What is the Oakhurst STEAM Academy PTA?

PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association, and we're exactly what that sounds like: parents, teachers, and staff working together to support students and strengthen our school community.

Funds Learning & Enrichment

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Creates Community

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Supports Teachers & Staff

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Gives Families a Voice

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Builds Equity

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Gold

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Our Mission

The Oakhurst STEAM Academy PTA builds a school community where families connect, teachers feel supported, and every kid gets to shine. We fund hands-on STEAM experiences, classroom supplies, family events, and the programs that help every student thrive—because great schools happen when families, teachers, and students work together.

2025-2026 Executive Board Members

  • Suzanne Patel

    PRESIDENT

  • Sharman Beebe

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Chris Ryan

    TREASURER

  • Amy Wynter

    SECRETARY

  • Payton Harner

    AT LARGE MEMBER

  • Elsie Mufuka

    AT-LARGE MEMBER

  • Sara Ryan

    AT-LARGE MEMBER

How We Communicate

  • Newsletters: All the good stuff in one place: upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, fundraising updates, and easy ways to jump in. PTA members get it automatically. Not a member yet? Sign up here to stay in the loop. 

  • Instagram: Follow @oakhurststeampta for photos, reminders, and community highlights.

  • ParentSquare: The official CMS communication platform for important school and PTA announcements. 

General Membership Meetings

Three times per year, we hold meetings for families to hear updates, share ideas, and connect with other parents.

2025-2026 Meeting Schedule: September, January, May
Details and locations announced via newsletter and ParentSquare.

Committees

PTA committees are how we get things done. Each group tackles specific areas—events, communications, fundraising—so we can accomplish more without burning anyone out. Join based on your interests and availability. Volunteer for a committee based on what you’re good at (or what sounds fun), and contribute as your schedule allows. All committees meet at least one time per month. We’re currently seeking PTA members to help us on all of our committees. Interested in joining one or learning more, email oakhurststeampta@gmail.com.

Events

The party planners and vibe creators—plan and execute family nights, staff appreciation, student celebrations, and seasonal events. This committee needs the most hands—whether you're a planner, decorator, or day-of volunteer.

Committee Members: Sharman Beebe, Payton Harner, Elsie Mufuka, Sarah Ryan

Marketing & Communications

The story-tellers, Instagram managers, and artistic gurus—manage Instagram, newsletters, website updates, flyers, graphics, and support event design/decor.

Committee Members: Ana Perez, Suzanne Patel, Amy Wynter

Fundraising

Focused on the funds—develop relationships with local businesses to capture support of PTA initiatives from corporate sponsors, create and manage fundraising campaigns, Spirit Nights, passive fundraisers, and grant applications.

Committee Members: Chris Ryan, Suzanne Patel

Membership & Volunteers

The connectors—grow PTA membership, coordinate volunteer opportunities, welcome new families, and recognize contributors.

Committee Members: Suzanne Patel

Audit

Reviews financials every other month to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.

Committee Members: Open

GOVERNANCE

OSA PTA operates with transparency and integrity, following guidelines set by the North Carolina PTA.

NCPTA Bylaws

Standards of Affiliation

Standing Rules - link

Meeting Minutes

Annual Budget

Givebacks - Membership Portal