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.
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Community Concerns,
start here.
Getting Ready for College, start here.
Parent Involvement,
start here.
Father Involvement,
start here. |
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Join us on Facebook. Just click on the logo above and become a fan.
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To read this PTA Connects in Spanish, click here.
Raise your voice!
Registration is now open for the 2011 California State PTA Legislation Conference.
Monday, February 7, through Tuesday, February 8, in Sacramento
Hear from legislators and key officials on the state of our schools, the status of education funding and other critical children's issues. Visit legislators who represent your community. If you're new to the process, connect with others and learn the ropes. The state's budget deficits continue to make funding for education and children's services a tremendous challenge.
Learn what California State PTA is doing, and how you can be involved to make a difference! Now, more than ever, California's more than 9 million children need your voice.
For more information and to register, please click here. |
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Senior Scholarships applications due February 1 The California State PTA offers Graduating High School Senior Scholarships in the amount of $500 each to acknowledge the achievements of high school seniors for volunteer service in the school and community. For information, click here. |
Engaging more parents
By October 31, more than 460 PTAs and PTSAs had already surpassed their total memberships of the year before. That means 12 percent of PTAs engaged more than a year's worth of members in just four months. Amazingly, some have grown by nearly 500 members! More than 60 units added more than 100 members. Together these units have already engaged 25,000 new members.
For ideas on membership campaigns in the new year, click here and here. |
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Where for 'Art' thou?
California State PTA is looking for Arts Education Chairs. The new job description is posted on the SMARTS webpage . Please share your ideas and activities with us at arts@capta.org. |
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Take it PTAEZ
Don't forget to check out the PTAEZ accounting online software to assist units, councils and districts with finances. You can use it to set up a webstore, generate PTA-specific reports and receive tax-filing guidance. There are frequent free webinars to learn more about the system at www.ptaez.org.
Congratulations to Larisa Mar, Unit President, Friends of Penngrove Elementary PTA in Cotati, Fourteenth District PTA. She was the lucky winner of a drawing among those who participated in the recent local leaders survey. Her PTA will receive a free one-year subscription to PTAEZ. |
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You asked for it!
In California State PTA's officer survey, leaders told us they needed ways to make PTA management easier. Here are four PTA-tailored online services designed to do just that.
PTAEZ: PTA requirements for financial reporting are logically incorporated in this software, which has an annual fee based on gross receipts. Beyond the ease of use, it allows total transparency and informed planning with accurate, up-to-date figures.
Tip: List each fundraiser separately for a clear view of profitability.
e-Bylaws: Have a crisp, typed copy of your bylaws at hand with our free e-Bylaws system. Annual reviews and bi-annual updates are so much easier.
Tip: Check your bylaws for the officers election meeting, and elect the nominating committee at least 60 days before.
Just Between Friends: Connect with your school community with this PTA-friendly social networking site.
Tip: Be a resource for your school community by providing news of class and team events.
Idea Bank: National PTA has online parent bulletin boards providing inspiration and tips from PTAs all over. |
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Plan now for 2011 Convention
April 28 - May 1 in Long Beach
California State PTA will offer discount pricing for full-time regular Convention 2011 attendees for the first time this year.
- The first attendee of a unit pays full price ($199 to 3/31, $239 to 4/15, $259 on site).
- The second attendee's fee is reduced by $10.
- The third attendee's fee is reduced by $20.
- The fourth attendee's fee is reduced by $30.
- The fifth attendee's fee is reduced by $40.
This is a potential savings of $100 or more for your unit! The discount is applied regardless of when you register. Your best savings will be realized when you register online before March 31. Discounts do not apply to students, one day or exhibit hall passes. To see a video, click here. |
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Due date extended for applications for Outstanding Advocacy Awards and the Shirley Igo Award
New due date is Friday, December 17, 2010.
In recognition of the hard work and dedication to child advocacy, National PTA is proud to present two Outstanding Advocacy Awards (state and local level advocacy awards) and the Shirley Igo Award (presented to an individual advocate working on federal policy).
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Savoring a little California State PTA victory
Below is an image from the home page of the Texas PTA website. Picture, from left, are Executive Director Kyle Ward, 1st Vice President Karen Slay, and President Sharon Goldblatt.
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PTA/PTSA Checklist
¨ If you missed it! Be sure your unit has forwarded remittance of per capita dues;; annual insurance payment ($196 units, $120 councils); and copies of tax and government forms.
¨ December Reflections judging
¨ December Prepare books for midyear audit; if you pay others for their work, prepare workers' compensation form along with year-end employer paperwork. Contact district PTA if you have questions.
¨ December Elect nominating committee at least two months before election of officers meeting.
¨ January Prepare PTA Spotlight Award application and encourage high school seniors to apply for scholarships. Both must arrive in the California State PTA Sacramento office by February 1, 2011. |
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Connect!
California State PTA Connects is sent monthly to unit officers for use throughout the year. Please feel free to send us ideas and comments to help us be of the most use to you. communications@capta.org.
We love getting and reading your newsletters! Please send them by e-mail, communications@capta.org, or by regular mail:
Vice President, Communications
California State PTA
2327 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95816 |
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