Without Northwood’s Parent Teacher Student Association, life on campus would be very different. PTSA volunteers, a group of dedicated parents and students, work tirelessly with administrators to provide a comfortable learning and working environment for all students and teachers.
“Being in the PTSA makes us a part of our children’s lives,” former Northwood PTSA president Archana Gima said. “There’s an ownership everybody takes to make Northwood a better place. Changing the ways we can support students makes them feel involved when they go do something that can benefit the whole community.”
PTSA’s involvement begins during Fall Kick-Off, which takes place a week before school starts. Parent volunteers hand out informational materials to students and set up tables to sell school merchandise.
Throughout the year, PTSA helps organize events like the annual State of the Student Day. This event helps students develop healthy strategies for handling stress through engaging activities.
Their most notable contribution is managing the Student Store, where students can purchase a variety of affordable snacks and school merchandise during lunch. Profits go towards various PTSA activities.
“The Student Store is a great way to get started with PTSA,” parent volunteer Karen Chao said. “It’s a low time commitment, but a perfect interaction with the students.”
The organization also ensures staff members are appreciated for their efforts by hosting specially catered staff meals three to four times every year.
“We just had one with the Chinese Parents Group that did a Lunar New Year breakfast for all of the teachers,” Northwood PTSA president Mike Nystrom said. “PTSA is unique among all student and parent organizations as we are the only one that supports all students and staff collectively. Northwood has been very supportive, so we are appreciative of that.”
Although every parent has unique reasons for getting involved, all of them share a common goal: strengthening a community that transforms students into caring, responsible adults for Northwood to be proud of.
“Our goal is to have a hand in making the school experience fun,” said Jim Leung, president of the Irvine Unified Council Parent Teacher Association, which oversees all the PTAs within IUSD. “That’s one of our values as a nonprofit organization. We want to serve all kids and families.”
To join Northwood’s PTSA, volunteer or purchase membership at www.northwoodptsa.org. The membership drive for next year will kick off in the fall. Memberships cost $10 to $15 per adult and must be renewed every year.
