PTA in California - November 2013 by California State PTA

everychild. onevoice. Volume 76 • Number 2

Official Newsletter of the California State PTA

November 2013

PTA “Kids in Action” are making a difference in the community

hen the students at Chaparral Elementary School in Poway (Palomar Council PTA, Ninth District PTA) went back to school in August, the PTA went back to work on the Kids in Action program. “Kids in Action is a PTA-sponsored program committed to teaching children the joy of service,” said Chaparral Elementary School PTA President Danielle Maldonado. The PTA Kids in Action program started small, with just a few of the 900 students participating. Chaparral PTA involved willing students in first through fifth grade in a monthly service project to help their school.

terdependence,” a care package project to support our troops, Chaparral Elementary School students learned they could impact their community in a positive way. As the Kids in Action program has grown, the number of interested students has also grown. PTA volunteers now work with an average of 275 students at each of their monthly service events. “That’s a lot of kids to handle,” says Maldonado. “Our biggest challenge was finding a project that the students can do during the lunch hour. The time limitation is difficult,” continued Maldonado.

“We began with monthly projects that could be completed during the lunch recess right on our campus,” reports Maldonado. Early projects included school gardening, Red Ribbon activities and campus clean-up events.

Chaparral Elementary School students working on a community service project as part of the PTA’s Kids in Action program.

“We wanted to allow our students to take their service to the next level,” says Maldonado. “So student leaders began to look at community service projects outside of their school campus.” From “Pasta for Pennies,” a penny drive for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society followed by a pasta dinner at school, to “Operation In-

Inside Inside

Message from President Colleen A.R. You, page 3

continued on page 7

Award-winning PTA: John Burroughs High School, page 5

PTA Q&A: Common Core State Standards, page 8-9

P TA Spo t ligh t Multicultural meals and a welcoming feel make Quail Run Elementary PTA a winner

Quail Run Elementary School PTA creates a family experience through multicultural meals and parent education programs.

TA leaders will want to take notice of Quail Run Elementary School PTA in San Ramon (San Ramon Council PTA, Thirty-Second District PTA), winner of the 2013 California State PTA Unit Spotlight Award for Membership and Outreach. This outstanding unit PTA has only been in existence for eight years but, in that time, it has grown from a school of 125 students to a school whose enrollment has exceeded 1,000 students in 2012-2013. PTA membership has grown right along with the school. What started out as a challenge to get families to join PTA has now become a thriving, desirable opportunity for every family at the school. In the past two years alone, Quail Run has grown its PTA membership from 450 to more than 700 members.

“The families at Quail Run look forward to joining the PTA and becoming part of a family away from home,” said Quail Run PTA President Rajee Subramanian. “Our meetings give people a place to gather, socialize and share things that make their culture special.” Quail Run is home to families from all over the world, with more than 23 different languages spoken by its students. The PTA has made it a priority to break through cultural barriers and find ways to make families from every part of the world feel welcome and accepted as part of the Quail Run community. How does the PTA accomplish this? Quail Run PTA makes its general meetings a gathering place. PTA general meetings at Quail Run routinely draw more than 200 people. The PTA provides multicultural meals 2

PTA in California • November 2013

free to those who respond, free parent education and free childcare. Subramanian shared that, “Participation in our meetings is the first way many of our families have ever gotten involved in a school community.” This type of effort requires many volunteers and lots of organization. There is a PTA committee that is responsible for the planning, grocery shopping and coordination of dinners. Families cook the meals and student volunteers, mostly Quail Run alumni, set up, serve the food and clean up. Parent education is also provided at every general meeting. In order to adequately meet the needs of all families, the PTA held a town-hall style meeting to gather input about what the families wanted and needed in the way of parent education. Presenters are invited to specifically address those topics. PTA leaders at Quail Run recognize that because most of their families are from far away countries, they do not have access to childcare that would allow parents to attend evening meetings without their children. With this in mind, Quail Run PTA provides free childcare by partnering with school staff who donate their time to supervise children during the PTA meetings. Quail Run Elementary PTA is proud of the multicultural family that they have built. For more information about PTA membership visit www.capta.org and select “membership” from the menu.

A message from

Colleen A.R. You, President

The journey ahead for PTA is connecting families and schools

O We will continue to provide and refine resources and information to our members on the Common Core State Standards, and the new assessments required, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards.”

ur local PTAs, teachers and staff are passionate about outreach to families and communities, and about positively impacting the lives of children. In September, my husband and I walked to our neighborhood school on a Sunday to see the results of some recent construction projects. School had not yet started, but we saw a PTA acquaintance who now works in the school office. She led us on a tour of the remodeled campus. Teachers were in classrooms on the weekend—cleaning, arranging and preparing for the children. The passion of our teachers—of our members—is inspiring!

Through our leadership, advocacy efforts, scholarships, grants, programs, and stellar resources, California State PTA continually reflects upon our goals, supports our local leaders, and models how parent and family engagement are key factors for student achievement and success. Remember, too, there is value in PTA membership, in and of itself, separate from volunteering. This is a significant message to convey to potential, current and renewing members in our schools and communities. These past months, we’ve embarked upon a robust “Back to School/Value of PTA” campaign. We know membership is a year-long endeavor, and our continued power and credibility stems from a robust association, comprised of both members and volunteers. As the state association supporting local PTAs, we are committed to working smartly and efficiently, and to ensuring feedback from the field is utilized to move our organization in directions that best serve our members and ultimately result in improved local outcomes for our children. We are focused on balancing how we expand or develop new pro-

grams and services. Part of our strategic challenge ahead is to continue to invest wisely in our association and services, as well as in our current and future leaders, so we can continue to maximize our achievements. What’s happening regionally at our schools is coupled with very real advocacy issues and emergent matters in the education environment. In California, implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula is in progress. We are continually asking what this means for schools, and what accountability and family engagement provisions will look like in the future. We are also the voice reminding our elected representatives that, while we have a new formula, current funding levels do not adequately provide the well-rounded, comprehensive 21st century education our children need and deserve. We will continue to provide and refine resources and information to our members on the Common Core State Standards, and the new assessments required, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards. We have a very busy time ahead, and every PTA member’s awareness of these, and other issues relative to our students’ health, education and welfare is essential. An individual remarked to me that this is a watershed moment for our association, and for public education. California State PTA, in concert with our local PTAs, remains uniquely positioned to positively impact the lives of children and families, and I am thankful for your connection and support as we move forward.

PTA in California • November 2013

PTA volunteers give $500 million to California children and families

es, you read that correctly: Last year, PTA volunteers in California reported more than 20 million hours of time donated to supporting children and families. That contribution would be the equivalent of at least $500 million. No more wondering if your time volunteering made a difference. The hours you spend making phone calls, planning PTA activities or asking people to join PTA pays off. All of this time makes a difference to your child, to your child’s teacher and classmates, to your school and to all of the families in California.

Why Track Volunteer Hours According to Independent Sector, a leadership network for nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs, each of your volunteer hours is valued at $24.75! Volunteer hours are considered the time you spend doing the work of the PTA. This includes phone time, email time, planning, travel to and from events and meetings, as well as time at the school site. ®

PTA volunteers make a big impact at Joaquin Miller Elementary School PTA in Burbank (Burbank Council PTA, First District PTA)! PTA leader Amy Kamm and Principal Judy Hession show off the check representing the dollar value of PTA volunteer hours on campus.

Tally up your hours and the thousands of hours that your PTA members spend doing the work to support your school and PTA programs. Multiply that amount by $24.75 and you can deliver a giant

everychild. onevoice.

20,494,217 X $24.75

PTA in California • November 2013

VOLUNTEER HOURS PER HOUR

check at the end of the year to your school board or superintendent to highlight the value of the PTA time spent serving children. Reminding everyone that PTA values their time reminds current and prospective members how important their efforts are, and also raises the public’s awareness of PTA. Check out our website at www.capta.org for tools and resources to make the job of historian easy and fulfilling. Don’t wait until the end of the year to chronicle hours and events. Record volunteer hours at each meeting and event; keep a running total. For questions, please email historian@capta.org.

Strategic planning turns John Burroughs High School PTSA into a Spotlight-winning unit

ohn Burroughs High School PTSA in Burbank (Burbank Council PTA, First District PTA) recently found itself facing many of the same issues that a lot of PTA units face—lack of participation at both the executive board level and the association level. Although the PTA had a full slate of officers, many officers were pulling double duty and it was hard for the PTA to get a quorum at its meetings.

Your PTA can be a PTA Unit Spotlight Award winner, too! PTA Unit Spotlight Awards recognize outstanding programs in eight categories including leadership development, student achievement, environmental, family involvement, membership and outreach, collaboration, advocacy and student involvement. This year, awardwinning PTAs receive two paid registrations to the 2014 California State PTA Annual Convention – May 7-10 in Los Angeles – as well as a host of other great rewards such as a $100 gift certificate to the PTA Store.

Applications are due February 3, 2014 and must be signed by your council and district president. Download the application online at http://www.capta.org/ sections/awards/spotlight.cfm.

With a newly elected 2012-2013 board, the PTA decided to sit down with the principal and engage in a strategic planning process over the summer before the school year started. The result of the planning session was a simple plan to grow the programs and activities of the PTA, and to increase awareness and opportunities for member involvement. The plan was then approved by the unit membership in the fall of 2012. Each member of the board was given a specific part of the plan to work on and implement. To achieve its goals, the PTA offered dynamic speakers and presentations along with traditional PTA programs at each unit meeting and at special events. PTA information tables were set up at most school activities. The membership database was updated and monthly emails were sent to members. Additionally, the PTA posted regularly on its Facebook page and shared information about PTA on the school’s website. To help solve leadership challenges, members were contacted individually about serving in a PTA position. Most open leadership positions were filled by these oneon-one conversations.

John Burroughs High School accepts the Spotlight Award at the 2013 California State PTA Annual Convention.

What was the result of all this hard work and planning? The unit experienced a turnaround in re-establishing its relevance. Monthly quorums are now being met and exceeded, board positions are filled and officers are not holding multiple positions. Monthly unit meetings are engaging and vibrant, and student leaders came forward expressing interest in the 2013-2014 board slate.

Another avenue the PTA worked on was to build its membership to include students. The PTA worked to change its bylaws to become a PTSA. PTA in California • November 2013

at p i h s r e Building PTA memb l o o h c S Thomas Hart Middle

hat can one PTSA do for a school? Generate an army of fired-up members to work on behalf of students, that’s what! In 2012-2013, a brand new PTSA, Thomas Hart Middle PTSA in Pleasanton (Pleasanton Council PTA, Peralta District PTA) grew their small charter membership to 659 members. National PTA took note of this large growth and, this summer, a representative from Thomas Hart Middle PTSA walked across the stage at the National PTA Convention to pick up a $6,000 check as the 2012-2013 Today’s PTA contest winner!

How did they do it? “Face time at walk-through registration,” said Thomas Hart Middle PTSA Executive Vice President Lori Carducci. The PTSA table at registration gave members the perfect opportunity to meet and greet parents and students. They smiled, shook hands and explained the benefits of PTSA to as many of the 1,200 students and their parents as possible. It helped that the school has a tradition of requiring a stop at every table during registration. It also helped that the school directory was only $5 for PTSA members. And best of all, PTSA memberships were only $5 for students. The efforts paid off—with more than 600 new members including 170 student members.

Building PTA membership 6

PTA in California • November 2013

California State PTA President Colleen A.R. You smiles with Thomas Hart Middle School PTSA leader Lori Carducci as they accept the $6,000 check for the school at the 2013 National PTA Convention in Cincinnati.

How has PTSA changed Thomas Hart Middle School? Student leadership has blossomed as they learned that PTSA is one place where student voices are equal to adult voices. PTSA programs, meetings and events give parents plenty of reasons to be on campus. PTSA meetings include exciting speakers. Successful projects include a classroom of new Chromebooks (laptops). In addition, PTSA membership comes with the added benefit of “PTA Shops PTown,” a citywide discount program for members of PTAs in Pleasanton.

What is planned for the award money? “We are in the dreaming and planning stages on that,” said Carducci. “Technology and adoption of the new Common Core State Standards are key for us, so we are looking at projects in those two areas.”

What can PTAs learn from Thomas Hart Middle PTSA? Make time for face time. PTA members should adopt a personal goal to meet and greet potential members at every opportunity – be ready with a warm smile and a sincere invitation to join PTA. No flier or brochure can take the place of meeting someone face-to-face.

It is important to keep the excitement for PTA membership going all year. Be sure to visit www.capta.org for easy-to-use tools and resources to help you keep the momentum going for your PTA membership campaign.

Understanding the new school funding formula

alifornia recently adopted a new formula for determining how much funding each school district receives from the state. It is called the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). This new formula takes effect starting this school year and is projected to be fully phased in over an eight-year period. Under the new law, each school district receives a per-student amount of base funding, plus additional funding to increase or improve services for their English Language Learners, foster children and/or children from low-income families. Local school boards will decide how to best use the funds, with required input from their local communities. The LCFF also requires school districts to create a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that shows how the funds will be spent to provide programs and improve student outcomes. The LCFF provides parents and local school communities with an important new opportunity to engage in their schools, provide input and ensure that the needs of all of their local students are being addressed.

What your PTA can do now?  Learn how the Local Control Funding Formula and the plans for accountability work. Understand how much funding your school district will receive, and what administrators are doing. Additional resources are available at the California State PTA website at www.capta.org. You can also visit the California Department of Education website at www.cde.gov for more information.  Encourage your members and parents to share questions and concerns with teachers, principals and/or school district administrators. Ask the hard questions to ensure the important voice of parents is heard.  Advocate by talking with your local school board. Identify and support local leaders in this important work.

PTA “Kids in Action” continued from cover The budget has also been a challenge. Chaparral PTA provides an annual budget of $750 to help fund the Kids in Action projects, but PTA leaders also reach out to parents who provide additional supplies. Each project requires supplies and publicity fliers, and Chaparral PTA parents have generously helped fill the gap. When

Chaparral students made sack lunches for the homeless in their community, for example, parents donated peanut butter and other supplies that the PTA budget couldn’t cover. “We can tell that the program has been successful by the number of students that participate,” says

Maldonado. “The kids have become focused on service and making a difference in the community.” Chaparral Elementary School PTA is working hard to instill in their students the spirit of giving while building caring and socially responsible leaders for the future.

PTA in California • November 2013

with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

Understanding the new Common Core State Standards

n Sacramento, there has been a lot of conversation surrounding the new Common Core State Standards. However, in our local schools and communities PTA members and parents may not be as familiar with the new standards yet. PTA in California editors sat down with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to discuss the important changes ahead.

PTA in California: Can you tell us, brieﬂy, what are the new Common Core State Standards and when will they go into eﬀect? Torlakson: Requiring students to think critically, solve problems and show a greater depth of knowledge—these are key tenets of the new Common Core State Standards. Common Core offers schools, teachers, students and parents clear and consistent standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. These new standards define the knowledge and skills students should take away from their K-12 schooling to be successfully prepared for career and college opportunities. California is putting these standards to work as the foundation for remodeling our education system. The standards keep the best of what we have, but replace outdated ways of learning with a clear focus on the key knowledge and skills students need, and provide teachers the time to teach them well. Common Core allows states to share information more effectively and to help provide all students with an equal opportunity for an education that will prepare them to go to college or enter the work force, regardless of where they live. PTA in California: What excites you most about the new standards? Torlakson: For me, one of the most exciting facets of the new Common Core State Standards is the development of what we call 21st century skills. The fact is that our economy is changing, and the demands on our students are higher. They need very different knowledge and skills today—and tomorrow—than they did 15 years ago. 8

PTA in California • November 2013

PTA in California: What do parents in particular need to know most about the new standards? Torlakson: These new standards are about helping children succeed in the economy and society that they’ll find outside our classrooms. The standards help ensure that all students, no matter where they live, are prepared for college and the workforce, and that there’s some consistency for them if they move from school to school, district to district or even state to state. The Common Core State Standards are an important step—a clear roadmap for learning for teachers, parents and students. Having clearly defined goals helps families and teachers work together to ensure that students succeed. PTA in California: In what ways might the new standards "look and feel" diﬀerent to parents and students compared to the previous academic standards? Torlakson: Rather than learning in a way that is “a mile wide and an inch deep,” students will be encouraged—through more hands-on learning and less rote memorization—to dig deeper into subjects. There will be more problem-solving and more collaboration among students. The Common Core State Standards take a staircase approach, meaning that students will gain a thorough foundation in one topic before building on it to learn the next topic.

Common Core State Standards are on the way for all students in California

alifornia State PTA supports the new Common Core State Standards. These new standards set high expectations for all students and align with college and career expectations for the 21st century.

PTA in California: Recently you sponsored legislation (supported by PTA) that makes important changes to our state testing system, so that it will be better aligned to the new standards. Tell us more about what's ahead for students and schools in terms of testing? Torlakson: Assembly Bill 484 opened the door to sweep away outdated tests in favor of modern, computer-based assessments that will measure student readiness for the challenges of college and the workplace. The new law suspends most STAR assessments for the current school year, allowing school districts to prepare for and transition to new testing aligned with the Common Core State Standards as part of the new California Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress (CalMAPP) system. The new assessments allow for a much broader range of test questions and are expected to emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, modeling the kind of teaching and learning our students and schools need.

“It is essential for our parents and educators to become familiar with the new standards now,” said California State PTA Vice President for Education Patty Scripter. “These standards are part of powerful, positive reform of our public education system. They make sure our curriculum includes a focus on deeper learning skills such as critical thinking and creativity.” PTA also supports efforts to ensure resources are provided to districts so all students can achieve the standards. Great materials for finding out what your child will be learning, at each grade level, in Mathematics and English Language Arts once the new standards are in place are available to PTA leaders and members. You'll also learn more about how you can support your child's learning and other helpful information. Visit www.capta.org and enter “Common Core” in the search bar.

One major benefit of the new tests is they will provide teachers and parents with timely and accurate information to measure student performance and progress. PTA in California: Is there anything else you'd like to add? Torlakson: We’ve gathered some great resources on our Common Core webpage at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/, and I encourage parents to take advantage of them. Informational fliers are available in multiple languages. We’ve also partnered with PTA to provide Parents’ Guides for Student Success for all grade levels. PTA in California • November 2013

MEMBER S P O T L ®

IGHT

Living life to the fullest and making kids smile

errence Gladney is all about making kids smile. A hightech entrepreneur and president of the Sacramento Council of PTAs (Third District PTA), Terrence loves kids and believes that dads can keep the smiles going and help kids experience their dreams.

Ten years ago, at a kindergarten event, he said “Yes!” when asked by the PTA to help with the Harvest Festival. Like many before him, he started out to make a difference for his child, but stayed because he saw the difference he could make for all children. Gladney soon became aware of the bigger PTA picture—advocating for all children—and jumped at the opportunity to attend California State PTA’s “Emerging Minority Leaders Conference.” Learning new tools to build bridges with ethni-

cally-diverse families in his community, Gladney put his new knowledge to work by taking on leadership and family engagement roles at his PTA council and district. In his current role as the president of the Sacramento Council of PTAs, Gladney works to lead a diverse community of 35 PTAs. “I want to share what I’ve learned,” said Gladney. “I also want to inspire men to volunteer. As PTA leaders, we need to build relationships and do what we can to bring people to the table to help our kids.” A great opportunity to help children appeared when Gladney noticed that youth in his neighborhood had nothing to do after school. Fearing that hanging out would turn into acting out, Gladney decided to start a neighborhood basketball program. The turnout for the first practice was

overwhelming – and the smiles went on for miles. “The best day I can imagine is being on the playground,” remarked Gladney when asked why he started the program. Through countless hours of volunteerism, Gladney formed a tightknit bond with the dads and moms of the PTA. This extended family can be a lifeline when tragedy strikes. “When you volunteer this much, the people you work with become family,” said Gladney. “And I never needed my PTA family more than with the loss of my youngest son.” In 2008, Gladney lost his son due to an unexpected illness. Friends and family reached out to Gladney and, eventually, he was able to reach back. Each day, as a way to honor his son’s memory, he renews his vow to live life to its fullest and work to keep kids smiling.

Increase Male Involvement in Your PTA Don’t forget about Dad! Studies prove students excel when dads are involved. Here are five ways to help increase male involvement in your PTA. 1. Be inclusive. Plan events geared toward men, such as BBQs and field games. 2. Give them something to do. Have a plan to put men to work – soon they will feel pride in having contributed to the success of the event. Invite continued participation. 3. Let kids show off their favorite guy. Make it cool to invite your dad or male family member. Let them team up at the event. 4. Appreciate him. Appreciation can be as simple as a warm handshake, a mention in the newsletter or as public as standing for applause in a meeting. 5. Use available resources. Check out the resources available from California State PTA online at http://www.capta.org/sections/ parents/pi-fathers.cfm.

Terrance Gladney smiles with a group of kids from his after-school fitness program. 10

PTA in California • November 2013

Transitional kindergarten is the gift of time

e are now well into the new school year and the second year of transitional kindergarten (TK). This month, young learners in TK across California will be singing a lot of “Happy Birthday” songs as many students turn the big Oh-Five! And many parents and teachers are singing the praises of transitional kindergarten and the gift of time it’s giving their children, preparing them to succeed in kindergarten and the later grades. In 2010, the Kindergarten Readiness Act changed the kindergarten entry date so that students must be five years old before September to enter kindergarten. It also created transitional kindergarten, a new grade that bridges preschool and kindergarten for that quarter of children born in the fall. Last year, the first year of implementation, children born between November 2 and December 2 were eligible for transitional kindergarten. This year, the entry date expanded to four-year-olds born between October 2 and December 2. By the 2015-2016 school year, TK will be fully implemented and open to all children born between September 2 and December 2, serving about 150,000 students statewide. From what we have heard and seen, the first year was a success!

In the first year of TK, we were thrilled to learn that about 39,000 children across California were served. According to an American Institutes for Research report released in June 2013, 89 percent of districts reported that they offered transitional kindergarten. This year, that number is expected to increase to roughly 80,000 children. To help facilitate the integration of the new grade in districts across the state, Early Edge California, formerly Preschool California, launched TKCalifornia.org to support both teachers and administrators in providing a high-quality TK experience with expert-recommended transitional kindergarten resources, tips and sample teaching strategies. We have heard stories from countless parents across California whose children have developed skill sets that will serve them for a lifetime. We recently heard from Elizabeth in Los Angeles on the first day of TK for her twins. Last year, she rallied in Sacramento to protect TK from budget cuts, and today her children are reaping the benefits of this crucial grade level that she fought so hard for.

Ryder shares a

big smile on his

first day of Transit

ional Kindergarte

Thanks for getting me involved and allowing me to speak up for my kids an all the other little ones that are benefiting (and will be benefiting) from the SUPER awesome program!!” It is clear that transitional kindergarten has become an integral part of our education system and we are excited to see this new grade continue to grow and expand. Transitional kindergarten has created opportunities for academic success for kids across California. The education and support that these young learners are getting is what they deserve, and will make a difference in our state as they make their way into kindergarten and beyond. By: Early Edge California, an allied agency of the California State PTA

If you’d like to know more about TK, visit TKCalifornia.org. For local information about TK in your area, contact your school district. PTA in California • November 2013

Making healthier food choices – even when you’re in a hurry

arents are busy. Between after-school activities, personal commitments and other responsibilities, preparing meals at home is not always realistic. “Research tells us more than 30 percent of our day’s calories are eaten as snacks, and too many of us rely on a quick meal to get us through the day,” said nutrition consultant Bonnie Y. Modugno, MS, RD. “With this in mind, grabbing food on the go can sometimes be stressful, but you can make healthy food choices even when you’re in a hurry.” Here are a few tips to keep in mind when eating on the go.

ptions O y h lt a e H Choose

lable options are avai d o fo l fu h lt ea h A range of . Some also ice restaurants rv se k ic u q y at man sugar, salt es that use less ic o ch u en m e hav and fat. eal balance the m to y tr , g in er ssible.  When ord d groups as po o fo y n a m s vega with clude fruits and in at th s n o ti p o Look for staurants grains. Some re le o h w d an s etable such as ier side dishes h lt ea h er ff o w le slices. no carrots and app s, le ab et eg v cooked ers by customize ord eese. to id a fr a e b the ch  Don’t ayo or skipping rapped in asking for no m iches can be w w d n sa , ly al n io Addit of the bun. bottled lettuce instead w-fat milk or lo g in er rd o  Consider ries. water. sizes and calo n io rt o p f o l lable.  Be mindfu n guide if avai io it tr u n a e se Ask to

Additional Resources 12

Snack S mar tly

Smart snac king is a g reat way to nutrient re meet daily quirements even when go, and mo y ou’re on th st snacks c e an be quic kly prepare d .  Try to p lan ahead a nd b when you grocery sh uy healthy snacks op – you w money and ill save will make healthier c buying sna h oices than cks while y ou are out.  Pre-por tion your child bags to gra b on the go ’s snacks into small or put a sn serving on ack-sized a plate.  Combin e snacks fr om groups to pack more at least two food nutrients in child’s die to your t – it will b e more fill hold them in g over until their next m and will example, s eal. For erving strin g cheese w wheat crac ith wholekers or fru it is an eas calcium, p y w rotein and other impo ay to add ents to sna rtant nutricks.

HealthyEating.org offers free tips, interactive nutrition assessment tools, meal suggestions and more. You can also take a look at the California State PTA “Healthy Kids” board on Pinterest for other great healthy snack ideas.

PTA in California • November 2013

The 411 on PTA nominating committee elections

he nominating committee is often described as the most important committee of your PTA. Why? This committee must be knowledgeable about the objectives of your PTA and seek individuals who, as a team, can help your PTA achieve its goals. Unit PTAs elect officers typically in February, March or April. The association election of the nominating committee must be scheduled at least two months prior to the association’s officer election meeting. This minimum two-month window provides 30 days for the committee members to identify new leaders, and for the required 28-day notice to PTA members of candidates prior to the association election meeting. At the association meeting, the president asks for eligible nominees or volunteers to serve on the nominating committee. After nominations have ceased, the president reads the list of nominees and proceeds with the election by stating, “All those in favor of electing these individuals to the nominating committee signify by saying ‘aye.’ All those opposed say ‘no.’” The president then announces the outcome of the election, “You’ve successfully elected our nominating committee.” Should the number of volunteers nominated to serve on the nominating committee exceed the available positions, the president should appoint a teller’s committee and use a paper ballot for the election.

The nominating committee should be knowledgeable about officer duties and procedures. The PTA leader job descriptions, found in the California State PTA Toolkit, are excellent resources as are your association’s officer procedure books. Your association’s bylaws, Article V, provide guidance on the officers and election process, and Article VI describes the duties of the officers. Committee members will seek individuals who are detail orientated, who are good organizers and motivators, or who are great oral or written communicators. Will every nominee have all the necessary talents? Probably not, but that’s where the PTA network of council and district PTAs is helpful. Training, mentoring and support are always available via email or a telephone call or on the California State PTA website at www.capta.org.

Honorary Service Awards allow PTAs to say “thank you” in two different ways Everybody loves to be acknowledged for the service they give to our children and schools. But, did you know that the Honorary Service Awards (HSA) Program offers another opportunity to PTAs? The HSA program makes it possible for the California State PTA to award grants and scholarships to high school seniors and other dedicated volunteers, teachers and school nurses. That’s because all the monies received from the HSAs are used to fund PTA scholarships and grants. “The HSA program allows PTAs to say thank you in two different ways,” said California State PTA President Colleen A.R. You. “First, it is a wonderful way to acknowledge and thank those volunteers who go above and beyond in their service to children. The HSA program says thank you in a second way to a noteworthy high school senior, a talented teacher or wonderful volunteer by awarding them with a scholarship.”

Honorary Service Award Recognitions The HSA program is a special way of recognizing amazing PTA volunteers and special community partners. PTAs can honor recipients with one of these awards: • Very Special Person Award • Continuing Service Award • Honorary Service Award • Golden Oak Service Award Plus, there are two new awards for Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Administrator. Each award comes with a certificate, or a certificate and pin option. For more information about the Honorary Service Awards Program, visit http://www.capta.org/ sections/awards/service.cfm. PTA in California • November 2013 13

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Newly adopted resolutions help PTA advance mission to improve the lives of children and families

ach year, delegates to the California State PTA Convention take action on resolutions that have been submitted by unit, council, district PTA or the California State PTA Board of Managers. Resolutions adopted by convention delegates help establish PTA policy, legislation authority, and provide direction in taking action on issues. PTA members throughout the state, through the votes of their representatives at convention, help determine the organization’s priorities. At the 2013 convention in San Jose, California State PTA delegates adopted a resolution strongly supporting summer learning, urging federal, state and local policymakers to create and fund summer learning programs, especially for disadvantaged youth. PTA members and leaders also adopted resolutions encouraging schools and communities to be more inclusive and better serve students with special

Inclusive Schools Build Stronger Communities RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, coun-

cils, and districts shall develop programs and resources to help educate the community about the educational system that impacts families and students with special needs in order to build inclusive communities; and be it further

RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, coun-

cils, and districts actively advocate and work with their local school boards and school district to adopt policies allowing students with special needs to receive a diploma and be included in graduation activities if they have received all required graduation credits; and be it further

RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, coun-

cils, and districts encourage and work with the entire school community to include families, children, and youth with special needs to participate in the school and community activities where their child attends school; and be it further

RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, coun-

cils, and districts work with their local school districts to research the programs which are most inclusive and best serve students with special needs in their schools and communities and advocate for their implementation.

needs, and to call for legislation requiring candidates for school board to complete a criminal history check.

Qualifications for Candidacy in California Elections RESOLVED , That California State PTA urge its units, councils and districts to work in cooperation with their respective local school boards and local governing bodies to develop practices and board policy to insure that all local governing school board members/trustees and local governing bodies complete criminal history checks in order to fulfill employment requirements and elected duties; and be it further RESOLVED , That California State PTA sup-

port and encourage legislation that would amend the California election code to require candidates to complete a criminal history check as a condition of being placed on a Local School Board and/or a Local Governing Body election ballot; and be it further

RESOLVED , That California State PTA sup-

port and encourage all statewide local school boards and all statewide local governing bodies to adopt bylaws and policies that subject current members to summary criminal history checks when applicable.

To view the adopted resolutions, visit www.capta.org and type “Resolutions” in the search bar. 14

PTA in California • November 2013

Convention gives Oak Hills Elementary School PTA a jump start for a great school year

hat has 16 legs, eight heads and one PTA body? The Oak Hills Elementary School PTA delegation from Valencia (Santa Clarita Valley Council PTA, Thirty-Fourth District PTA) at last year’s California State PTA Annual Convention. Oak Hills PTA sent eight delegates to represent the parents of its 568 students! Oak Hills PTA President Cheryl Stabler shared that the newly elected PTA board was either entirely new to PTA, or new to the executive board role. As the incoming president, she didn’t want to go into the school year without the tools and resources the PTA team needed, and she knew that they could gain those skills at the annual PTA convention. After the PTA election, Stabler requested the funds to send the entire PTA board to convention be earmarked in the budget. “Convention training is so valuable, but just as valuable was the experience to bond as a team,” said Stabler. “We even got together to have little ‘meetings’ in the evenings. We shared what we had learned in our workshops that day, and put together a list of goals to present to our PTA. We discussed what we wanted to do differently this year, and what we wanted to continue.” The Oak Hills PTA team returned home with a commitment to improve communication with parents and teachers. As part of that commitment, the PTA published a newsletter and established a PTA Facebook page. The PTA also committed to getting more dads involved, and

Oaks Hills Elementary School PTA gathered together at the California State PTA Annual Convention this past year.

signed up for a program from the National Center for Fathering called WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students). The program helps PTAs focus on prevention of violence in schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures. Attendance at the annual state PTA convention provided Oak Hills PTA leaders with the training and team-building skills they needed for a successful year. “People at school are already talking about how well this year is going,” reports Stabler.

Summer Learning Loss RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, councils

and districts educate parents, administrators, school board members, teachers and communities about the impact of summer learning loss and the advantages of summer learning and enrichment programs; and be it further

RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, councils and districts urge policy makers at federal, state and local levels to create policies and legislation that support and fund summer learning programs with emphasis on reading and math for disadvantaged youth; and be it further RESOLVED , That California State PTA, its units, councils

and districts encourage collaboration and partnerships between school districts, park and recreation departments, libraries, youth-serving organizations, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to provide children and youth with summer learning activities and enrichment programs.

Your PTA deserves the boost that convention provides! Put the California State PTA Annual Convention on your PTA calendar —May 7-10, 2014 in Los Angeles— and add convention expenses to your PTA budget. PTA in California • November 2013

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December 2013 1 – Last day for remittance of per capita dues (minimum of 15 members) to remain in good standing* 20 – Insurance premiums due* January 2014 27-28 – Legislation Conference in Sacramento February 2014 3 – PTA Unit Spotlight Award applications due* 3 – Graduating High School Senior Scholarship applications due* 17 – Founders Day * due in State PTA office

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If you are no longer a PTA president, please forward this and all mailings immediately to your successor. Articles appearing in this newsletter may be reprinted in PTA unit, council and district newsletters only. Please credit the California State PTA.

PTA IN CAlIFOrNIA

2327 L Street, Sacramento, California 95816-5014 PH (916) 440-1985 • FAX (916) 440-1986 www.capta.org November 2013, Official newsletter of the California State PTA, Volume 76, No. 2. Four issues published annually. Subscription rate $5.00. Circulation 4,800. ©2013 California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc. All rights reserved. PTA® is a registered service mark of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. President: Colleen A.R. You Vice President for Communications: Patty Christiansen Executive Director: Paul Richman Communications Manager: Michelle Eklund Design: Pat Ruiz The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families. Adopted August 2013

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