March 2009 Council Bytes from LTCC of PTAs

President	Jill Buschini

1^st VP Leadership/Membership	Patty Gonser

2^nd VP Legislation	Kathy Ranstrom

Secretary	Sherri McGoff

Treasurer	Eva Santelli

Auditor	Kat O'Donnell

Historian	Open

A special thank you to the nominating committee: Francie Low, Ellen Seiler, Sherri McGoff, Diana Obrand, and Katie Pe�a.

Please note that the position of Historian is still open. For more information about the duties of Council Historian, please contact Katie Pe�a, Council Parliamentarian.

Elections, Now What?

PTA bylaws provide that, following election of officers, the board-elect may meet to begin making plans for the next term. The California State PTA website contains valuable information about building a successful team, and the transition of new leadership. Some great tips are highlighted in PTA Board-elect Activities, Keys to a Smooth Transition for PTA Leaders, Help Your Successor Succeed: Things to Turn Over During Transition, Team Building Ingredients, and more!

Remember a Good Leader:

Has basic PTA knowledge and a willingness to learn;
Believes in people and helps others achieve goals;
Communicates well;
Delegates responsibility;
Is willing to do the job others are unable to do;
Attends training opportunities (don't miss State PTA Convention and the Council Training workshops in May-see Calendar below!).

Council Scholarship Program

It is our hope that the students we serve within the Acalanes Union High School District attendance area will become confident, well-adjusted adults, interested and involved in their community. Over our first 10 years we have awarded 23 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors. Our selection of recipients is based on their accomplishments, whether it is volunteer involvement in their community or school or surmounting a personal challenge or experience. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be PTSA members. Since Las Lomas is the only high school PTSA in the council, only Las Lomas seniors may apply. We are again offering up to four $500 scholarships this year. They will be awarded at the annual Council's Founders Day luncheon on May 12.

Unit Annual Reports

Unit Annual Reports are due to council by Friday, April 10. Unit historians should work with their president to prepare this report. Please send two copies to:

LTCC Historian

Carolyn Boord

84 Terra Bella Dr

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Be sure your volunteer hour tallies are up-to-date. If you haven't been keeping track consistently, ask your officers and program chairs to estimate how many hours their committees have given. Remember that all activities related to supporting the PTA mission of improving the health, welfare and education of children should be counted. Confused as to which hours you should count, click here. The Unit Annual Report covers the period, July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. You will need to project your school's volunteer hours for the last few months of the term.

Why is it so important to report volunteer hours? Records of service hours help to protect the non-profit, tax-exempt status of PTA by demonstrating the support our organization receives from the public. Volunteer hours also demonstrate the broad-based dedication and involvement of our membership when PTA applies to foundations for grants. And finally, a high number of volunteer hours sends a powerful message to state and national lawmakers when PTA advocates on behalf of all children.

Education Advocacy Day Recap

Advocacy Day 2009, the 29^th annual bus trip to Sacramento to meet with our elected legislators, was a great SUCCESS! Over 220 parents, teachers, school board members, superintendents and students attended. It turned out to be the final day of budget negotiations and we learned first hand from 5 legislators the challenges to pass a balanced budget.

We also learned our letters and calls made a difference, especially to the Governor, and strengthened the Senate and Assembly leaders' hands in their negotiations with the Governor. Grass root organizations like PTA and other parent organizations are unique by not being tied to special interest groups or unions so legislators on both sides will listen. Stay focused communicating to the public the importance of continued funding reform and the upcoming May election. The State budget depends on access to $6 billionrelated to three propositions on this ballot otherwise additional cuts will happen!

Thank you to everyone who attended Advocacy Day 2009!

State PTA Convention in San Jose

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

For detailed information about the California State PTA Conversion, please refer to the archived February issue of Council Bytes. Additionally, the Convention Registration Booklet contains a complete list of over 85 workshops on critical topics to ensure your PTA's success.

Attend just one day, two, three or all four days. For questions contact Patty Gonser, VP of Membership & Leadership at bpgonser@comcast.net.

Founders Day - Save the Date!

The 11th annual Council Founders Day is Tuesday, May 12 at Scotts Garden in Walnut Creek from 11:30-2:00 p.m. Unit presidents are encouraged to attend along with their principals and presidents-elect. More information will be mailed soon.

Upcoming Important Dates to Note

March
20	Council High School Scholarship Applications due
30	32^nd District PTA General Meeting & Basic Advocacy Training, CCCOE, 6:15-9:00 p.m.
31	Last Day to Register Online for State Convention and Receive Discounted Rates
April
6	LTCC Executive Board Meeting, AUHSD Board Room, 9:30 a.m.
9	Legislation Team Meeting, Lafayette SD, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
10	Annual Unit Reports/Volunteer Hours due to Council
May
30-3	California State PTA Convention, San Jose
4	LTCC Association Meeting, WCSD, 9:30 a.m.
5	Unit Officer for 2009-2010 due to Council
7	Legislation Team Meeting, Lafayette SD, 9:15-11:15 a.m.
12	Las Trampas Creek Council Chartered 1998
12	LTCC Founders Day Luncheon, Scott's Garden, Walnut Creek, 11:30-2:00 p.m.
13	Council Training Session #1 for Unit Officers, WCSD, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
29	Council Training Session #2 for Unit Officers, WCSD, 9:00-12:00 p.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