate $800 per child or $1,600 per family. If your family can donate the suggested amount, it will make a huge impact towards achieving our goal.

However, any amount your family can afford is considered generous and greatly appreciated.

How is the Highlands SMART fund budget allocated?

The Highlands SMART Fund supports all PTA-sponsored enrichment programs at Highlands for the school year. These programs are directly supported and paid for through YOUR donations.*

*Data from 2021-22 Highlands PTA Budget

Registering and Managing an Account

Why should I register on the Highlands PTA website?

Creating an account on this site is not the same as joining the PTA.

Membership Toolkit is the service that powers our Highlands PTA website so you can make purchases, complete paperwork, and coordinate our volunteer efforts —all online. The goal is to save time, and work together more smoothly!

Once registered, you can:

Join our PTA and pay dues online
Subscribe to the Bear Bytes newsletter and stay up-to-date on all the happenings at Highlands
Update the Information form for you family, student and teacher for the current school year
Access the member directory (PTA members only)
Access the Membership Toolkit app on your mobile device
Access PTA member-only content
Sign up for volunteer opportunities
Record your volunteer hours
Purchase Spirit Wear
Order a Bunker Hill Birthday Sign message
Donate to the SMART fund
And more!