The Garden City PTA has built a thriving, high‑membership community centered on strong leadership, intentional communication, and a clear message of unity. This year’s theme, “I Belong,” was more than a nod to the Reflections program. Rather, it has been woven into the planning of every event and attempt at connection for the community. By promoting an inclusive atmosphere that encourages families to see themselves as part of a larger, clearly defined purpose, Garden City PTA offers them the ability to choose what their membership looks like.
Behind the PTA’s success is a dedicated team of leaders working collaboratively to promote membership and demonstrate the value of PTA involvement. President Chrisann Newransky, President‑Elect Kristen Whitaker, Executive Vice President Stephanie Buttrill, Membership Chair Christina Gavazzi, and Vice President of Communication Jennie Virzera form the core team guiding strategy and outreach. They receive an immense amount of support from an exceptional group of school directors who help push messaging directly into each building:
- Donna Kraus, High School Director
- Tara Kelly, Middle School Director
- Ali Calame, Stewart Director
- Yasmine Ilya‑Clark, Stratford Director
- Meredith Liddle, Hemlock Director
- Hana Noble, Homestead Director
- Lauren Ryan, Locust Director
These leaders, along with the marketing team and the district’s SEPTA partners, ensure that families understand how PTA supports students, teachers, and the unique makeup of each school.
While “I Belong” provided the spirit of the year, the PTA used a variety of practical, effective strategies to reach families, including the early-bird incentive of a $100 Amazon gift card raffle for members who joined by October 25. They maintained consistent digital communication by including join links in all PTA emails and newsletters and posting regular Instagram updates that kept membership visible and accessible. PTA membership is a prerequisite for all class parents and committee members, which ensures continuity and consistency, and the membership chair cross-references volunteer names against the official member list in Givebacks.
Garden City’s most successful in‑person membership push took place at Back to School nights, where families could join on the spot and learn firsthand how the PTA enriches school life. For this unit, the formula is simple: when benefits are clearly communicated and the power of parents is fully exercised, membership becomes an easy “yes.”
Website: https://gardencitypta.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardencitypta/?hl=en
Givebacks: https://gcpta.givebacks.com/shop