Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) do a lot, especially with tightening school budgets. Patch spoke with the men and women who will lead the parent groups next year.

We've met the PTA, now it's your turn. 

Jennifer Bauer is president of Westover Elementary School's PTA. 

Colesville Patch: How long have you been involved with the PTA?

Jennifer Bauer: It will actually be my sixth year as a member of the PTA but only my second on the board. I was vice president of fundraising in 2007-2008 school year. For the past two years, I co-chaired our Scholastic Book Fairs.

Colesville Patch: How many kids do you have at Westover Elementary School?

Bauer:  I have one son at the school.

Colesville Patch: What grade is he in?

Bauer: Matthew is going into the fourth grade.

Colesville Patch: Why did you want to become president of Westover Elementary School's PTA?

Bauer: I think it's all of our responsibility to step up and support our children's education.

Colesville Patch: What kinds of activities are you planning for the 2011-2012 school year?

Bauer: We are going to continue most of the activities we did last year. We try to do one night a month that is family focused. We also do fundraisers throughout the year.

Colesville Patch: What are your goals for the PTA and the school this year?

Bauer: We want to continue our focus on communication and sharing information. We moved to an electronic newsletter last year. We are looking at new ways to get information out about what's happening in the school and the PTA.

Colesville Patch: Why should parents get involved in the PTA?

Bauer: Two reasons: The education of our children is one of primary roles as parents, and it's a lot of fun.

Colesville Patch: What do you love most about Westover Elementary School?

Bauer:  I really like that it is a small school, that the teachers care greatly about the students and there is a sense of community.

If you're the president of an East Montgomery County school PTA and would like to be featured, send us an email.