January '09 Council Bytes from LTCC of PTAs

Our LTCC Reflections Showcase was held last month and 21 of these entries were chosen to move to the District level. You are cordially invited to attend:

32nd District PTA

Reflections Showcase & Awards Presentation

January 31 - 2:00 p.m.

Performing Arts Center

Alhambra High School

150 E Street, Martinez

Printable Invitation

The entries chosen to move to the State level will be announced at this event.

For a complete summary of all entries submitted to LTCC, click here.

Get on the Bus for Advocacy Day!

There has never been a more critical time to make this trip.

California's budget problems have reached epic levels. The Governor and Legislature have proposed or discussed funding cuts to public education that would have devastating effects. Now is the time to reinforce support for public schools by attending:

Advocacy Day Trip to Sacramento
Wednesday, February 18
Buses depart 7:15 a.m.
Buses return 4:30 p.m.

This annual trip is in its 29th year. Let's follow up the letter campaign with a large Advocacy Day turnout to reinforce the message that high quality public education is fundamental to California's long-term economic health and vitality. The trip includes bus transportation, materials, lunch and an optional tour through the Capitol. Download the flyer to sign up by January 30th. Contact your school's Legislative Representative for more information, or the LTCC Leg Team Co-chairs, Sarah Butler at sarahgbutler@hotmail.com or Diane Oshima at dyoshima@aol.com.

Be part of the solution for our schools!

Time to Elect Your Nominating Committee!

'Tis the season for all units to put together a nominating committee to recommend a slate of officers for 2009-2010! Please refer to your unit bylaws about "Officers and their Election" for specifics on the nominating committee. The California State PTA Toolkit also has great TIPS for the nominating committee and its role, suggested qualities of the nominating committee members and step-by-step responsibilities.

The nominating committee is elected at least two months prior to the annual election meeting, so for most units the nominating committee is elected in January, the slate is presented in March, and the election takes place in April. Again, check your unit's bylaws for the specific dates.

If you have any questions about nominating committee or the election process, please contact:

Katie Pe�a

LTCC Parliamentarian

kmpena@aol.com

(925) 209-4966

PTA State Convention

PTA the power of ONE...making a difference

The State PTA's 110th Annual Convention will be held:

April 30-May 3, 2009
San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Your PTA president should be receiving a hardcopy of the Convention Booklet to share with your unit, but the 2009 Convention Booklet is also available online! This booklet has information on all workshops that will be offered as well as hotels, parking, meetings, etc. Early registration is highly recommended and is accepted online or by mail February 2 through April 20. As a PTA member, you will need the username and password on the back of your PTA Membership Card to complete the registration process.

Check with your PTA president and get a group together to go for one day or the entire convention. You will be glad you did!

Benefits of PTA

The term "PTA" is commonly used to describe any parent group, and many parents, teachers, and administrators are unaware of the distinct differences between PTA and other parent organizations. To read more, click on Defining the Difference.

PTA Provides:

A multi-level support organization
Guidance and resources based on expertise and experience
Practical ideas for programs which benefit all students and their families
An opportunity to voice consent or concern on behalf of children and youth
Leadership development to promote individual and strengthening of skills
Timely information from local, state and federal levels and how we can advocate and influence legislators on behalf of children, families and schools
Collective strength with those who share concerns and seek solutions

PTA Is Unique Because:

It has not lost its focus for over 100 years - everychild.onevoice
It demonstrates how one person can make a difference by working with others within the PTA network
It provides extensive training and reflects the professionalism of its volunteers
It continues to be highly respected as an advocate in the state and nation for children and youth

All parent groups offer programs and projects to support student, parent and school needs. While non-PTA groups focus on local school and student needs, the PTA vision provides for local needs, trains and supports local, state, and national leaders and advocates for children, students, parents, and schools nationwide. View a chart comparing PTA with non-PTA Groups covering dues, bylaws, insurance coverage, resources, advocacy, training and more.

The Communicator, July 2008 California State PTA

Upcoming Important Dates to Note

January
23	32^nd District High School Scholarship Applications due
31	32^nd District Reflections Awards Presentation, Alhambra High School Performing Arts Center, 2:00 p.m.
February
2	Online Registration Opens for State Convention & Room Reservations
4	Legislation Team Meeting, Lafayette SD Office, 7:00 p.m.
18	Legislative Advocacy Day, Sacramento
22-24	California State PTA Legislative Conference, Sacramento
26	32^nd District PTA's Founders Day Dinner, Zio Fraedo's, Pleasant Hill, 6:00 p.m.
28	Mid-year Audits due to Council
March
1	Final Membership Remittance Due to Council
2	Association Meeting, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Library, 9:30 a.m.
11	Legislation Team Meeting, Lafayette SD Office, 9:15 a.m.

We hope you find this information helpful. Please let us know if you have suggestions for future Council Bytes.

Thank you!!

The Executive Board
Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs