February 2010 Council Bytes from LTCC of PTAs

THANK YOU to Sarah Butler, Kathy Ranstrom, Nancy Vandell, Joy Zuber-Sumner, Traci Reilly and Advocacy Day Committee members for the work you all put into making Advocacy Day a success! It was a GREAT day which I am very glad I was able to take part in. As a couple of the Superintendents spoke to last Wednesday, it felt good to sit in a room full of like minded people who feel and know that children must be our priority! Thank you also for the efforts to our voices being heard by our legislators. Witnessing the stacks of letters handed to the legislator recipients instilled that sense of voice. As my mother always says "the squeeky wheel gets the grease" - we must continue to hold onto that hope!

Thank you again and again for all that you've done and to your continued efforts in advocacy for our kids!

Jill Buschini

LTCC President

buschinihouse@astound.net

Why Attend State PTA Convention in Sacramento?

111^th Annual Convention

April 29-May 2, 2010

Sacramento Convention Center

The California State PTA strongly encourages its units, councils, and district PTAs to budget for and send as many members as possible to each annual convention. Convention is an opportunity to see PTA at its best. Here's why you should go:

Leadership Training: Choose from a multitude of workshops and activities on critical topics to ensure your PTA's success. All officers are encouraged to attend, as there are workshops available for each board position. View a complete list in the Convention Registration Booklet.
Exercise your right to vote: Each unit is entitled to vote on legislation policies, approve bylaws, elect new officers, and adopt resolutions. The number of voting delegates is determined by the number of memberships in your unit. See page 6 of the Convention Registration Booklet.
Compare notes: Meet other delegates, exchange ideas and network!
Exhibit Hall: See displays from over 175 companies and non-profit organizations wanting to provide services and products for your PTA and school needs.

Register between February 1 and March 31 for the lowest rates. The hotel reservations deadline is April 5. Attend one, two, or all four days. For more information about convention registration, click on State Convention 2010. For questions, contact Patty Gonser, VP of Membership & Leadership at bpgonser@comcast.net.

Additional Convention Information

Mandatory 32nd District PTA Convention Fee

Please note that there is a mandatory District Fee of $25 for all convention registrants. The fee is used to cover the cost of the 32nd District Hospitality Suite at the Hyatt Regency which is open to all convention delegates frm 32nd District to meet, socialize, and exchange information gathered from conference sessions. It is also a source of coffee, snacks, and comradeship. Please send registrant names and check made payable to "32nd District PTA" to Chris Low, 32nd District VP of Programs & Convention, 4265 Spaulding St, Antioch, CA 94531. Questions? Contact Chris at (925) 778-0446 or poochcfl@aol.com.

Dine with Other 32nd District Attendees

On Saturday night, May 1, 32nd District has organized a District dinner. The cost is $27 and includes tax and tip. Attendance at this event is not mandatory, but is a great way to connect with others in our District. Please send registrant names and check made payable to "32nd District PTA" to Chris Low, 32nd District VP of Programs & Convention, 4265 Spaulding St, Antioch, CA 94531. Questions? Contact Chris at (925) 778-0446 or poochcfl@aol.com.

See you in Sacramento!

Reflections - 8 Move on to State!

At the 32nd District Reflections Showcase on January 23, all participating students from our West Contra Costa County PTA Councils proudly stood on stage and were acknowledged with certificates and lots of applause! We are honored to announce that eight entries from the Las Trampas Creek Council have been selected to move on to the State PTA Reflections Level. This is the second year in a row that eight entries from our Council have been honored at the State level of the Reflections Program. They are:

Film Production
Intermediate (Gr 3-5) - Isabella dC., Parkmead Elementary
High School - Audrey K., Las Lomas High School

Literature
Intermediate - Sarah S. Parkmead Elementary
Middle - Troy M., Walnut Creek Intermediate

Musical Composition
Intermediate (Gr 3-5) - Andrew T., Donald Rheem Elementary
Middle - Cessie N., Joaquin Moraga Intermediate

Photography
Middle - Ewald P., Walnut Creek Intermediate
High School - Josh K., Las Lomas High School

Their entries will be exhibited at the California State PTA Convention in Sacramento, April 29 - May 2, 2010. The entries selected for the National level will be announced at the State PTA Convention. Congratulations to all our talented students!

Upcoming Important Dates to Note

February
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.
5	32^nd District PTA's Founders Day, Serendipity (2611 East St, Concord), 11:45-1:30 p.m.
12	Council Honorary Service Award Nominations Due
18	Legislation Team Meeting, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Library, 9:00 a.m.
19	Council High School (Las Lomas) Scholarship Applications Due
22	32^nd District PTA General Meeting, CCCOE, 7:00 p.m. (6:15 p.m. dinner)
April
5	LTCC Executive Board Meeting, AUHSD Board Room, 8:30 a.m
10	Annual Unit Reports/Volunteer Hours Due to Council
15	Legislation Team Meeting, AUHSD Board Room, 7:00 p.m.
29-2	California State PTA Convention (Sacramento)

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