January '10 Council Bytes from LTCC of PTAs

Our LTCC Reflections Showcase was held last month and 19 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 23 - 2:00 p.m.

Performing Arts Center

Alhambra High School

150 E Street, Martinez

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.

Make Your Voice Heard for Children at Advocacy Day!

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

Are you concerned about looming, catastrophic budget cuts to our schools and children's services? Have you been hearing about new education reform and budget reform efforts and want to understand more about them?

30th Annual Advocacy Day Trip to Sacramento
Wednesday, February 17
Buses depart 7:15 a.m.
Buses return 4:30 p.m.

With the proposed cuts to education and children's services in the Governor's recently-released budget, there has never been a more important time to advocate for children. Take action and join PTA members from Contra Costa and Alameda Counties to learn about the issues and make our voices heard to our legislators.

Cost is $65 for registrations received through February 1st, and $70 for late registration through February 10. The trip includes bus transportation, informational materials, and box lunch.

Click here for the information flyer and day's itinerary. Click here to register.

Confirmed speakers include:

Local Legislators
Steve Enoch, superintendent, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Kevin Gordon, president, School Innovations & Advocacy
Debbie Look, legislation director, California State PTA
Tom Mulvaney, trustee, Acalanes Union High School District
Rick Simpson, deputy chief of staff for Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (and longtime legislative leader)
Lisa Vorderbrueggen, Contra Costa Times political reporter and columnist
Dr. Patricia Wool, superintendent, Walnut Creek School District

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 2010-2011! 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

Superintendents' Forum-February 4th

The LTCC of PTAs Legislation Team presents:

Addressing Our Education Crisis & Its Impact on Our Community

Thursday, February 4

7:00 p.m.

Acalanes High School Small Theater

A panel discussion with the six superintendents in the Acalanes Union High School District attendance area:

John Stockton, Acalanes Union High School District

Gloria Faircloth, Canyon School District

Fred Brill, Lafayette School District

Rick Schafer, Moraga School Distirct

Joe Jaconette, Orinda Union School District

Patricia Wool, Walnut Creek School District

Moderated by Lafayette School District

Governing Board Member, Teresa Gerringer

All of our local superintendents will discuss the budget crisis and its affect on their school districts. Bring your questions.

Upcoming Important Dates to Note

January
23	32^nd District Reflections Awards Presentation, Alhambra High School Performing Arts Center, 2:00 p.m.
25	School Finance 101, Las Lomas High School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
February
1	Online Registration for State Convention & Room Reservations Begin
1	LTCC Executive Board Meeting, AUHSD Board Room, 8:30 a.m
4	Superintendants' Forum, Acalanes High School Small Theater
18	Legislation Team Meeting, Lafayette SD Office, 7:00 p.m.
12	32^nd DistrictHigh School Scholarship Applications due
17	Legislative Advocacy Day, Sacramento
18	Legislation Team Meeting, AUHSD Board Room, 7:00 p.m.
21-22	CaliforniaState PTA Legislative Conference, Sacramento
28	Mid-year Audits due to Council
March
1	Final Membership Remittance Due to Council
1	Association Meeting, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Library, 9:30 a.m.
18	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