About

The mission of PTA is to represent our members and to empower and support them with skills in advocacy, leadership, and communication to positively impact the lives of all children and families. The National PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of all children and youth. For more than 100 years, the National PTA has promoted the education, health, and safety of children, youth, and families.

Our PTA is all about bringing our school community together, connecting parents, teachers, and families to make Thurston an amazing place for our kids to learn and grow. Whether you've got five minutes or five hours, there's a spot for you!

Why join PTA?

• A seat at the table — connect with parents, teachers, administrators, and other Thurston champions

• Fuel for great education — help support art, culture, and community programs in a safe, welcoming environment

• Strength in numbers — join a crew that advocates for every single Thurston student

Join today and be part of the fun!

FAQs on Membership:

• I can't make it to meetings — can I still join? Absolutely! Meetings aren't mandatory (though we'd love to see your face). Our dream is 100% membership from Thurston families — and yes, every member of your household can join!

• I already donate to SchoolPower — why also join PTA? Great question! Thurston PTA funds things specific to our school — teacher grants, school events, field trips, and more. SchoolPower supports all Laguna Beach public schools district-wide. Together, they're a one-two punch for an even more amazing Thurston.

• Got an idea for how PTA funds should be spent? We want to hear it! Reach out anytime, or join today and help shape it yourself.

• Can I come to a meeting without joining? Yep! All parents/guardians are welcome — just be sure to follow Thurston's campus policies as a guest. Contact the school office for details. And hey, if you love what you see, we'd be thrilled to have you join and volunteer too!

Thurston PTA Meeting Schedule
Meets the 3rd Wednesday every other month

Location: Thurston Library
Refreshments: 8:45 AM
Meeting starts: 9:00 AM

Dates:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Wednesday, May 19, 2027

What actually happens at a PTA meeting?
Think of it as your backstage pass to everything happening at TMS! You'll hear straight from the principal about what's going on, and get to help shape the PTA programs and events your kids actually experience. Here's the rundown:

• Welcome

• Approval of minutes (from the last meeting)

• Principal's report

• President's report

• Treasurer's report

• Unfinished business

• New business

• Committee reports

• Announcements

• Adjournment

What's with all the fancy "I move to approve" talk?
If you sit in on a meeting, you'll hear motions, votes, and other official-sounding lingo and no, you haven't accidentally wandered into the United Nations (though we do borrow their rulebook: Robert's Rules of Order!). Don't let it intimidate you, it's really just a tried-and-true way to keep things organized so we can get through the agenda without total chaos. Order now, snacks later.

Can I bring up my own questions or concerns?
Absolutely, that's what we're here for! We stick to an agenda so meetings don't spiral into a 3-hour free-for-all, but you've got options: email the PTA president in advance at president@thurstonmiddleschoolpta.org to get your topic added, or just wait for "new business" (usually near the end) when the floor opens up for anything on your mind.

Can anyone show up to a meeting?
Yes, everyone is welcome! Become a member to lock in your seat (and your vote).

Can I bring my baby/toddler/kid?
Of course! Fair warning: parliamentary procedure is not exactly kid entertainment. Pack snacks, a tablet, or a favorite book, we won't judge.

I can't make it to meetings, how else can I get involved?
No problem! Let us know if there's an event or role you'd love to help with, and be sure to check out the TMS PTA Newsletter to stay in the loop on everything happening.

Your Executive Board is in the house, and we couldn't be more honored to serve up some FUN this year!

President - Vivian Tran

Vice President - Lisa Dauffenbach Schroeder

Treasurer - Kelly O’Brien

Secretary - Emily Rolfing 

Financial Secretary - Jen Nahas

Financial Reviewer - Sandy Seabrook

Historian - Claudia Morris

Parliamentarian - Susan Weidhaas

Membership - Chelsea Kennedy

Communication - Julian White

It takes a village to bring the FUN to THURSTON!

6th Grade Social - Shannon Ticatch 

7th Grade Social - Kortney Lillestrand 

8th Grade Committee - Annie Cummings, Caryn Dorfman, Cassandra Dancey, Kelly Houdek 

Advocacy - Megan Rymer 

Angels Family Night - Kortney Lillestrand 

Empathetic Citizen (DEI) - Heather Marlow 

Finals Hot Chocolate - Caryn Dorfman, Kelly Houdeck 

Finals Kits - Chelsea Haderer, Emily Cullings, Meghan Rymer, Nicole Strathman 

Fundraising - Tiffany Cooke, Chris Weidhaas, Lisa Dauffenbach Schroeder

Last Day of School Ice Cream/Bingo - Bry Shen, Heather Marlow 

6th Grade Oral History - Meghan Rymer, Shannon Ticatch 

Parent Social - April Reese, Chelsea Haderer 

Reflections - Allison Eggers 

Social Media - Andrew Strickman 

Spirit Wear - Deborah Masser, Lisa Dauffenbach Schroeder 

Sports Swap - Jenee Zamarano, Amber Smith 

Staff Appreciation - Emily Cullings, Emily Rolfing 

Thurston Thriller - Casandra Dancey 

TMS Sports - Ayesha Mahapatra 

Winterfest - Casandra Dancey, Nicole Dunlop

Our PTA at the local level is linked to the state PTA and National PTA, forming a nationwide network of members working on behalf of all children and youth. Because of its connections to the state and National PTAs, the local PTA is a valuable resource to its school community with (1) access to programs to benefit children, youth, and their families, and (2) the recognition and size to influence the formulation of laws, policies, and practices, education or legislative.