New Families

Am I required to join the PTA?

No. Participation is always optional. All Seawell families are part of our school community whether or not they join the PTA, volunteer, donate, or attend meetings.

Do I need to volunteer?

No. Families participate at many different levels. Some families volunteer often, some help once, some attend events when they can, and some simply stay connected. All of those forms of participation matter.

What if I only have a little time to help?

That is welcome. Many PTA needs are small and one-time, such as greeting families at an event, bringing an item, reviewing a short translation, helping with setup, taking photos for the yearbook, or volunteering for 30 minutes.

What if my English is limited?

You are welcome at Seawell regardless of English proficiency. Families are encouraged to ask questions and seek support whenever needed. CHCCS offers translation and interpretation support, and the PTA is working to make important community information as clear and accessible as possible. We also are seeking ways to provide translated PTA materials would value any and all bilingual support!

How can I meet other families?

School events, PTA activities, and Room Parent networks are great ways to connect with other families. Room Parents help share classroom and PTA information and may also help families connect socially when appropriate.

What is a Room Parent?

A Room Parent is a family volunteer who helps connect the teacher, classroom families, and PTA. Room Parents may share reminders, help organize classroom participation when requested by the teacher, welcome new families, and help families know what is happening in the classroom community.

Do I have to be a Room Parent to help my child’s class?

No. Room Parents help organize communication, but many families help in smaller ways during the year. You can offer to help once, contribute an item, attend a class event, or respond to a teacher or Room Parent request when you are able.

Do I need a background check to volunteer?

For many school volunteer roles, yes. CHCCS has volunteer and visitor procedures. If you are only visiting your own child or attending a scheduled event, you may be treated as a visitor rather than a volunteer. For volunteer roles or chaperoning, please follow the current CHCCS process by clicking here.

What is the difference between the school and the PTA?

Seawell Elementary is the school. The school handles student instruction, teachers, schedules, safety procedures, transportation, meals, attendance, student records, and individual student concerns.

The Seawell PTA is a nonprofit family-teacher organization that supports the school community through family engagement, teacher and staff appreciation, classroom and schoolwide support, enrichment, events, fundraising, and volunteer coordination.

What is the difference between the PTA and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation (PSF)?

The Seawell PTA is focused specifically on Seawell Elementary. PTA funds and volunteer work support Seawell students, staff, families, and school community activities.

The CHCCS Public School Foundation, often called PSF, is a districtwide nonprofit that supports Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools more broadly, including grants and programs that may serve teachers, students, and schools across the district.

Both organizations support public education, but they work at different levels.

Where do PTA funds go?

Seawell is a public school funded through federal, state, county/local, and district-managed funds. These public funds support the core work of the school.

The Seawell PTA is separate from the school budget. PTA funds support school and community needs such as teacher and staff appreciation, classroom support, enrichment opportunities, family events, student experiences, school traditions, and other approved PTA priorities. The PTA budget is approved by PTA members. 

Are donations or gifts required?

No. Donations are always optional. Families should never feel pressured to give money, contribute to gifts, or participate in fundraising. Cards, kind words, time, and community connection are also meaningful.

Who should I contact if I have a question?

For classroom questions, start with your child’s teacher.

For attendance, transportation, meals, enrollment, or student records, contact the school office.

For PTA events, volunteering, membership, fundraising, spirit wear, Room Parents, or community questions, contact the PTA.

What if we are new to Seawell and don't know anyone yet?

You are not alone! Many families arrive without already knowing people. PTA events, Room Parent networks, new family activities, and grade-level connections can help. Reach out to giving@seawellpta.com at any time and ask to be connected. Seawell hosts a new family orientation and tour each year before the the fall semester begins. Keep an eye out for more information about the event on Seawell PTA's social media (Facebook and Instagram)!

Can grandparents, guardians, or other caregivers participate?

Yes. The PTA welcomes parents, guardians, grandparents, and other caregivers who want to support Seawell students and community life.

Does joining the PTA mean I have to attend meetings?

No. PTA members are welcome at meetings and may vote on PTA business, but joining does not require you to attend every meeting or take on a role.

Why should I join the PTA?

Joining the PTA is one way to support Seawell, stay connected, and have a voice in PTA priorities and votes. Membership helps strengthen the school community, but it is not required in order to belong or participate.

What if I have an idea for the PTA?

We want to hear it. Families can share ideas for events, community-building, innovative projects and enrichment for the classroom, fundraising, communication, family support, or ways to make Seawell more welcoming for all families. Share your ideas with us through this easy to use Grant Program and Submission Form. We welcome all ideas from current staff, families and community members.