pta in california - november 2013

When the students at Chapar-ral Elementary School inPoway (Palomar Council

PTA, Ninth District PTA) wentback to school in August, the PTAwent back to work on the Kids inAction program.

“Kids in Action is a PTA-sponsoredprogram committed to teachingchildren the joy of service,” saidChaparral Elementary School PTAPresident Danielle Maldonado.

The PTA Kids in Action programstarted small, with just a few of the900 students participating. Chapar-ral PTA involved willing studentsin first through fifth grade in amonthly service project to helptheir school.

“We began with monthly proj-ects that could be completedduring the lunch recess right onour campus,” reports Maldonado.Early projects included schoolgardening, Red Ribbon activitiesand campus clean-up events.

“We wanted to allow our studentsto take their service to the nextlevel,” says Maldonado. “So stu-dent leaders began to look at com-munity service projects outside oftheir school campus.”

From “Pasta for Pennies,” a pennydrive for the Leukemia and Lym-phoma Society followed by a pastadinner at school, to “Operation In-

terdependence,” a care packageproject to support our troops,Chaparral Elementary School stu-dents learned they could impacttheir community in a positive way.

As the Kids in Action program hasgrown, the number of interestedstudents has also grown. PTA vol-unteers now work with an averageof 275 students at each of theirmonthly service events. “That’s alot of kids to handle,” says Mal-donado.

“Our biggest challenge was findinga project that the students can doduring the lunch hour. The timelimitation is difficult,” continuedMaldonado.

Chaparral ElementarySchool students workingon a community serviceproject as part of thePTA’s Kids in Action

program.

®

Volume 76 • Number 2 Official Newsletter of the California State PTA November 2013

everychild. onevoice.

continued on page 7

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

InsideMessage from PresidentColleen A.R. You, page 3

Award-winning PTA:John Burroughs HighSchool, page 5

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

Inside

2 PTA in California • November 2013

Multicultural meals and a welcoming feelmake Quail Run Elementary PTA a winner

PTA leaders will want to take notice of Quail Run Elementary School PTA in San Ramon (San RamonCouncil PTA, Thirty-Second District PTA), winner

of the 2013 California State PTA Unit Spotlight Awardfor Membership and Outreach. This outstanding unit PTAhas only been in existence for eight years but, in thattime, it has grown from a school of 125 students to aschool whose enrollment has exceeded 1,000 students in2012-2013. PTA membership has grown right along withthe school. What started out as a challenge to get familiesto join PTA has now become a thriving, desirable oppor-tunity for every family at the school. In the past two yearsalone, Quail Run has grown its PTA membership from450 to more than 700 members.

“The families at Quail Run look forward to joining thePTA and becoming part of a family away from home,”said Quail Run PTA President Rajee Subramanian. “Ourmeetings give people a place to gather, socialize andshare 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 stu-dents. The PTA has made it a priority to break throughcultural barriers and find ways to make families fromevery part of the world feel welcome and accepted as partof the Quail Run community. How does the PTA accom-plish this? Quail Run PTA makes its general meetings agathering place.

PTA general meetings at Quail Run routinely draw morethan 200 people. The PTA provides multicultural meals

free to those who respond, free parent education and freechildcare. Subramanian shared that, “Participation in ourmeetings is the first way many of our families have evergotten involved in a school community.”

This type of effort requires many volunteers and lots oforganization. There is a PTA committee that is responsi-ble for the planning, grocery shopping and coordinationof dinners. Families cook the meals and student volun-teers, mostly Quail Run alumni, set up, serve the foodand clean up.

Parent education is also provided at every general meet-ing. In order to adequately meet the needs of all families,the PTA held a town-hall style meeting to gather inputabout what the families wanted and needed in the way of parent education. Presenters are invited to specificallyaddress those topics.

PTA leaders at Quail Run recognize that because most oftheir families are from far away countries, they do nothave access to childcare that would allow parents to at-tend evening meetings without their children. With this inmind, Quail Run PTA provides free childcare by partner-ing with school staff who donate their time to supervisechildren during the PTA meetings.

Quail Run Elementary PTA is proud of the multiculturalfamily that they have built. For more information aboutPTA membership visit www.capta.org and select “member-ship” from the menu.

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

PTA Spo t l ightPTA Spo t l ight

PTA in California • November 2013 3

Our local PTAs, teachers and staffare passionate about outreach tofamilies and communities, and

about positively impacting the lives ofchildren. In September, my husband andI walked to our neighborhood school ona Sunday to see the results of some re-cent construction projects. School hadnot yet started, but we saw a PTA ac-quaintance who now works in the schooloffice. She led us on a tour of the re-modeled campus. Teachers were inclassrooms on the weekend—cleaning,arranging and preparing for the children.The passion of our teachers—of ourmembers—is inspiring!

Through our leadership, advocacy ef-forts, scholarships, grants, programs,and stellar resources, California StatePTA continually reflects upon our goals,supports our local leaders, and modelshow parent and family engagement arekey factors for student achievement andsuccess. Remember, too, there is valuein PTA membership, in and of itself,separate from volunteering. This is asignificant message to convey to poten-tial, current and renewing members inour schools and communities. Thesepast months, we’ve embarked upon a robust “Back to School/Value of PTA”campaign. We know membership is ayear-long endeavor, and our continuedpower and credibility stems from a robust association, comprised of bothmembers and volunteers.

As the state association supporting localPTAs, we are committed to workingsmartly and efficiently, and to ensuringfeedback from the field is utilized tomove our organization in directions thatbest serve our members and ultimatelyresult in improved local outcomes forour children. We are focused on balanc-ing how we expand or develop new pro-

grams and services. Part of our strategicchallenge ahead is to continue to investwisely in our association and services,as well as in our current and future lead-ers, so we can continue to maximize ourachievements.

What’s happening regionally at ourschools is coupled with very real advo-cacy issues and emergent matters in theeducation environment. In California,implementation of the Local ControlFunding Formula is in progress. We arecontinually asking what this means forschools, and what accountability andfamily engagement provisions will looklike in the future. We are also the voicereminding our elected representativesthat, while we have a new formula, cur-rent funding levels do not adequatelyprovide the well-rounded, comprehen-sive 21st century education our childrenneed and deserve. We will continue toprovide and refine resources and infor-mation to our members on the CommonCore State Standards, and the new as-sessments required, as well as the NextGeneration Science Standards.

We have a very busy time ahead, andevery PTA member’s awareness ofthese, and other issues relative to ourstudents’ health, education and welfareis essential. An individual remarked tome that this is a watershed moment forour association, and for public educa-tion. California State PTA, in concertwith our local PTAs, remains uniquelypositioned to positively impact thelives of children and families, and I amthankful for your connection and sup-port as we move forward.

The journey ahead for PTA isconnecting families and schools

A message from

Colleen�A.R.�You,�President

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.”


Yes, you read that correctly:Last year, PTA volunteers inCalifornia reported more than

20 million hours of time donated tosupporting children and families.That contribution would be theequivalent of at least $500 million.

No more wondering if your timevolunteering made a difference. Thehours you spend making phonecalls, planning PTA activities orasking people to join PTA pays off.All of this time makes a differenceto your child, to your child’s teacherand classmates, to your school andto all of the families in California.

Why Track Volunteer Hours

According to Independent Sector, aleadership network for nonprofits,foundations and corporate givingprograms, each of your volunteerhours is valued at $24.75! Volunteerhours are considered the time youspend doing the work of the PTA.This includes phone time, emailtime, planning, travel to and fromevents and meetings, as well as timeat the school site.

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

check at the end of the year to yourschool board or superintendent tohighlight the value of the PTA timespent serving children.

Reminding everyone that PTA val-ues their time reminds current andprospective members how impor-tant their efforts are, and also raisesthe public’s awareness of PTA.

Check out our website atwww.capta.org for tools and re-sources to make the job of historianeasy and fulfilling. Don’t wait untilthe end of the year to chroniclehours and events. Record volunteerhours at each meeting and event;keep a running total. For questions,please email [email protected].

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.

20,494,217 VOLUNTEERHOURS

X $24.75 PER HOUR

®

everychild. onevoice.

PTA volunteers give $500 million to California children and families


John Burroughs High SchoolPTSA in Burbank (BurbankCouncil PTA, First District

PTA) recently found itself facingmany of the same issues that a lot ofPTA units face—lack ofparticipation at both the executiveboard level and the association level.Although the PTA had a full slate ofofficers, many officers were pullingdouble duty and it was hard for thePTA to get a quorum at its meetings.

With a newly elected 2012-2013board, the PTA decided to sit downwith the principal and engage in astrategic planning process over thesummer before the school yearstarted.

The result of the planning sessionwas a simple plan to grow theprograms and activities of the PTA,and to increase awareness andopportunities for memberinvolvement. The plan was thenapproved by the unit membershipin the fall of 2012. Each memberof the board was given a specificpart of the plan to work on andimplement.

To achieve its goals, the PTAoffered dynamic speakers andpresentations along with traditionalPTA programs at each unit meetingand at special events. PTAinformation tables were set up atmost school activities. Themembership database was updatedand monthly emails were sent tomembers. Additionally, the PTAposted regularly on its Facebookpage and shared information aboutPTA on the school’s website.

To help solve leadership challenges,members were contactedindividually about serving in a PTAposition. Most open leadershippositions were filled by these one-on-one conversations.

Another avenue the PTA worked onwas to build its membership toinclude students. The PTA worked tochange its bylaws to become aPTSA.

What was the result of all this hardwork and planning? The unitexperienced a turnaround in re-establishing its relevance.Monthly quorums are now beingmet and exceeded, board positionsare filled and officers are notholding multiple positions. Monthlyunit meetings are engaging andvibrant, and student leaders cameforward expressing interest in the2013-2014 board slate.

John Burroughs High School accepts the SpotlightAward at the 2013 California State PTA AnnualConvention.

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

Your PTA can be aPTA Unit SpotlightAward 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, award-

winning 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.

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.

Building PTA

membership

How did they do it?

“Face time at walk-through regis-tration,” said Thomas Hart MiddlePTSA Executive Vice PresidentLori Carducci. The PTSA table atregistration gave members the per-fect opportunity to meet and greetparents and students. They smiled,shook hands and explained thebenefits of PTSA to as many of the1,200 students and their parents aspossible. It helped that the schoolhas a tradition of requiring a stop atevery table during registration. It also helped that the school directory was only $5 for PTSAmembers. And best of all, PTSAmemberships were only $5 for stu-dents. The efforts paid off—withmore than 600 new members in-cluding 170 student members.

How has PTSA changed

Thomas Hart Middle

School?

Student leadership has blossomedas they learned that PTSA is oneplace where student voices areequal to adult voices. PTSA pro-grams, meetings and events giveparents plenty of reasons to be oncampus. PTSA meetings includeexciting speakers. Successful projects include a classroom ofnew Chromebooks (laptops). In addition, PTSA membership comes with the added benefit of“PTA Shops PTown,” a citywidediscount program for members of PTAs in Pleasanton.

What is planned for theaward money?

“We are in the dreaming and plan-ning stages on that,” said Carducci.“Technology and adoption of thenew Common Core State Standardsare key for us, so we are looking atprojects in those two areas.”

What can PTAs learn

from Thomas Hart

Middle PTSA?

Make time for face time. PTAmembers should adopt a personalgoal to meet and greet potentialmembers at every opportunity – be ready with a warm smile and asincere invitation to join PTA. Noflier or brochure can take the placeof meeting someone face-to-face.


What can one PTSA do for aschool? Generate an army offired-up members to work

on behalf of students, that’s what!

In 2012-2013, a brand new PTSA,Thomas Hart Middle PTSA inPleasanton (Pleasanton Council PTA,Peralta District PTA) grew theirsmall charter membership to 659members. National PTA took note ofthis large growth and, this summer, arepresentative from Thomas HartMiddle PTSA walked across thestage at the National PTA Conven-tion to pick up a $6,000 check as the 2012-2013 Today’s PTA contestwinner!

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

Building PTA membership at

Thomas Hart Middle School


California recently adopted a newformula for determining howmuch funding each school district

receives from the state. It is called theLocal Control Funding Formula(LCFF). This new formula takes effectstarting this school year and is projectedto be fully phased in over an eight-yearperiod.

Under the new law, each school districtreceives a per-student amount of basefunding, plus additional funding to increase orimprove services for their English LanguageLearners, foster children and/or children fromlow-income families.

Local school boards will decide how to best usethe funds, with required input from their localcommunities. The LCFF also requires schooldistricts to create a Local Control andAccountability Plan (LCAP) that shows how the funds will be spent to provide programs andimprove student outcomes.

The LCFF provides parents and local schoolcommunities with an important new opportunityto engage in their schools, provide input andensure that the needs of all of their local studentsare being addressed.

Understanding the new school funding formula

The budget has also been a chal-lenge. Chaparral PTA provides anannual budget of $750 to help fundthe Kids in Action projects, butPTA leaders also reach out to par-ents who provide additional sup-plies. Each project requiressupplies and publicity fliers, andChaparral PTA parents have gener-ously helped fill the gap. When

Chaparral students made sacklunches for the homeless in theircommunity, for example, parentsdonated peanut butter and othersupplies that the PTA budgetcouldn’t cover.

“We can tell that the program hasbeen successful by the number ofstudents that participate,” says

Maldonado. “The kids have be-come focused on service and mak-ing a difference in thecommunity.”

Chaparral Elementary School PTAis working hard to instill in theirstudents the spirit of giving whilebuilding caring and socially re-sponsible leaders for the future.

PTA “Kids in Action” continued from cover

What your PTA can do now?

Learn how the Local Control Funding Formula and theplans for accountability work. Understand how much fund-

ing your school district will receive, and what administra-

tors 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 questionsand 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.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/lc/

www.capta.org


Understanding the new Common Core State Standards

In 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 thenew 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, whatare the new Common Core State Standards andwhen will they go into effect?

Torlakson: Requiring students to thinkcritically, solve problems and show a greaterdepth of knowledge—these are key tenets of thenew Common Core State Standards. CommonCore offers schools, teachers, students andparents clear and consistent standards in EnglishLanguage Arts and Mathematics. These newstandards define the knowledge and skillsstudents should take away from their K-12schooling to be successfully prepared for careerand college opportunities.

California is putting these standards to work asthe foundation for remodeling our educationsystem. The standards keep the best of what wehave, but replace outdated ways of learning witha clear focus on the key knowledge and skillsstudents need, and provide teachers the time toteach them well.

Common Core allows states to share informationmore effectively and to help provide all studentswith an equal opportunity for an education thatwill prepare them to go to college or enter thework force, regardless of where they live.

PTA in California: What excites you most aboutthe new standards?

Torlakson: For me, one of the most excitingfacets of the new Common Core State Standardsis the development of what we call 21st centuryskills. The fact is that our economy is changing,and the demands on our students are higher.They need very different knowledge and skillstoday—and tomorrow—than they did 15 yearsago.

PTA in California: What do parents inparticular need to know most about the newstandards?

Torlakson: These new standards are abouthelping children succeed in the economy andsociety that they’ll find outside ourclassrooms. The standards help ensure that allstudents, no matter where they live, areprepared for college and the workforce, andthat there’s some consistency for them if theymove from school to school, district to districtor even state to state.

The Common Core State Standards are animportant step—a clear roadmap for learningfor teachers, parents and students. Havingclearly defined goals helps families andteachers work together to ensure that studentssucceed.

PTA in California: In what ways might the newstandards "look and feel" different to parentsand students compared to the previousacademic standards?

Torlakson: Rather than learning in a way thatis “a mile wide and an inch deep,” studentswill be encouraged—through more hands-onlearning and less rote memorization—to digdeeper into subjects. There will be moreproblem-solving and more collaborationamong students. The Common Core StateStandards take a staircase approach, meaningthat students will gain a thorough foundationin one topic before building on it to learn thenext topic.

with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson


Common Core StateStandards are on the way for all students in California

California State PTA supports the newCommon Core State Standards. These new

standards set high expectations for all studentsand align with college and career expectationsfor the 21st century.

“It is essential for our parents and educators tobecome familiar with the new standards now,”said California State PTA Vice President forEducation Patty Scripter. “These standards arepart of powerful, positive reform of our publiceducation system. They make sure ourcurriculum includes a focus on deeper learningskills such as critical thinking and creativity.”

PTA also supports efforts to ensure resources areprovided to districts so all students can achievethe standards. Great materials for finding outwhat your child will be learning, at each gradelevel, in Mathematics and English LanguageArts once the new standards are in place are

available to PTA leadersand members. You'llalso learn more abouthow you can supportyour child's learningand other helpfulinformation. Visitwww.capta.org andenter “CommonCore” in the searchbar.

PTA in California: Recently you sponsoredlegislation (supported by PTA) that makesimportant changes to our state testing system, sothat it will be better aligned to the new standards.Tell us more about what's ahead for students andschools in terms of testing?

Torlakson: Assembly Bill 484 opened the door tosweep away outdated tests in favor of modern,computer-based assessments that will measurestudent readiness for the challenges of college andthe workplace.

The new law suspends most STAR assessments forthe current school year, allowing school districts toprepare for and transition to new testing alignedwith the Common Core State Standards as part ofthe new California Measurement of AcademicPerformance and Progress (CalMAPP) system.The new assessments allow for a much broaderrange of test questions and are expected toemphasize critical thinking and problem-solving,modeling the kind of teaching and learning ourstudents and schools need.

One major benefit of the new tests is they willprovide teachers and parents with timely andaccurate information to measure studentperformance and progress.

PTA in California: Is there anything else you'd liketo add?

Torlakson: We’ve gathered some great resourceson our Common Core webpage athttp://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/, and I encourageparents to take advantage of them. Informationalfliers are available in multiple languages. We’vealso partnered with PTA to provide Parents’Guides for Student Success for all grade levels.


Terrence Gladney isall about makingkids smile. A high-

tech entrepreneur andpresident of the Sacra-mento Council of PTAs(Third District PTA), Ter-rence loves kids and be-lieves that dads can keepthe smiles going and helpkids experience theirdreams.

Ten years ago, at akindergarten event, hesaid “Yes!” when askedby the PTA to help withthe Harvest Festival. Likemany before him, hestarted out to make a dif-ference for his child, butstayed because he saw thedifference he could makefor all children.

Gladney soon becameaware of the bigger PTApicture—advocating forall children—and jumpedat the opportunity to at-tend California StatePTA’s “Emerging Minor-ity Leaders Conference.”Learning new tools tobuild bridges with ethni-

cally-diverse families inhis community, Gladneyput his new knowledge towork by taking on leader-ship and family engage-ment roles at his PTAcouncil and district. In hiscurrent role as the presi-dent of the SacramentoCouncil of PTAs, Glad-ney works to lead a di-verse community of 35PTAs.

“I want to share what I’velearned,” said Gladney. “Ialso want to inspire mento volunteer. As PTA lead-ers, we need to build rela-tionships and do what wecan to bring people to thetable to help our kids.”

A great opportunity tohelp children appearedwhen Gladney noticedthat youth in his neigh-borhood had nothing todo after school. Fearingthat hanging out wouldturn into acting out, Glad-ney decided to start aneighborhood basketballprogram. The turnout forthe first practice was

overwhelming – and thesmiles went on for miles.

“The best day I can imag-ine is being on the play-ground,” remarkedGladney when asked whyhe started the program.

Through countless hoursof volunteerism, Gladneyformed a tightknit bondwith the dads and momsof the PTA. This extendedfamily can be a lifelinewhen tragedy strikes.

“When you volunteer thismuch, the people youwork with become fam-ily,” said Gladney. “And Inever needed my PTAfamily more than with theloss of my youngest son.”

In 2008, Gladney lost hisson due to an unexpectedillness. Friends and fam-ily reached out to Glad-ney and, eventually, hewas able to reach back.Each day, as a way tohonor his son’s memory,he renews his vow to livelife to its fullest and workto keep kids smiling.

Living life to the fullest and making kids smile

Terrance Gladney smiles with a group ofkids from his after-school fitness program.

®

Increase MaleInvolvement in Your PTADon’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.

MMEEMMBBEERR SSPPOOTTLLIIGGHHTT


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

Transitional kindergarten is the gift of time

We are now well into the new school year and thesecond year of transitional kindergarten (TK).This month, young learners in TK across Califor-

nia will be singing a lot of “Happy Birthday” songs asmany students turn the big Oh-Five! And many parentsand teachers are singing the praises of transitionalkindergarten and the gift of time it’s giving their chil-dren, preparing them to succeed in kindergarten and thelater grades.

In 2010, the Kindergarten Readiness Act changed thekindergarten entry date so that students must be fiveyears old before September to enter kindergarten. It alsocreated transitional kindergarten, a new grade thatbridges preschool and kindergarten for that quarter ofchildren born in the fall. Last year, the first year of im-plementation, children born between November 2 andDecember 2 were eligible for transitional kindergarten.This year, the entry date expanded to four-year-olds bornbetween October 2 and December 2. By the 2015-2016school year, TK will be fully implemented and open toall 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 asuccess!

In the first year of TK, we were thrilled to learn thatabout 39,000 children across California were served. Ac-cording to an American Institutes for Research report re-leased in June 2013, 89 percent of districts reported thatthey offered transitional kindergarten. This year, thatnumber is expected to increase to roughly 80,000 chil-dren. To help facilitate the integration of the new gradein districts across the state, Early Edge California, for-merly Preschool California, launched TKCalifornia.orgto support both teachers and administrators in providinga high-quality TK experience with expert-recommendedtransitional kindergarten resources, tips and sampleteaching strategies.

We have heard stories from countless parents across Cal-ifornia whose children have developed skill sets that willserve them for a lifetime. We recently heard from Eliza-beth in Los Angeles on the first day of TK for her twins.Last year, she rallied in Sacramento to protect TK frombudget cuts, and today her children are reaping the bene-fits of this crucial grade level that she fought so hard for.

Thanks for getting me involved and allowing me to speak up for my kidsan all the other little ones that arebenefiting (and will be benefiting)

from the SUPER awesomeprogram!!”

It is clear that transitional kindergarten has become anintegral part of our education system and we are excitedto see this new grade continue to grow and expand.Transitional kindergarten has created opportunities foracademic success for kids across California. The educa-tion and support that these young learners are getting iswhat they deserve, and will make a difference in ourstate as they make their way into kindergarten and be-yond.

Ryder shares a big smile on his first day of Transitional Kindergarten.

By: Early Edge California, an allied agency of the California State PTA

HealthyEating.org offers free tips, interactive nutrition assessment tools, mealsuggestions and more. You can also take a look at the California State PTA “Healthy

Kids” board on Pinterest for other great healthy snack ideas.

AdditionalResources


Parents are busy. Between after-schoolactivities, personal commitments andother responsibilities, preparing meals at

home is not always realistic.

“Research tells us more than 30 percent of ourday’s calories are eaten as snacks, and toomany of us rely on a quick meal to get usthrough the day,” said nutrition consultantBonnie Y. Modugno, MS, RD. “With this inmind, grabbing food on the go can sometimesbe stressful, but you can make healthy foodchoices even when you’re in a hurry.”

Here are a few tips to keep in mind wheneating on the go.

Snack SmartlySmart snacking is a great way to meet daily nutrient requirements even when you’re on thego, and most snacks can be quickly prepared. Try to plan ahead and buy healthy snacks

when you grocery shop – you will savemoney and will make healthier choices thanbuying snacks while you are out. Pre-portion your child’s snacks into small

bags to grab on the go or put a snack-sizedserving on a plate. Combine snacks from at least two food

groups to pack more nutrients into yourchild’s diet – it will be more filling and willhold them over until their next meal. For example, serving string cheese with whole-wheat crackers or fruit is an easy way to addcalcium, protein and other important nutri-ents to snacks.

Making healthier foodchoices – even whenyou’re in a hurry

Choose Healthy Options

A range of healthful food options are available

at many quick service restaurants. Some also

have menu choices that use less sugar, salt

and fat.

When ordering, try to balance the meal

with as many food groups as possible.

Look for options that include fruits and veg-

etables and whole grains. Some restaurants

now offer healthier side dishes such as

cooked vegetables, carrots and apple slices.

Don’t be afraid to customize orders by

asking for no mayo or skipping the cheese.

Additionally, sandwiches can be wrapped in

lettuce instead of the bun.

Consider ordering low-fat milk or bottled

water.

Be mindful of portion sizes and calories.

Ask to see a nutrition guide if available.


•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The nominating committee is oftendescribed as the most importantcommittee of your PTA. Why?

This committee must be knowledgeableabout the objectives of your PTA andseek individuals who, as a team, canhelp your PTA achieve its goals.

Unit PTAs elect officers typically in February, Marchor April. The association election of the nominatingcommittee must be scheduled at least two monthsprior to the association’s officer election meeting.This minimum two-month window provides 30 daysfor the committee members to identify new leaders,and for the required 28-day notice to PTA members ofcandidates prior to the association election meeting.

At the association meeting, the president asks for eli-gible nominees or volunteers to serve on the nominat-ing committee. After nominations have ceased, thepresident reads the list of nominees and proceeds withthe election by stating, “All those in favor of electingthese individuals to the nominating committee signifyby saying ‘aye.’ All those opposed say ‘no.’” Thepresident then announces the outcome of the election,“You’ve successfully elected our nominating commit-tee.” Should the number of volunteers nominated toserve on the nominating committee exceed the avail-able positions, the president should appoint a teller’scommittee and use a paper ballot for the election.

The nominating committee should be knowledgeableabout officer duties and procedures. The PTA leaderjob descriptions, found in the California State PTAToolkit, are excellent resources as are your associa-tion’s officer procedure books. Your association’s by-laws, Article V, provide guidance on the officers andelection process, and Article VI describes the duties ofthe officers.

Committee members will seek individuals who aredetail orientated, who are good organizers and moti-vators, or who are great oral or written communica-tors. Will every nominee have all the necessarytalents? Probably not, but that’s where the PTA network of council and district PTAs is helpful. Train-ing, mentoring and support are always available viaemail or a telephone call or on the California StatePTA website at www.capta.org.

The 411 on PTA nominating committee elections

Honorary Service Awardsallow PTAs to say “thankyou” in two differentwaysEverybody loves to be acknowledgedfor the service they give to our chil-dren and schools. But, did you knowthat the Honorary Service Awards(HSA) Program offers another op-portunity to PTAs? The HSA pro-gram makes it possible for theCalifornia State PTA to awardgrants and scholarships to highschool seniors and other dedicatedvolunteers, teachers and schoolnurses. That’s because all themonies received from the HSAs areused to fund PTA scholarships andgrants.

“The HSA program allows PTAs tosay thank you in two different ways,”said California State PTA PresidentColleen A.R. You. “First, it is a won-derful way to acknowledge and thankthose volunteers who go above and beyond in their service to children. TheHSA program says thank you in a sec-ond way to a noteworthy high school

senior, a talented teacher or wonderfulvolunteer by awarding them with a schol-arship.”

Honorary Service Award Recognitions

The HSA program is a special way of recog-nizing amazing PTA volunteers and specialcommunity partners. PTAs can honor recip-ients 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 forOutstanding Teacher and OutstandingAdministrator. Each award comes with acertificate, or a certificate and pin option.

For more information about theHonorary Service Awards Program,visit http://www.capta.org/sections/awards/service.cfm.

http://www.capta.org/sections/awards/service.cfm

http://www.capta.org/sections/awards/service.cfm


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

Each year, delegates to the California State PTAConvention take action on resolutions that have beensubmitted by unit, council, district PTA or the

California State PTA Board of Managers. Resolutionsadopted by convention delegates help establish PTA policy,legislation authority, and provide direction in taking actionon issues. PTA members throughout the state, through thevotes of their representatives at convention, help determinethe organization’s priorities.

At the 2013 convention in San Jose, California State PTAdelegates adopted a resolution strongly supporting summerlearning, urging federal, state and local policymakers tocreate and fund summer learning programs, especially fordisadvantaged youth. PTA members and leaders alsoadopted resolutions encouraging schools and communitiesto be more inclusive and better serve students with special

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

Inclusive Schools Build Stronger CommunitiesRESOLVED, 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


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


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.

Qualifications for Candidacy in California ElectionsRESOLVED, That California State PTA urge its

units, councils and districts to work in coopera-

tion with their respective local school boards

and local governing bodies to develop prac-

tices and board policy to insure that all local

governing school board members/trustees and

local governing bodies complete criminal his-

tory checks in order to fulfill employment re-

quirements 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 bod-

ies 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.


Summer Learning LossRESOLVED, 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 be-

tween school districts, park and recreation departments, li-

braries, 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 boostthat 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.

What has 16 legs, eight heads and one PTA body?The Oak Hills Elementary School PTA delegationfrom Valencia (Santa Clarita Valley Council PTA,

Thirty-Fourth District PTA) at last year’s California StatePTA Annual Convention. Oak Hills PTA sent eight dele-gates to represent the parents of its 568 students!

Oak Hills PTA President Cheryl Stabler shared that thenewly elected PTA board was either entirely new to PTA,or new to the executive board role. As the incoming pres-ident, she didn’t want to go into the school year withoutthe tools and resources the PTA team needed, and sheknew that they could gain those skills at the annual PTAconvention. After the PTA election, Stabler requested thefunds to send the entire PTA board to convention be ear-marked in the budget.

“Convention training is so valuable, but just as valuablewas the experience to bond as a team,” said Stabler. “Weeven got together to have little ‘meetings’ in theevenings. We shared what we had learned in our work-shops that day, and put together a list of goals to presentto our PTA. We discussed what we wanted to do differ-ently this year, and what we wanted to continue.”

The Oak Hills PTA team returned home with a commit-ment to improve communication with parents and teach-ers. As part of that commitment, the PTA published anewsletter and established a PTA Facebook page. ThePTA also committed to getting more dads involved, and

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 preventionof violence in schools by using the positive influence offathers and father-figures.

Attendance at the annual state PTA convention providedOak Hills PTA leaders with the training and team-build-ing skills they needed for a successful year. “People atschool are already talking about how well this year isgoing,” reports Stabler.

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

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

Stay Connected!Sign up for free emails about new resources, legislative updates and alerts, PTA publicationsand other important news and offers.

It’s easy.Go to http://www.capta.org/sections/publications/hit the blinking “Subscribe Now” link near the topof the page, and sign up to receive a wealth offree information.

California State

2327 L StreetSacramento, California 95816-5014

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 CAlIFOrNIA2327 L Street, Sacramento, California 95816-5014

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

November 2013, Official newsletter of the California State PTA, Volume 76,No. 2. Four issues published annually. Subscription rate $5.00. Circulation4,800. ©2013 California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc.All rights reserved. PTA® is a registered service mark of the National Congressof Parents and Teachers.

President: Colleen A.R. You

Vice President for Communications: Patty Christiansen

Executive Director: Paul Richman

Communications Manager: Michelle EklundDesign: Pat Ruiz

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

Adopted August 2013

®

NonprofitOrganization

U. S. PostagePAID

Sacramento, CAPermit No. 1491

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

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

exclusively to PTAs in California at a low annual subscription

rate.

Try it Free for a month at www.ptaez.org

TM

Update your bylaws electronically with PTA’s

Learn more at www.capta.org

* due in State PTA office

December 20131 – Last day for remittance of per capita dues

(minimum of 15 members) to remain in goodstanding*

20 – Insurance premiums due*

January 201427-28 – Legislation Conference in Sacramento

February 20143 – PTA Unit Spotlight Award applications due*3 – Graduating High School Senior Scholarship

applications due*17 – Founders Day

pta in california - november 2013

Documents