Are the Hough PTSA and the Hough Foundation the same? 

No.

The Hough PTSA is a 100% volunteer-run, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works in partnership with Hough Elementary to enrich the lives of Hough students, staff, and their families through programs and events like student birthday celebrations, Winter Wonderland, spirit wear, Scholastic book fair, yearbooks, staff appreciation, classroom enrichment grants, playground/campus cleanups, and so much more!

The Hough Foundation provides critical resources to ensure students show up ready to learn—by providing emergency housing relief, after-school programs, therapy dogs, a community garden and much more. If you are interested in learning more, or making a donation to The Hough Foundation please visit their website. 

​​

How does the school, district, and PTSA communicate with families? 

There are multiple methods of communication. Here is a breakdown of each one:

​​

ParentSquare (school and district) - https://www.parentsquare.com/signin

Sign up to receive health and safety notices, critical information (e.g. closures, drills and lockdowns), event information, spirit day notifications, and more. You can also use this to directly communicate with staff. These are sent via email and text. 

Social media (school)  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoughES/

​

Social media (PTSA)

Follow us for information about events, spirit days, fundraisers, campus cleanups, and more. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houghptsa​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houghptsa/

​

Peachjar (Vancouver Public Schools) - https://ms.peachjar.com/

These are monthly electronic flyers compiled for upcoming events and activities; may include paid advertisements. This is a district-wide e-flyer distribution system. 

​

Monthly newsletter (PTSA)

Every month the PTSA publishes a monthly newsletter full of information about upcoming PTSA and school events, fundraisers, spirit days, volunteer opportunities, and important school news. The newsletters are printed and distributed to classroom teachers for student folders. It is also posted to our website homepage, posted on Facebook, and available via email distribution (sign up here).

​

How do we find out about school events and PTSA events?

School event information is sent out to families on ParentSquare, in emails from teachers, and flyers in student backpack folders. The PTSA also uses our communication channels to communicate school event information. The full 2025-2026 PTSA calendar is available here, you can also find information in the monthly PTSA newsletter (see above), on our social media channels (Facebook/Instagram), or at our bi-monthly membership meetings. When you join the PTSA, you are automatically looped into the information network at the school, a combination of district, school, and PTSA news by way of membership meetings, emails, and monthly e-newsletter. Join today!

​

Am I eligible to volunteer at the school? 

Yes, as long as you are first approved by Vancouer Public Schools. VPS requires all daytime volunteers (while school is in session) to be an approved volunteer.  Apply at vansd.org/volunteer/. The process is simple and quick, and the approval is good for two years. It ensures you are eligible to help at school events, on field trips, in the classroom, etc. For PTSA-led events after school hours pre-approval is not required. We love our volunteers! See our current volunteer opportunities. 

​

Where is the Lost & Found? 

The Lost & Found is in the lobby of the school right outside the Main Office door. Every few months, the lost and found rack is put out after school in the back of the school as well so you chan check it at pickup. Several times throughout the year the Lost & Found gets so full the school has to empty it out. The school will send an announcement via ParentSquare that all items need to be claimed  by a given date. Once the deadline is passed the Lost & Found will be open for "shopping" for a few dats before all unclaimed items are donated to local organizations.
BE SURE TO PUT YOUR STUDENT'S NAME ON ALL COATS, SWEATSHIRTS, BACKPACKS, LUNCHBOXES, AND WATER BOTTLES SENT TO SCHOOL!

​

What after-school programs/clubs are there and how do I sign up my student?

The Hough Foundation provides after-school enrichment programs for Hough students including music exploration, choir, and horticulture/garden club. The programs start after school with a break/snack/recess time for the first half hour and end 1.5 hours after school release. Learn more here.