California State PTA Online Newsletter    December 2009
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2010 LEGISLATION CONFERENCE
Feb. 21-22, 2010

CONVENTION
Sacramento
April 29-May 2, 2010
Registration opens Feb. 2

PTA IN CALIFORNIA
Read the latest PTA news.

SACRAMENTO UPDATE
Covering legislative issues that affect California's children and youth.

THE COMMUNICATOR
Camera-ready resources to use in your PTA publications and website.

SMARTS
Covering California State PTA's program to promote arts education.

COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE
Beaming news from California State PTA Commissions.




COMING UP
Nominating Committee Election should be held in time to present a slate of officers to the membership 30 days before the election meeting. Check your PTA bylaws for dates. For  information, click here.

California State PTA Spotlight Award, applications due in the state office by Feb. 1. For information, click here.

Founders Day, February 17. For information and program ideas, click here.

Honorary Service Awards raise money for PTA scholarships and grants while honoring a special member, teacher or administrator. For information, click here.



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Annual leaders survey reveals commitment and results

The California State PTA would like to thank all the PTA leaders who responded to the 2009 annual survey.


Here are a few of the findings.

  • Half of California's PTA leaders devote 15 or more hours volunteering in their PTA positions.

  • PTA leaders rated training and support as the single most useful program or service provided by California State PTA.

  • Funding for schools is the top issue PTA leaders want the PTA to continue to address.

The annual survey provides important feedback from unit leaders throughout the state. In total, more than 1,000 PTA leaders completed the survey, including a representative sample for each of the 29 PTA districts.

 

More information will be included in the January 2010 issue of PTA in California.




Time for midyear audits


Every PTA and PTSA is required to audit its books twice a year - even those with fabulous treasurers who never flip numbers or forget a form. The exact month is in your bylaws. It's probably December or January. Why does PTA insist on a half-year audit?

  1. Because honest mistakes do happen. An audit catches those slips and shows the membership PTA money is handled with respect.
  2. Because the auditor can bring to light problems in the way income and expenses are being handled, such as a key volunteer who isn't turning in receipts or expenses being approved by only the board. Problems caught now can be corrected so the rest of the year will go more smoothly.
  3. Because unfortunately, theft does happen. Those who are dishonest may count on lax procedures and infrequent audits. Regular audits can discourage dishonesty and identify problems in a timely manner.

Protect your PTA's transparency, efficiency and assets with a timely midyear audit. For information and forms, click here.




Video message on Reflections

 
As you plan state PTA Reflections awards ceremonies, consider including the congratulations of National PTA President Chuck Saylors. He has recorded a video message to the students, parents, teachers, and volunteers who participated in the program this year. The video shares National PTA's thanks and praise, and reminds your communities this program is a benefit of being part of a national association. Download the video message at PTAreflections.org or PTA.org.
 


December is special for special education


CARS+, the Organization for Special Educators, observed the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by proclaiming December 3 California's "Day of the Special Educator." For more information, click here. 



Informing and funding plans for college

The AXA Foundation, a national sponsor of PTA, offers a signature program, AXA Achievements, which provides resources that help make college possible through both access and advice.

There is still time to apply for an AXA Achievements Community Scholarship. There are 350 of these $2,000 scholarships offered each year. The application due date is Feb. 15, 2010.

For information, click here.

The California State PTA Connects newsletter is sent free of charge via the Internet as a service of the California State PTA in the furtherance of its nonprofit and tax-exempt status. Unless otherwise noted, PTAs may reproduce and distribute the materials from the California State PTA website for PTA use without express written permission. California State PTA materials may not be duplicated by any other organization or person without written permission.

California State PTA
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© California State PTA 2009. All Rights Reserved.