PTA Parent Survey 2019-2020
From July 22 to September 17, 2019, the PTA conducted an Online
parent survey in English, Spanish and Japanese. We asked all current
Manorhaven families and parents of last year’s graduates what they
thought about the PTA’s...
Priorities
Inclusivity
Fundraising Efforts
49
parents responded.
Here’s what they said...
94%
of all respondents said they
believe the PTA is highly
effective at fulfilling its
mission of enriching
academic and community life
at Manorhaven.
The majority prioritize academic enrichment,
with social-emotional enrichment
a distant second.
68%
8%
6%
2%
16%
Academic enrichment
Cultural enrichment
Physical enrichment
School infrastructure
Social-Emotional enrichment
Question 5: Please rank the following priorities from most to least important to your family (1=most important; 5=least important) Chart represents respondents’ top-ranked priority only. 49 responses (42 English, 6 Japanese, 1 Spanish)Did you know?
Nearly 60% of the PTA’s
annual expenses go toward
educational enrichment for
“More STEM, coding, more enrichment classes, clubs after
school like Chess, teach children a secondary language.”
“Real, ongoing programming instead of one off
assemblies/speakers.”
“Regular visits from specialized instructors for things like engineering,
coding, biology, and other sciences. There's STEM and STEAM in the
mornings before school, but how about during?”
“I would love to see foreign language exposure (Spanish
classes ideally).”
Parents also agree that the PTA plays an important role in
building a sense of community...
...but not everyone feels welcome or included.
77%
23%
I feel welcome and
included at PTA meetings
and school events.
I do not feel welcome and
included at PTA meetings
and school events.
Question 12: I feel welcome and included at PTA meetings and school events.
“More community building among the families in the school.”
“Community-building and outreach into the community of Port
Washington, not just Manorhaven school.”
“Our community would greatly benefit from a PTA subcommittee lead
by bilingual parents in order to meet the diverse needs of our families.”
★
More evening meetings
Many parents would like to be more involved in PTA activities. A
few things could help...
★
Virtual meetings
★
More low-cost or
free events
7 7 1 2 4 0More meetings were held in the evening. More meetings were conducted virtually (e.g., Google Hangout, Skype, conference
call).
Interpretation services were available at meetings.
I knew more people in the organization. The events/activities in which I’m
interested were less expensive. Other
0 2 4 6 8 10
Question 14c: I would be more inclined to participate in PTA events, activities and committees if... 14 responses (12 English, 2 Japanese)
“More FREE or LOW-COST events fostering community
among parents and families!”
“Provide more late night events for parents to attend with
experts/speakers. There should be more events/opportunities for kids
to engage in with their parents.”
“Offer childcare at meetings! This is a parent organization and we
are all parents! It is the one thing we all have in common!”
“I understand the utility of the fundraising nights and am grateful to
those able to spend $200+ on a ticket/babysitter/raffles. But those
events exclude the majority of parents who also would love to come
together in support of the school community.”
81%
19%
The PTA could be
more effective
and should try
new approaches
to fundraising
The PTA could not
be more effective
at fundraising
Fundraising is a critical aspect of the PTA’s mission. And while most
parents say they don’t feel too burdened by the PTA’s fundraising efforts...
Question 9: I believe the PTA conducts fundraising activities...
49 responses (42 English, 6 Japanese, 1 Spanish)
48%
31%
11%
10%
As often as necessary. I
never feel put out by
requests for financial
contributions.
Quite often. I
sometimes feel put out
by requests for
financial contributions.
Way too often. I feel
very put out by the
fundraising requests
throughout the year.
Question 10: I believe the PTA could be even more effective in its fundraising efforts, and should consider trying new approaches to fundraising.
49 responses (42 English, 6 Japanese, 1 Spanish)
...they also agree that the PTA can
change it up a little.
“Corporate matching campaign, underwriting opportunities for
specific programs/events.”
“High priced tickets to Parent social and Ladies’ Night Out should be
balanced out with events that all school families can afford to
attend.”
“Direct fundraising/contributions and underwriting clubs.”
“Have specific dollar amounts listed for bigger initiatives, i.e. $250,
$100, $50, $25, or other... It’s important for people to have an idea of
what the end goal is and how much it will take to get there.”
But here’s the most consistent thing we heard from parents
about fundraising...
“To be honest, I don't know what the
PTA is investing vs. what the school is
★
Investment priorities
Parents say they want more insight into the PTA’s...
Question 9a: I would not feel as put out by the PTA’s fundraising efforts if...
29 responses (27 English, 1 Japanese, 1 Spanish)
13 16 5
1 2
I knew more about the various fundraisers at the start of the year and could budget
accordingly for when they arise. I had more insight into the PTA’s priorities
and investments, and had a better understanding of where my contributions …
I felt more connected to the PTA. There’s nothing the PTA can do; I don’t want
to be asked for financial contributions. Other 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
★
Fundraising goals
★
Fundraising needs
★
Planned fundraising
activities throughout
the year
Last year’s successful playground campaign proved that when the PTA
clearly communicates shared goals, our community comes together.
Question 11: Last year, the PTA conducted a successful fundraising campaign to build the new Manorhaven playground. If the PTA conducted another major capital campaign in the next 2-3 years, what is the biggest financial investment you'd like to see it make? (e.g., investment in classroom technology; action-based learning tools and furnishings; walking path/asphalt track; etc.)
So, what should be the next big goal for the PTA’s
fundraising efforts?
“Classroom Technology”
(22 respondents)
“Action Based Learning”
10 respondents
“Track/walking path”
4 respondents
“Teachers! Teacher enrichments! School psychologists! Community
outreach specialists! We don’t need more ‘stuff.’”
““Classroom technology and regular visits from specialized instructors for things
like engineering, coding, biology, and other sciences. There's STEM and STEAM in
An important aspect of the PTA’s role is helping to keep parents
informed about what’s going on in the school, the district, and the
broader community.
Question 15: How effective is the PTA at keeping
69%
31%
Very effective: I
always know
when important
things were
happening.
Somewhat
effective: I
usually know
when important
things were
happening.
The majority of respondents
said the PTA is pretty good at
letting them know what’s
happening at school...
but there’s always room for
improvement!
79%
21%
True
False
Parents say they want streamlined communications that help them
focus on what’s most important.
Question 19: I would prefer to receive only one newsletter per week. 49 responses (42 English, 6 Japanese, 1 Spanish)
