Issuu

Chronicle CONVENTION

VOLUME 42

FOR DELEGATES TO THE 119TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA STATE PTA CONVENTION

MARCH 2018

Believe in the Power of PTA

California State PTA Annual Convention – April 27-29, 2018 in Ontario

o you believe in children? Do you believe in the power of PTA? Join thousands of PTA parent-volunteer advocates and leaders along with educators and community leaders in Ontario on April 27-29, 2018, to address education, health and community issues affecting our state’s children and families. Don’t miss your chance to take part in the largest school-based convention in the nation! Plus, you’ll get the training and information you need to help your PTA and school succeed.

#PTA4Kids

Don’t miss the excitement!

Stay engaged with the latest convention news, updates and info by visiting

CALL to Convention:

capta.org.

in all of your

California State PTA hereby calls upon its membership to send duly accredited delegates to the 119th Annual Convention in Ontario, April 27-29, 2018. All PTA members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

social media posts!

*Membership card required at convention check-in.

And be sure to use

#PTA4Kids

Descargar en Español en http://downloads.capta.org/con/Chronicle_Spanish.pdf

Convention Chronicle • March 2018

Speakers and Special Events

Presenter change after printing. Visit www.capta.org/convention for updates.

Hear from exciting and powerful speakers during the annual convention in each action-packed general meeting.

National PTA President James L. Accomando

2018 Teacher of the Year Dr. Brian McDaniel

First General Meeting

Brian McDaniel, one of five California Teachers of Year, was selected by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to represent California in the prestigious National Teacher of Year competition.

James L. Accomando was elected as the 55th President of the National PTA® Board of Directors at the June 2017 National PTA Convention. Jim has been engaged in fulfilling the mission of PTA since his oldest child began kindergarten. For the past 18 years, he has volunteered at every level and has had the pleasure of being president of his child’s high school PTA, the District’s PTA council and the State of Connecticut Parent Teacher Association. Jim believes that family and community engagement is one of the key strengths of PTA in providing equity and quality in our educational system today. He advocates to look beyond the school community to develop partnerships with other educational stakeholders in order to further the mission of the association. In 2012, Jim was instrumental in the Snow Flakes for Sandy Hook Elementary School Healing Initiative and the fundraising of $1.1 million dollars to support potential mental health issues within the Sandy Hook school community. He is also actively engaged in other civic and youth programming as a coach, Boy Scout leader and church. Jim is a small business owner, the parent of two children educated in public schools and the husband of a public school teacher.

Fifth General Meeting

McDaniel is a band and choir teacher at Painted Hills Middle School, a Title 1 school in Palm Springs Unified School District in Riverside County. His classroom includes gifted and talented students, English Language Learners, special needs students and students from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. He is passionate about helping students overcome systemic poverty through academic opportunities. Brian founded “The Regiment” - his student-led music organization that serves as a safety net for students and helps students overcome the trials of school and life. In the last 12 years, Brian raised over one million dollars through grants, donations, partnerships and fundraisers to ensure every student can participate in his program at no cost. “Dr. McDaniel teaches in a community in which gang recruitment, adolescent parenthood and low graduation rates victimize the students he interacts with daily,” said Edgar Garcia, a student attending Georgetown University. “I was one of those students, destined to drown. Dr. McDaniel positions himself as not only an academic advisor, but also a fatherly figure. He housed me when I needed it most, drove me to college interviews I otherwise would have been unable to attend and embraced me as my family witnessed financial perils of their own.” “Every day, I tell my students, together we will rise, together we will win and will forever be remembered,” said Brian. Brian affirms student achievement is not an accident, it’s the result of dynamic, engaging and rigorous instruction.

Executive Director Association of California School Administrators Dr. Wesley Smith Third General Meeting Dr. Wesley Smith is executive director of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), the largest school leadership group in the nation. ACSA is foremost a champion for the state’s more than 6 million students. Having served in a variety of school leadership roles, including elementary and middle grades principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, Dr. Smith understands the intricacies and influences in public education. He believes in a bold new future for ACSA and ensuring it is the most influential voice in public education for years to come. Changes in the standards taught and tested in California, a new school funding formula and the redesign of education accountability systems will require ACSA leadership. Dr. Smith is uniquely poised to lead that charge to protect the present and the future of all students.

Gubernatorial Education Forum – FREE for Convention Participants California State PTA, in partnership with Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), will put the spotlight on education during the Gubernatorial Education Forum. Join this lively discussion, moderated by ABC7 Eyewitness News co-anchor Marc Brown, to learn more about each candidates’ vision for California’s public schools. *Invited candidates include, in alphabetical order: • Travis Allen, California Assemblymember • John Chiang, California State Treasurer • John Cox, Businessman • Delaine Eastin, Former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Gavin Newsom, California Lieutenant Governor • Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Los Angeles Mayor. ($25 for forum only-participants. All funding will benefit PTA’s mission to positively impact the lives of all children and families.) *Current at time of printing. Subject to change. Participation or sponsorship in this event does not denote endorsement of gubernatorial candidates by either California State PTA or PACE.

FORUM MODERATOR

Marc Brown

ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor 2

Convention Chronicle • March 2018

Activities and Exhibit Hall There’s always so much to see and do at convention! We are planning plenty of activities and special events to keep participants engaged, learning and having fun. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s happening at convention:

Friday, April 27

Student Orientation from 1 - 2 p.m.

This is an opportunity for student delegates to meet the student members of the California State PTA Board of Managers. Lunch will be provided. Convention offers students a great way to build leadership skills, have a voice on issues and interact with PTA members from around the state. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all workshops and activities offered.

Family Arts Experience from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

One of the most popular events at last year’s convention. Join California State PTA for this hands-on event which will showcase research-based strategies to engage families and build awareness about the relevance of the arts in increasing student achievement. Plus, every participant will be eligible to win a FREE Family Arts Program for their school! (Must be present to win.)

Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 Reflections Art Gallery

Don’t miss the Reflections Art Gallery in the Convention Center lobby. View the Award of Excellence and Award of Merit Reflections entries, along with selected favorites. You can also leave a message of support for an artist and receive a special convention ribbon. Be sure to stay until the end of convention to see and hear some of our Reflections winners at the Reflections Event during our Fourth General Meeting.

Thursday, April 26 from 4 - 7 p.m. FREE ACCESS DAY. Wristbands available at the Registration Booth. Friday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Exhibit Hall change after printing. Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Visit www.capta.org/convention for updates. Exhibit Hall

Visit the Exhibit Hall to gain ideas and information for fundraising, assemblies and programs for your school. Get the latest ideas for child and school safety, educational programs, health and fitness education and much more.

Remember:

Do not sign any contracts that will commit your association in the next term. All contracts must be approved by your association prior to signing and must be signed by your president and another board member. Our vendors know this is our procedure.

Convention Chronicle • March 2018

BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Your Voice Matters

eneral meetings allow PTA to enact the business of the association, hear inspiring speakers and celebrate our founders’ legacy and vision in the ongoing work of California State PTA. Delegates will debate and vote on items to direct our organization, advocacy and future. We look forward to hearing from you at the general meetings!

Making Motions at Convention To assist delegates during consideration of business items, a Motion Review Station will be located in the general meeting room. Notice of the business items to delegates is published on the following pages, on the California State PTA website and in the Convention Program Book received by convention delegates onsite. Notices of “Intent to Amend” will be posted for delegate review at the Information/Lost and Found booth. If a delegate wishes to amend any business items as published, a Notice of “Intent to Amend” must be received at: • A topic hearing OR • The Motion Review Station by the end of the first general meeting; OR • Electronically prior to the first day of the annual meeting to be considered on the convention floor. A motion to amend may be permitted without the required notice only if the amendment results from new information that came after the deadline. Delegates presenting such amendments must first go to the Motion Review Station before proceeding to the microphone.

Resolution and Bylaws Hearings Voting delegates should plan to attend a resolution and bylaws hearing held on Friday, April 27 or Saturday, April 28 from 8 – 9 a.m. This is your opportunity to hear from the makers of the resolution and learn why they believe the resolution is important to PTA. During this time, you can also submit proposed amendments, called an “Intent to Amend,” which may strengthen or clarify.

Legislation Platform The Legislation Platform lays the framework for PTA action on legislation and is adopted biennially in even-numbered years by convention delegates. After thorough study, the California State PTA Board of Managers recommends no additional amendments at this time. The Legislation Platform can be viewed and downloaded from the Online Toolkit at http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/legislative-program/ legislation-platform/. 4 4

Convention Chronicle • March 2018 Convention Chronicle • March 2018

RESOLUTION A

Improving and Stabilizing Education Funding

1 WHEREAS, California student achievement is below the achievement level of most other states and a significant number of California students do not meet California proficiency standards; and 2 WHEREAS, Lack of quality early childhood education creates an achievement gap before students enroll in kindergarten; and 3 WHEREAS, California students have fewer counselors, school nurses, administrators, librarians, and small class sizes than most states in the nation; and 4 WHEREAS, California school funding, adjusted for cost of living, is significantly below the funding levels of most other states; and

5 WHEREAS, California’s tax system fails to provide a stable, adequate source of income for children’s services and schools; and

6 WHEREAS, States that invest more in education show higher student achievement levels than California and studies show greater investment in education improves student achievement, particularly for low income students; now therefore be it 1 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA urge the Legislature and the Governor to improve and reform state and local funding so all California students have the opportunity to reach academic proficiency levels; and be it further

2 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA urge the state Legislature and the Governor to enact legislation that allows the state to invest in education including early childhood education at the levels of our highest achieving states; and be it further

3 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and districts collaborate with and encourage other organizations and the voters of the state of California to research and support increased, stable revenue sources in the state of California. ###

Hearings change after printing. Visit www.capta.org/convention for updates.

BACKGROUND SUMMARY

California remains well below the national average in terms of per pupil spending, resulting in an education system where our children are consistently and troublingly below the national average in terms of both basic understanding and proficiency when compared to their peers across the nation. The achievement gap is even wider when we review the data for low income and minority students in the state.

In 2015-16, California ranked 41st among all states in spending per K-12 student after adjusting for differences in the cost of living in each state. California schools spent $10,291 per K-12 student in 2015-16, which is about $1,900 less than the $12,252 per student spent by the nation as a whole, according to the California Budget and Policy Center. This lack of funding has clear effects when we observe how the state ranks for counselors (790 to 1), school nurses (ratio of 2,784 to 1, four times what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends), administrators (315 to 1, 48th), librarians (7800 to 1, 51st), all of whom add important components from behavioral and health interventions, student outcome and teacher efficacy supports, and assist students to better learn and process information. The funding disparity is nowhere more evident than in the classroom. California has 42,000 fewer teachers than Texas, yet California schools serve 1.4 million more students.

Under these conditions, it is not surprising that average scores are lower in all categories for all subjects compared to the national average for California’s 4th and 8th graders according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2015 Report. These issues are exacerbated and scores are significantly lower where students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. The achievement gap begins well before K-12 enrollment. By the time children enter kindergarten, dramatic socio-economic and racial school-readiness gaps are deeply entrenched. It is for this reason that early childhood education has such a critical role to play in addressing student achievement and its funding should be considered in any California State PTA action.

continued on next page

BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

California State PTA Bylaws - Proposed Amendments 1) ***ARTICLE II – Purposes, Section 2: Section 2. The Purposes of the National PTA and the California State PTA are promoted through an advocacy and educational program directed toward parents and teachers and the general public education in collaboration with parents, families, teachers, educators, students, and the public; developed through conferences, committees, projects and programs; and governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article III. 2) ***ARTICLE III – Basic Policies [Article Title]: ***ARTICLE III – Basic Policies and Principles 3) ***ARTICLE III – Basic Policies [Introductory Sentence, Subsections b. and d.]: The following are basic policies and principles of the California State PTA, in common with those of the National PTA: [In Subsection b.] b. The organization shall work with the to engage and empower children, families and educators within schools and community communities to provide quality education for all children and youth and shall seek to participate in the decision-making process establishing by influencing school policy and advocating for children’s issues, recognizing that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people to boards of education, state education authorities, and local education authorities; [In Subsection d.] d. Commitment to inclusiveness and equity, knowledge of PTA, and professional expertise shall be guiding

Convention delegates will consider the following amendments to the California State PTA Bylaws. The bylaws are published in the California State PTA Toolkit and posted online. The only amendments to the bylaws that are in order are those pre-noticed to members in the meeting notice and Convention Chronicle. Please Note: • Deletions are identified by a line through the word (unit) • Additions, insertions or substitutions are identified by underlining (unit) Rationale: The amendments are designed to keep the California State PTA Bylaws current, align with changes to the National PTA Bylaws and account for the E-Membership Program.

8) ARTICLE IX – Duties of Officers, Section 4 [paragraph 3]:

AMENDMENTS -

The treasurer shall be chairman of the finance commission.

BOARD OF MANAGERS, CALIFORNIA STATE PTA Recommendations to Amend the California State PTA Bylaws principles for service in California State PTA and National PTA; 4) ***ARTICLE IV – Constituent Organizations, Section 3: Section 3. The Purposes, Principles and basic policies of National PTA shall in every case also be the Purposes, Principles and basic policies of each constituent organization. 5) ***ARTICLE VII – Membership and Dues [New Introductory paragraph]: Membership in PTA at all levels shall be open, without discrimination, to anyone who believes in and supports the mission, purposes and principles of California State PTA and National PTA and meets other qualifications for membership as prescribed in these bylaws and pays dues as required in these bylaws.

PTA financial officers. State and national portions of the dues shall be paid by November 15 and monthly thereafter. Those local PTAs not in council shall forward dues to the district PTA financial officers. The district PTA financial officers shall remit the state and national portions of the dues at least monthly to the State PTA office with first remittance due December 1. For associations to remain in good standing, the state and national portions of per capita dues shall be remitted to the State PTA by December 1. Unit representation for convention as provided in Article XV, Section 5, is determined by total per capita dues received in by the State PTA office by March 31. 7) ARTICLE XIII – Council and District PTAs, Section 5 and Section 7:

6) ARTICLE VII – Membership and Dues, Section 7:

[In Section 5.] e. Forwards Remits the national and state portion of per capita dues to the State PTA by the deadline date;

Section 7. The state and national portions of the dues paid by each member to a local PTA shall be set aside by the local PTA and remitted paid to the State PTA through the council financial officers to the district

[In Section 7.] ***Section 7. Each council and district PTA shall keep such permanent books of account and records as shall be sufficient to

continued from page 4, Improving and Stabilizing Education Funding According to CSBA’s Policy Brief, California’s Challenge: Adequately Funding Education in the 21st Century, current K-12 education is underfunded by between $24-42 billion. California must consider multiple, steady and consistent strategies to address the issues detailed above and bring California’s per pupil spending in line with the highest achieving states in the U.S.

establish the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements of the organization, including, specifically, the number of members, the dues collected from by its units, and the amounts of dues remitted to the State PTA. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the State PTA.

9) ARTICLE XI – Board of Directors, Section 5 [paragraph 3]: The Board of Directors shall appoint the California State PTA representative to the National Council of State meetings based on the subject to be discussed. 10) ARTICLE XV – Annual Convention, Section 1: Section 1. There shall be an annual convention meeting of the State PTA in April or May. The date, time, place and any proposed business to be addressed at the meeting shall be determined by the Board of Managers (exception: Article XII, Section 4). Proposed business may include, but is not limited to; election of officers, California State PTA bylaw amendments, the California State PTA Legislation Policies and California State PTA Legislation Platform, and resolutions. The Board of Managers shall publish a CALL to convention including all proposed business to be sent to all associations comprising the State PTA at least thirty (30) days prior to convention. Written notification of emergency business being presented for consideration at the annual convention meeting shall be given to delegates twenty-four (24) hours in advance.

Originating Body

Thirty-Second District PTA

Action by PTA Organizations

Position

California State PTA

Support

(A SUPPORT position means a PTA body approved sending the resolution forward to convention delegates.)

Convention Chronicle • March 2018

Open Seating Workshops No need to sign up in advance. Some trainings fill up fast, so arrive early to ensure you get the information that matters most to you and your PTA.

Digital Handouts Access the materials you need with electronic handouts. View and download or print on April 20 at www.capta.org/ convention.

Convention Chronicle • March 2018

Workshops and Training Opportunities Convention workshops and table talks provide a great selection of hands-on learning and training opportunities to enhance your leadership skills and learn more about issues affecting children and families.

There are a variety of exciting topics to choose from including: • Presidents: Everything You Need to Know (Part A and B) • Special Needs Advocacy: Getting the School on Your Side • Successful Treasurers • Family-School Partnerships: Parents Sharing Power • Managing People and Conflict • Membership Hits the Mark: Goal Setting and Your PTA • School Smarts: A Family Engagement Strategy to Support the Arts • Creating LGBTQIA+ Inclusive PTAs and Schools • Mental Health: Ending the Stigmas and Helping Those Who Need It • PTA Advocates for Kids: Learn How We All Can Make a Difference • Deciphering the Dashboard: How to Measure Your School’s Progress • Fundraising: Beyond Basics • And much more!

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Convention Chronicle • March 2018

CONVENTION CHRONICLE Volume 42 – March 2018

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA

2327 L Street Sacramento, California 95816-5014

2327 L Street Sacramento, CA 95816-5014 PH: (916) 440-1985 • FAX: (916) 440-1986 Online: capta.org Official CALL to the 119th Annual Convention of California State PTA. Mailed to all unit and council presidents, California State PTA Board of Managers, past state presidents, advisory board members and county superintendents. President: Dianna MacDonald Vice President for Special Events: Julie Redmond Vice President for Communications: Brad Waller Executive Director: Sherry Skelly Griffith Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Eklund, Ashley Stidham, Patricia Ruiz

Don’t forget … Convention badge: You must wear your credential (name badge) for admittance to the convention floor, exhibit hall and workshops. Credentials may not be shared. Dress: Business casual. Handouts: Print or download handouts online at capta.org beginning April 20. Notes: Use your smartphone, tablet or notepaper to take adequate notes to prepare a report for your unit when you get home. Include events, general-meeting activities, new ideas and trainings you received at convention. Share the materials you bring home with your unit, council or district to help spread the word about all you’ve learned to help your PTA, students and school.

Be courteous: Give attention to speakers on the floor. Minimize side conversations.

Get the tools and skills you need to make your PTA stronger and your job easier – all while having fun with other leaders from across California!

Network: Take this unique opportunity to make new friends and share ideas with others from all over California.

Attending convention is the very best investment you can make in the future of your kids, school and PTA, so don’t wait – register today at

Visit exhibits: Find information on exciting new programs and products for your students and school. Convention delegates: Attend the convention general meetings and conferences. You are the elected convention delegate representing your local PTA. Members of your unit, council or district are depending on you to represent them and vote on their behalf. Arrive on time and remain until adjourned. Most of all:

Have a good time! Don’t forget to bring: • Your bar-coded confirmation letter • Your current PTA membership card, if not pre-verified when registering early • For students, a signed Parent/ Guardian Approval and Consent to Treatment Form. Don’t be left out of the excitement! Be sure to pack and bring these items with you to Ontario.

capta.org/convention Online: March 1 – April 20 | Mail-In: March 1 – April 16 | Onsite: April 26 – 29

Convention Host Hotels

Don’t forget to book your room at our host hotels for a great PTA rate. The host hotels in Ontario are the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport and the Ontario Gateway Hotel. Special convention room rates are available online from March 1 - April 3, 2018. After April 3, reservations must be made directly with the hotel and are subject to availability and price increase. Visa or MasterCard is required when checking in at the hotels. Be aware that if you use a debit card, the hotels will secure an authorization for the entire cost of your hotel stay. You can use one or more different forms of payment at checkout. Cancellations may be made 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty. Book your hotel room online at http://capta. org/programs-events/convention/registration/.

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport

Ontario Gateway Hotel

Convention Chronicle • March 2018