PTA and Univision host local events to empower Spanish …downloads.capta.org/pub/ptainca/PTAinCalifornia_Jan2015.pdf · 2015-01-12 · 2 ˝˜ ,0 $.,)130,$ • January 2015 Congratulations

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everychild. onevoice.Volume�77� ��Official�Newsletter�of�the�California�State�PTA��January�2015

InsideMessage from PresidentColleen A.R. You, page 3

The excitement of convention, page 6 Founders Day, page 10

Inside

PTA and Univision host local events to empowerSpanish-speaking families

Well-informed, engagedparents make a differencefor student success in

school and beyond. That’s whyCalifornia State PTA partneredwith National PTA, Univision andThe Education Trust-West to offerUnivision Contigo’s “Academiaspara Padres” (Parent Academies),free Spanish-language parentengagement workshops in San Jose(Sixth District PTA) and Van Nuys(Thirty-First District PTA).

“When families, schools andcommunities work together aspartners, student achievement isboosted and children are betterprepared to lead happy andproductive lives,” said CaliforniaState PTA President Colleen A.R.You. “We were thrilled to partnerwith the leading media companyserving our Spanish-speakingparents to boost familyengagement in schools to supportstudent success.”

The events aimed to empowerHispanic parents to help theirchildren achieve their educationaland career goals. Topics such asCollege and Career Readiness,Understanding the new CommonCore State Standards and SpeakingUp for Your Child were among thesubjects covered in the workshops.Univision talent from televisionand radio shared messages andtestimonials on the impacteducation has had in their lives,and shared the value of PTA.

PTA state and district leaders alsovolunteered on site to create amemorable event for all attendees.From event registration to assistingwith workshops, PTA leaders werethe driving force behind these twosuccessful events.

Special thanks to National PTA, Univision, The Education Trust-West,Sixth District PTA, Thirty-First District PTA, Washington Elementary SchoolPTA, Birmingham Community Charter High School PTSA, WashingtonUnited Youth Center, Panda Express, Art in Action, JFK University, theSanta Clara County Office of Education and the Los Angeles Unified SchoolDistrict Education Service Center North for helping to make these greatevents happen!

Take�a�look at the excitement fromSan Jose and Van Nuys on Facebookat www.facebook.com/CaliforniaPTA.

2 PTA�in�California • January 2015

Congratulations

California State PTA scholarship and grant recipients are winning

big – they are receiving cash to help advance programs at their

schools and continue their education.

The California State PTA Continuing

Education Scholarship Program recognizes

volunteer service from PTA volunteers,

credentialed classroom teachers and

counselors as well as school nurses by

providing $500 to register for courses at

accredited colleges, universities, trade or

technical schools.

California State PTA also provides funding

($500 to $2,000) for unit, council and district

PTAs to develop programs, activities and

events for their communities with the Grants

Program. The program has four categories –

outreach and translation, cultural arts, parent

education and healthy lifestyles – to foster

family engagement to make a difference in their

communities.

Scholarship and grant recipients win BIGfor their schools and communities

Continuing Education Scholarship Recipients

Credentialed�Classroom�Teachers�and�Counselors

Emily Jane Goodwin Eighth District PTAKristina Overman Eighth District PTAStacey Barta Ninth District PTALynn Ishii Tenth District PTAEleanore Rodriguez Eighteenth District PTAWilliam Crawford Twenty-Third District PTAJacqueline Fanelli Thirty-Second District PTARebecca Baumgartner Peralta District PTA

PTA�Volunteers

Mary Madrigal Fourth District PTACass Kaminetz Ninth District PTAMichael King Ninth District PTALeah Christine Kort Twelfth District PTAJamie Woodward Twenty-Third District PTANichole Gonzales Twenty-Fourth DistrictMichelle Eagle Thirty-Third District PTAJill Nowak Thirty-Third District PTAMichelle Oliveira Thirty-Third District PTATeresa Ryan Thirty-Third District PTA

CongratulationsGrant Recipients

Parent�Education

Hurley Elementary PTA Twenty-First District PTA $368Alameda Council of PTAs Peralta District PTA $2,000

Outreach�and�Translation

Gabrielino High PTSA First District PTA $2,000Thirty-Second District PTA Thirty-Second District PTA $2,000Frank Otis Elementary PTA Peralta District PTA $1,400

Healthy�Lifestyles

Monterey Highlands PTA First District PTA $2,000George Marston Middle PTSA Ninth District PTA $982Madera PTA Twelfth District PTA $1,000

Cultural�Arts

Edgewood Middle School PTSA First District PTA $1,500Idyllwild School PTA Twenty-Third District PTA $1,500Twenty-Fourth District PTA Twenty-Fourth District PTA $1,500James Foster Elementary PTA Thirty-Fourth District PTA $1,500

Students�at�Mad

era�PTAshare smiles to say “Thank you.”

3PTA�in�California • January 2015

We’re off to great places

A message from

Colleen A.R. YouPresident

California State PTA has beenactively reaching out to diversecommunities across the state to

showcase the value of PTA, to connectfamilies and schools, and to advance ourmission to positively impact the lives ofall children and families.

For instance, state leaders joinedthousands of parents and students at theSTEAM Carnival at the Port of LosAngeles to raise awareness of theimportance of science, technology,engineering, the arts and math (STEAM)in increasing academic achievement.

We shared resources on key educationissues such as the State Standards, LocalControl and Accountability Plans(LCAPs) and family engagement atseveral conferences including theCalifornia School Boards Association(CSBA), the California Association ofBilingual Educators (CABE) and theNational Association for theAdvancement of Colored People(NAACP).

We partnered with Univision, theleading media company serving ourSpanish-speaking parents, to boostfamily engagement in schools to supportstudent success by offering two freeSpanish-language parent engagementworkshops in San Jose and in Van Nuys.

PTA stood beside Californians forJustice at a press conference to supportupdated State Board of Educationregulations that amplify the voices ofstudents in school district decision-

making on how to spend money fromthe new school funding law (LCFF).

PTA’s School Smarts parent academiesare underway in more than 18 schooldistricts around the state, and new parentgraduates are joining our ever-growingcommunity of advocates weekly.

Local PTA districts and councils havealso held a number of exciting events toengage members such as Ninth DistrictPTA’s Diversity and InclusionConference and First District PTA’sSuperintendents’ Conference, to name afew.

PTA also continued our efforts tosupport our goals related to health,safety and community concerns bysharing information and resources onstudent mental health and bullyingprevention at press conferences andother events.

I encourage you, as PTA leaders, to takeevery opportunity available to present atworkshops, set up booths at communityevents, to speak up and speak out on keyissues for your school community atschool board meetings and to work toincrease the visibility of PTA. Seek outopportunities to build relationships andreconnect with new and diversecommunity groups as well as currentpartners. Take the first step to bring onnew partners. Expand your horizons,step out of your comfort zone and climbthat mountain.

PTA is off to great places. Today is ourday!

You’re off to Great Places!Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,So…get on your way!

~ Dr. Seuss


We don’t know what the jobs of tomorrow will be, but we doknow our future depends on a strong workforce – and today’sschools must prepare our kids to be part of it.

California is updating the way we prepare students for the future.With the implementation of new standards for all students, calledCommon Core State Standards, learning in the classroom will lookdifferent for your child.

The new standards mean...

• Deeper, richer, more relevant instruction for your child

• Clearly defined learning goals for each grade level that buildfrom year to year

• A focus on key knowledge and skills, including communication,collaboration, critical thinking and creativity

The new standards matter because...

• They’re part of an overall update to the way our schools ensureall students achieve – including more professional developmentopportunities for teachers, updated instructional materials andtechnology, and more useful assessments

• They provide all students with hands-on experiences, and oppor-tunities to experiment and try new approaches

• They help prepare your child, and every child, to navigate a fast-paced, super-connected changing world

Ensuring all children master critical 21st century skills is a top priority forparents and California State PTA.Learn more about the new standardsand what they mean for your child, teacher and school online atwww.capta.org/commoncore, anddownload the PTA Parents’ Guide toStudent Success to find out how youcan support your child’s learning athome. (Available online in multiplelanguages.)

Help parents stayconnected on theissues that mattermost for children From the new Local Control andAccountability Plans (LCAPs) toCommon Core State Standards,California State PTA has many greatresources available in multiplelanguages for your members,parents and school community.

Your PTA can help ensure parentshave the information and resourcesto take an active role when importantdecisions about schools andstudents are made - and you canhelp showcase the value of PTA byproviding that information!

CHECK OUT http://ow.ly/FzcTJ to access the following printableresources:

• Tips for supporting learning at homecreated in partnership with theCalifornia Teachers Association

• Informational fliers about the newCommon Core State Standards

• Parents’ Guide to Student Success

co-sponsored by the CaliforniaDepartment of Education

• Resources and videos about the newLocal Control Funding Formula(LCFF)

• Quick Guides to understanding thenew Local Control andAccountability Plans (LCAPs)

• PTA National Family-SchoolPartnerships Assessment Guide – a framework for your schooldistrict’s LCAP

The futurebelongs�to

your�child –�

Common Core in California


�

� �

It’s never too early to start thinkingabout your next PTA officer trainingor local parent education event.

Keeping your attendees engaged is animportant part of the learning process.Here are seven best practices forengaging adult learners provided byAlameda Unified School DistrictFamily Involvement and CommunityEngagement Programs CoordinatorClaudia Medina from her work andexperience as a facilitator trainer withCalifornia State PTA’s School SmartsParent Engagement Program.

Make learning relatable. Adults learnemotionally, so try to connect to thegroup in a meaningful and sincereway. Feel free to share experiencesand stories when appropriate.

Make learning meaningful. Ask a lotof questions. Assess current knowl-edge and experience. This will helpthe group see how much they havein common with each other and fos-ter collaboration. Sample questionsinclude:

• How many of you have been inthis situation?

• Have you ever been frustrated?

• What do you want most for yourchildren?

Acknowledge and validate an indi-vidual’s experience. Ask the groupregularly if they are getting value,especially after a powerful exercise.After every session, thank them forbeing present and fully involved.

Project a strong, positive, empowering persona. Find confi-dence in your own experience andexpertise. Drawing on your own ex-periences will help foster connec-tions with the group participating inthe training or education workshop.

Establish trust and rapport. Peoplewill connect with someone who iseither similar to them (culturally orintellectually) or who speaks from aplace of trust and conviction abouta cause dear to them. Ask for per-mission to share powerful experi-ences from the group.

Energy is everything. Adult learnershave a tendency to mirror or reflectthe energy they perceive. Be awareof your body language, tone andyour choice of words. Keep in mindthat language is hypnotic and it car-ries meaning.

Cultivate yourself. The more knowl-edge you have in any given situa-tion, the more you will be able tospeak or guide the conversationwhere you want it to go. Take timein advance of your training or edu-cation workshop to go through theinformation and build your knowl-edge.

Do�you�have�tips�to�share?California State PTA would love tohear them! Email us at [email protected] we can share resources with theentire PTA leadership community.

Tips for engaging adult learners

is now available to all schools! school smarts

Parents�at�Maya�Lin�Elementary�School in Alameda (Peralta District PTA) are learning how tosupport their children’s education as part of the School Smarts Parent Engagement Program.

Ninth�District�PTA President Carol Greenpresenting a workshop on public speaking.

School�Smarts�is a research-based, award-winning, inclusive program that helps more parents learn about their schoolsand how to become more involved – and it helps PTAs develop more leaders. Learn more about how your PTA school andschool district can partner to provide the program by visiting www.capta.org/schoolsmarts.

The 2015 California State PTA AnnualConvention is the place to get the latest

information on key issues, build the skills tostrengthen your school and community, have funand connect with PTA leaders from across the state.

Don’t miss:

More than 75 workshops and hands-on learningopportunities to make your PTA job easier. Plus,there are special sessions just for students!

Inspiring and motivating keynote speakersincluding California State Supreme Court ChiefJustice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

Activities and special events such as theEdSource Symposium and the Reflections ArtGallery.

More than 150 booths in the Exhibit Hall toshowcase the latest program options in childsafety, education and fundraising.

The excitement and energy that conventionhas to offer!


How one new leaderexperienced theexcitement ofconvention

When wife and mother JoAnna Traski was presentedwith an opportunity to embrace a new role in her life– PTA president for Mary Casey Black Elementary

School in Contra Costa County (Delta Council of PTAs,Thirty-Second District PTA) – she knew it was important toget her PTA off to a great start.

As a leader for the newly established PTA, she jumped atthe opportunity to attend the California State PTA AnnualConvention.

“I learned more than I imagined I would,” said Traski. “Iattended every event and activity possible and wasimpressed and inspired by the speakers, workshops and theoverall energy of convention.”

Traski’s first stop at the 2014 convention was the DelegateOrientation which provided helpful tips and information forthe convention experience. She also toured the Exhibit Halland attended several leadership workshops and gainedhands-on learning opportunities to help make her new PTAjob even easier.

“The sessions were very helpful and informative, and I cameaway with a list of things to share with my fellow PTAleaders when I returned back home,” continued Traski. “Ialso enjoyed networking with other PTA leaders throughoutthe state, sharing best practices and ideas on everythingfrom programs, membership, events and marketing.”

“While I learned so many practical tips and tools to bringback to my unit, I was truly and most inspired by justlearning and seeing what PTA is all about. I’m so impressedwith this huge organization of concerned, inspired anddedicated parents, and I feel so proud to be a part of thisamazing movement called PTA!”

April�30�to�May�3,�2015�in�Sacramento�

PTA convention is the premiertraining program for PTA leaders,parents, advocates and more! PTAs that dedicate a small amount of theirresources to attend convention win big in the end.Start planning now and put the 2015 CaliforniaState PTA Annual Convention on the calendar, andadd convention expenses to your PTA budget. Also,be sure to ask your district PTA about LeadershipDevelopment Grant opportunities.

Engage. Educate. Energize.Support student success at convention


Thanks a million, CaliforniaPTA volunteers

PTA volunteers in California reported more than 27 million hours of timedonated to supporting children and families last year. That contributionwould be the equivalent of at least $676 million.

The hours you spend answering emails and phone calls, planning student fieldtrips, promoting parent and family engagement, organizing Reflections events,speaking up on important issues, holding fundraisers, attending meetings,promoting membership, resolving conflicts and taking care of the day-to-dayorganizational needs really pays off! All this time makes a difference to yourchild, to your child’s teacher and classmates, to your schooland to all of the families in California.Thanks to all of ourPTA leaders andmembers whovolunteer!

Seventeenth�District�PTA President Emily Sarver (center), along with California State PTAPresident Colleen A.R. You (right), present a check to Anne Campbell (left), Superintendent, San MateoCounty Office of Education for more than $18 million in wage value for the hours PTA volunteers spenthelping to improve the lives of children and families in the county last year.

Why trackvolunteer hoursAccording to IndependentSector, a leadershipnetwork for nonprofits,foundations and corporategiving programs, each ofyour volunteer hours isvalued at $24.75.Volunteer hours areconsidered the time youspend doing the work ofthe PTA. This includesphone and email time,planning activities, travelto and from events andmeetings, as well as timeat the school site.

Tally up your hours andthe thousands of hoursthat your PTA membersspend supporting yourschool and PTA programs,then multiply that by$24.75. Now you candeliver a giant check atthe end of the year to your school board orsuperintendent to highlightthe value of PTA.

everychild. onevoice.

27,324,667

VOLUNTEER

HOURS

X $24.75PER HOUR

$676,285,508.25

®

$676

^

Students

show off their PTSAmembershipwith pride atCulver CityHigh School(Culver CityCouncil PTA,Thirty-ThirdDistrict PTA).


Hundreds of thousands of parents, students, educators,

administrators and community members have already joined

their local PTAs to support the education, health and well-

being of all children. From San Diego to Humboldt, PTA members

are sending a clear message that our kids are important – THANK

YOU!

The winter months are a key time to reach out to those who may not

yet have heard about the opportunity to join your PTA.

For parents, remind them that PTA connects families and schools,

and there’s no better way to know what’s happening in their school,

or to develop a relationship with their child’s teacher and principal.

PTA gives parents a “seat at the table” when important decisions are

made about their child’s school. By working together, PTA members

have helped advance local, state and national laws and policies to

positively impact the lives of children and families.

This winter, let’s keep the momentum going strong in your units,

council and districts by showing an increase in membership.

New�members�joining PTA at Grapeland Elementary School in Etiwanda (Rancho Cucamonga Council PTA, Fifth District PTA).

Parents�and�community�leaders in El Monte jointogether to form a new PTSA at Mt. View High School (ElMonte Council PTA, First District PTA).

PTA membershipcampaigns drive on across the state

Reminder:Membershipincentives andawards Building PTA membership canreally pay off for your school. Not only will your PTA have thesupport of parents and families,but your PTA could qualify forawesome membership challengeincentives, including:

• One to Grow On – Units that increase membership by March31, 2015 will be entered into a2015 convention drawing toinclude a check for $250.

• Teachers Matter...Members Matter – Win a FREEregistration to the 2015California State PTA AnnualConvention when 100 percentof your full-time, home-basedcredentialed teachers join PTAand your PTA shows anincrease in total membershipover last year’s total byFebruary 2, 2015.

And, stay tuned for details for ourNEW�MARCH�MALE�MADNESSmembership incentive!

Learn�more about these membership awards online athttp://www.capta.org/sections/membership/awards.cfm.

Jump start your mid-yearmembership campaign California State PTA has greatresources and tools to help youbuild PTA membership at yourschool. Be sure to check out theMembership Toolbox on the Marketing Your PTA webpage atwww.capta.org for ideas to buildstudent membership and involve-ment, graphics and logos for yourwebsite and social media plat-forms, customizable membershipfliers, video webinars and tutori-als, and more!


Dads matter to PTA

One out of every three children inAmerica—more than 24 millionin total—live in a home without

their biological father present,according to a 2012 White HouseFatherhood Report. And, roughly oneout of every three Hispanic childrenand more than half of African-American children also live in homeswithout their biological fathers.

More engaged fathers and fatherfigures—whether living with or apartfrom their children—can help foster achild’s healthy physical, emotional andsocial development. There’s no doubtof the positive impact male rolemodels can have on their children’slives.

PTA knows the value of maleengagement and several local PTAsare working to break down the

barriers to male involvement andincrease male PTA membership.

Washington Elementary School PTA in Pt. Richmond (Bayside Council ofPTAs, Thirty-Second District PTA)established a Dads’ Club to enhancestudents’ educational experiencesthrough extracurricular events.Members of the Dads’ Club also workto enhance the school’s classrooms,campus and community by providingassistance with projects.

Several other PTAs such as SycamoreElementary School in Upland (UplandCouncil PTA, Fifth District PTA) andHidden Hills PTA in Laguna Niguel(Capistrano Council PTA, FourthDistrict PTA) are working to engagemale role models by hosting “Donutswith Dad” events throughout theschool year.

As your PTA looks to build and engage male PTA membership,here are three tips to keep in mind:

Just ask.Why don’t men join PTA? Often, it’s simply because they aren’t asked. Yourmembership pitch should explain how men’s involvement in PTA would benefittheir children and their children’s schools. A dad’s involvement in PTA:

• Shows added interest in his child’s education and school activities;• Shows greater support for his child’s teachers and school; and• Improves relationships between parents and school personnel.

Create more special events just for men.Creating events designed especially for men is a great way to engage more malerole models at your schools. Consider sports activities and father-daughter andfather-son events.

Recognize and celebrate all PTA members.When you start getting more men involved in your PTA, let the communityknow. Reinforcing men’s contributions, while being mindful of what allmembers do for PTA, creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

Smiles�and�donuts at theHidden Hills PTA event.

Dads’�Club�members at Washington Elementary SchoolPTA working on a campus project.

Honorary ServiceAwards California State PTA providesservice award programs to honorand publicly acknowledge theoutstanding community serviceof PTAs, our members andcommunity partners. In addition,California State PTA andNational PTA also providerecognition award programs tocelebrate the achievements ofPTAs, individual members andcommunity partners.

The funds derived from theHonorary Service AwardsProgram are used to fund PTAvolunteer, educator and unit orcouncil program grants as wellas graduating high school seniorscholarships.

Honorary Service AwardProgram includes the HonoraryService Award (HSA), ContinuingService Award (CSA), GoldenOak Service Award (California’shighest honor) and Very SpecialPerson Award (VSP).

Learn more online athttp://www.capta.org/sections/awards/honorary-service.cfm.


Each year, we celebrate the legacyand work of our founders—AliceMcLellan Birney, Phoebe

Apperson Hearst and Selena SloanButler—to better the lives of everychild in education, health and safety.Founders Day, held traditionally onFebruary 17, is a time to reflect andtake pride in our achievements, andrenew our commitment as a powerfulvoice for all children.

Our founders represented women ofimagination and courage. They had asimple idea—to improve the lives andfuture of all children. They understoodthe power of individual action,worked beyond the accepted barriersof their day, and took action to changethe world for all children.

Through advocacy, as well as familyand community education, PTA hasstood up for:

Hot and healthy school lunchprograms

School wellness and nutritionprograms

Arts in education

Access to a full curriculum

Teen driver safety programs

Bullying and cyberbullyingprevention

Effective parent and familyengagement in schools

And more!

Today’s PTA is a network ofmillions of families, students,teachers, administrators, andbusiness and community leadersdevoted to the educational success ofchildren and the promotion of familyengagement in schools.

Ideas for your PTAFounders Day eventActivities for Founders Day arelimited only by your imagination.Events can involve everything fromschool assemblies and luncheons toschool district presentations. Here area few ideas your PTA can use tocelebrate the legacy of PTA:

Create a photo collage to highlightevents in the history of your PTA.

Organize a panel of experts, parents,teachers and students to discuss anissue affecting children or teens inyour community.

Showcase students’ Reflections ArtProgram talent.

Request a proclamation from yourlocal mayor in honor PTA’sbirthday. Invite the mayor to yourmeeting to sign the proclamationduring a special ceremony.

Organize and present a slide show tohighlight your PTA’saccomplishments this school year.

Download and share PTA’sadvocacy goals with your parents,families and school community.

Acknowledge and honoroutstanding members of your schoolcommunity who have gone an extramile for PTA with an HonoraryService Award.

Celeating THE LEGACY OF PTA

Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst and

Selena Sloan Butler

Be sure to share your Founders Day photos with

California State PTA on Facebook and Instagram.


California State PTA is pleased to announce an excitingnew partnership with the Silicon Valley EducationFoundation (SVEF) to make Elevate [Math] available

to more school districts across the state. Elevate [Math] isdesigned to help students succeed in 8th grade math whilebuilding the capacity of teachers in the school district.

Elevate [Math] is a summer intervention program designedto put more students on track for college and to build thecapacity of school districts by providing professionaldevelopment for teachers. It prepares incoming 8th gradersto successfully complete Algebra I or the Common CoreState Standards (CCSS) equivalent in 8th grade. Unlike

programs that step in after students have failed and thenwork with them to remediate, Elevate [Math] frontloads thesupport to boost students’ math skills and confidence.

Elevate [Math] focuses on 8th grade because numerousstudies have shown that 8th grade academic achievement ismore predictive of college and career readiness than anyhigh school-level academic achievement.

PTA leaders play an important role in encouraging yourschool district to explore offering the program. Learnmore by emailing us at [email protected] or visitinghttp://www.capta.org/sections/programs/elevate-math.cfm.

Vo

ice

s fr

om

Ele

vate

[Ma

th]

Introducing a new PTA

program – Elevate [Math]An innovative summer intervention

program that prepares more students

to succeed in math

“I really liked that it didn’t justfocus on math skills – I liked the collegecomponent and teaching studentsacademic skills that can use for anyclass – 8th grade and beyond.”

~ Melissa Capurro,

Elevate [Math] teacher

“I was a C and D student in mathbefore I took Elevate [Math]. Now I’mdoing A work. My parents always toldme they want me to do better than theydid, to go to college and get a better jobthan they have. I’ll show them I can.”

~ John Torolano,

Elevate [Math] student

“SVEF and California State PTAare reaching out and supporting school districts because their goal is to makesure every student has the opportunityto be prepared for the 21st century college- and career-ready.”

~ Chris Funk,

Superintendent, East Side Union High

School District

California State®


Connecting with California State PTA will become easier than everwith the launch of a new website. The new site, scheduled to debut inFebruary, embraces PTA’s commitment to the growing needs of our

leaders, members, parents and partners. The new site will feature evenmore timely, relevant content and updates, and was created with the userexperience in mind. The new site will also feature:

Simplified, intuitive navigation to help members and parents findinformation on the issues they care most about

A special section just for PTA leaders with all the tools and resources youneed to effectively lead and run your local PTAs

Enhanced search functionality to help you easily find the resources youare looking for

Mobile- and tablet-friendly design that automatically scales to your device

Increased opportunities to take action and get engaged on every webpage

And more!

Connecting with PTA has never been easier

www.capta.org

Education is changing fast and it canseem pretty complicated. Parents playa key role in advocating for education.Through PTA’s collaboration withEd100.org, you can build yourknowledge of education policy issuesand become even more confidentspeaking up on behalf of children.

Here’s the deal:

If you carve out time to learn how toimprove our schools, Ed100 and theCalifornia State PTA want to give your PTA a chance to win $1,000 tocontinue its good work.

What You Can Do:

1. Sign up and join Ed100. It’s free!Simply go to Ed100.org.

2. Make sure you complete theinformation about your schoolwhen you sign up.

As you finish lessons and chapters, youwill earn “tickets” that are entered intoa drawing. The more tickets you earn,the better chance your PTA has to win.

For your school’s PTA to be eligible towin, at least two people must sign upwith Ed100 and select the same schoolin their profile. You only need yourselfand one other person.

Remember that Ed100 isn’t limited toparents. You could invite teachers,

community members, administrators,students…anyone.

Get started today so you and your PTAcan make a difference!

Tip:

Use the LCAP Parent Checklist template(available in English or Spanish) to helpyou contribute to your district’s LocalControl and Accountability Plan. Ithelps you analyze what your schoolhas and what your school needs.

Increase your understanding of key K-12 education issues with

Ed100 – and your PTA could win $1,000

EDUCATION is STUDENTS and TEACHERS spending TIME in PLACES for LEARNING

The California Education System Student Needs Teacher Development and Evaluation Early Childhood Development After-School Programs Charter, Private and Community Schools

Academic State Standards and Testing Well-Rounded Education Local Control Funding Formula and

Accountability Plans College and Career Readiness And more!

Ed100 is a free, online course with highly informative lessons on topics, such as:

Anew legislative session is underway and more than 40 new state legislators have taken office. In earlyJanuary, the Governor will release his state budget

proposal. Now is a great time to connect with your locallegislators. Building relationships now will lay the founda-tion for action and advocacy in the future.

Establishing solid relationships with new and current legis-lators and their staff members is an important step in build-ing credibility and power for the PTA.

When visiting with your elected representatives, here are afew key points to keep in mind:

Schedule an appointment or, if the elected representativeis unavailable, arrange a meeting with the aide handlingthe issues of importance to you and your PTA, such aschildren’s education, health and safety. When making theappointment, specify how much time will be needed.

Draft an agenda and be prepared to discuss what’simportant to you and your PTA. If meeting in the wintermonths, a great topic to discuss is initial reactions to thenew state budget.

Arrive on time for the meeting.

Share information about your PTA and schools. Not alllegislators have children in school or visit campusesoften. As PTA leaders, you are a valuable window intowhat’s really going on in schools for your legislators.

Be open to questions. If you don’t know the answer,politely explain that you will do some additional researchand get back to them. Never give false information orassumptions. Personal credibility and the credibility ofPTA are on the line.

If you’re new to the process and want to learn how to havemore productive meetings with your local legislators, at-tending the California State PTA Legislation Conference inSacramento on February 9-10 should be on your calendar.

You’ll take part in the statewide effort to strengthen educa-tion, health and safety for all children by engaging in PTA’sadvocacy goals and legislative priorities. Plus, you’ll hearfrom expert speakers and panelists, including:

Ron Bennett of School Services of California speakingabout top issues facing schools, especially funding andfacilities.

California’s Secretary of Health and Human ServicesDianna Dixon-Dooley speaking on the biggest healthissues facing California’s children.

Hot topics panel moderated by Rick Simpson, Chief ofStaff to Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, featuringadvocacy leaders from the Association of CaliforniaSchool Administrators (ACSA), California School BoardsAssociation (CSBA) and the California TeachersAssociation (CTA).

California’s Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor speakingabout the governor’s newly-proposed budget.


A new legislativesession is underway –now is a great time tobuild relationships

Legislation�Conference delegate from Twenty-Third District PTA MaryHelen Ybarra and California State PTA Director of Legislation Kathy Moffatwith State Senator Richard Roth.

Next Steps to Take Action Learn�more about visiting with your local legislator in the

Toolkit, available online at www.toolkit.capta.org.

Go�to www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg to find your locallegislative representatives.

Save�your�seat at the 2015 Legislation Conference andregister online at www.capta.org/sections/advocacy/leg-conference today.

Visit downloads.capta.org/leg/AdvocacyGoals.pdf todownload, print and share our advocacy goals with yourlegislators.

For�council�and�district�leaders, take a look at the newAdvocacy Leadership Guide for additional resources.Available for download online at downloads.capta.org/temp/AdvocacyLeadershipGuide.pdf.


We’ve all been there at one time or another – at a PTAmeeting with only a handful of members in theaudience. In a world where time is precious and it

seems like everyone is on-the-go, how can your PTA buildattendance at meetings?

Birmingham Community Charter High School PTSA inVan Nuys (Thirty-First District PTA) was once in thatplace, too. But this year, the PTSA worked to increaseattendance from 25 to more than 200.

Take�a�look�at�the�best�practices�below�from�the

team�at�Birmingham�PTSA:�

• Create�a�Welcoming�Environment.A sincerewelcome for everyone as they arrive for the meeting goesa long way. Don’t sit behind a desk or table staring atpeople as they walk in. PTA leaders should warmly greeteveryone and chat briefly with all attendees.

• Offer�Free�Food.When possible, provide a light dinnerfor free. Consider potluck dinners if the PTA cannotprovide the meal. Encourage everyone to attend and tobring their families.

• Provide�Translation�in�the�Languages�NeededMost. Birmingham provides simultaneous translation inSpanish to ensure all parents receive the valuableinformation they need.

• Invite�School�Administrators�to�Present. Theschool principal and vice-principal attend every meetingand give brief updates on the state of the school and/orevents or matters of interest to parents. They are alsoavailable on the spot and after the meeting to answerquestions or have discussions with any parents who wishto do so.

• Encourage�Teacher�Participation. Many teachersattend every meeting and give reports on their programswithin the school. The PTSA also brings in guest teachersfrom other departments who may not usually make it tothe meetings so that the PTSA can highlight their work inthe school.

• Be�Flexible�with�the�Agenda. If a parent or PTAmember attends the meeting with a legitimate reason forwanting to speak, the PTA makes room in the agenda to

allow them to do so. This helps create an environmentwhere parents know their concerns will be heard.

• Ensure�On-Time�Meetings. Keep the meeting lengthas close to one hour as possible so parents can get hometo their families. The PTSA also makes every effort tostart and end on time.

• Feature�Guest�Speakers�on�Key�Topics. Recruitengaging special guest speakers on topics of interest tothe parents. For example, a recent PTSA meeting featuredan expert on the new Common Core State Standards aswell as a brief presentation about a new program thatallows parents to plan for the children’s physical,financial and emotional well-being in the event of atragedy.

• Provide�Ongoing�Communication. Email blasts andphone-tree calls are sent out about the meeting from theschool email system as well as from the PTSA presidentto members and previous attendees. This is an essentialstep to make people aware of the meeting dates.

• Don’t�Forget�Timely�Follow�Up. The PTSA leadershipteam follows up with anyone who asks a question or whowishes to have a call back within one week.

• Celebrate�Teamwork. The PTSA is proud of itsawesome board members who are all passionate about thework PTA does to help all children and families!

Best practices forincreasing attendanceat PTA meetings


Students, families and school

staff at 146 schools in California

recently participated in the Fire

Up Your Feet Fall Activity Challenge,

competing to win awards to support

school physical activity and wellness

programs. Participants kept track of

their physical activity during the

month-long challenge using the Fire

Up Your Feet online activity tracker.

Schools were eligible to win awards

in several categories, and one special

award was offered to PTAs that

helped encourage parent participation

in the Fire Up Your Feet Challenge.

Bathgate Elementary PTA in Mission

Viejo (Capistrano Council PTA,

Fourth District PTA) was the lucky

winner of this $500 Unit PTA Award.

“Bathgate Elementary proudly walked

to school on October 8 with almost 85

percent of our 708 student school pop-

ulation. Our parking lot was practi-

cally empty and the majority of our

traffic was the pedestrian kind! It was

an extremely fun day with our stu-

dents wearing crazy socks and enjoy-

ing our beautiful weather,” shared

PTA member Cristina Rodriguez.

“Since then, we strive to continue to

walk to school every chance that we

have—enjoying physical activity be-

fore and after school, and continuing

to make health and wellness one of

our goals!”

“We are very excited to use our re-

wards for purchasing additional PE

equipment and for making sure that

our student supervisors all have CPR

and First Aid Training,” continued

Rodriguez.

Parents and PTA members like

Cristina have found that getting regu-

lar physical activity is just one of the

benefits of being involved in the Fire

Up Your Feet Challenge, which also

helps unite the school community to-

gether around the shared goal of

healthy minds and bodies.

Since the launch of Fire Up Your Feet

in 2013, Kaiser Permanente and Fire

Up Your Feet have awarded more than

$200,000 to participating schools as

of November 2014. Fire Up Your Feet

is a core program of the Safe Routes

to School National Partnership avail-

able to any elementary and middle

school nationally and the PTA is a

family engagement partner.

“The health, safety and wellness of all

children is important to parents and to

California State PTA,” said California

State PTA Vice President for Health

Kathy Rabun. “We are pleased to

work with the Fire Up Your Feet pro-

gram to promote effective heath-edu-

cation programs that help children and

families lead healthier lives.”

Fired up for wellness at Bathgate Elementary PTA

Students�at�Bathgate�Elementary�PTA having fun during the Fire Up YourFeet Challenge.

Want to help your school get “fired up” for wellness?

The�next�Fire�Up�Your�Feet�Activity�Challenge will take place

April�13-May�15,�2015.

For�more�information or to register your school for the challenge, visit

http://fireupyourfeet.org/user/register.

California State

2327 L StreetSacramento, California 95816-5014

Articles appearing in this newsletter may be reprinted in PTA unit, counciland district newsletters only. Please credit California State PTA.

PTA�IN�CALIFORNIA2327 L Street, Sacramento, California 95816-5014

PH (916) 440-1985 • FAX (916) 440-1986www.capta.org

January 2015, Official newsletter of the California State PTA, Volume 77,No. 2. Four issues published annually. Circulation 4,800. ©2015 CaliforniaCongress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc. All rights reserved.PTA® is a registered service mark of the National Congress of Parentsand Teachers.

President: Colleen A.R. You

Vice President for Communications: Patty Christiansen

Executive Director: Paul Richman

Director Strategic Initiatives: Michelle EklundGraphic Designer: Pat Ruiz

The�mission�of�the�California�State�PTA�isto�positively�impact�the�lives�of�all�children�and�families.�

Adopted August 2013

®

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASSU. S. PostagePAID

Sacramento, CAPermit No. 1491

January 2015All Month Kick off your mid-year

membership campaign31 Workers’ Compensation Annual

Payroll Report due

February 2015All Month Continue mid-year

membership campaign2 Graduating High School Senior

Scholarship applications due*2 PTA Unit Spotlight Award

applications due*2 Deadline to qualify for the

“Teachers Matter…MembersMatter” membership challenge

9-10 Legislation Conference inSacramento

17 Founders Day

March 2015All Month Continue mid-year

membership campaign2 Convention registration opens31 Deadline to qualify for the “One to

Grow On” membership challenge

*Due in state PTA office

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CONNECT!Stay connected with the latest news, resourcesand information by following California State PTA onyour favorite social media network and by subscrib-ing to free email publications and updates.

Visit www.capta.org/sections/publications/ andclick “subscribe now.”

Accounting OnlinePTAEZTM is a web-based financial software package that has

been tailored to meet the needs of California’s PTAs. It’s avail-

able exclusively to PTAs in California at a low annual subscrip-

tion rate.

Try�it�FREE for�a�month�at�www.ptaez.org

TM

Documents

PTA and Univision host local events to empower Spanish …downloads.capta.org/pub/ptainca/PTAinCalifornia_Jan2015.pdf · 2015-01-12 · 2 ˝˜ ,0 $.,)130,$ • January 2015 Congratulations