The Power of PTSA: Connecting Parents, Students, Teachers, and the Community

Administrators, parents, teachers and students, all a part of the PTSA, smile for a photo at the end of the most recent PTSA meeting. Photo credit: Stella Peterson (9). 

The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) plays an essential role in connecting parents, students, teachers, and the broader community. The local PTSA chapter has been instrumental in supporting programs, funding classroom initiatives, and strengthening communication within the school district. 

In the spring of 2024, the choir program lost crucial funding. The PTSA played a vital role in supporting the Choir Crescendo Campaign, which helped keep the program running. “The PTSA really helped out with that,” said Mercy Rome, president of the PTSA club. 

Continuing its commitment to school programs, the PTSA raised $2,053 during this year’s Oktoberfest to further support the choir, leaving $6,198 remaining to reach the campaign goal. 

This year, the PTSA approved a budget that includes a $2,000 line item to support high school teachers with classroom supplies and field trip expenses, as well as a $300 allocation for ASB spending. These funds will help educators and student leaders be more successful throughout the school year. 

At the most recent PTSA meeting on October 20, 2025, members discussed upcoming budget plans and district-wide updates, including recent changes to the school phone policy.  

Students also participated in the meeting, including Samantha Crossley (11), who represented Cascade Cheer. “I think the most important part of this meeting was communication and making sure everyone knows what is going on,” said Crossley. 

“One important thing is that this group exists,” said Kenny Renner-Singer.

Parents echoed the importance of the organization’s role in the district. “One important thing is that this group exists,” said Kenny Renner-Singer, who attended as the parent of CHS student Lillian Renner-Singer (10). 

“The dedicated members of the PTSA continue to devote their time and effort to making Cascade School District the best it can be,” said Rome, who has been involved in the club since its founding. “People can get involved by sending an email to cascadeptsa509@gmail.com.”