PTA and Common Sense Media - Parent Education Award Application - due Feb. 1PTA and Common Sense Media's award will recognize unit PTA efforts on parent media education. Parent media education includes efforts to engage and educate parents about media and technology issues and to provide guidance on topics such as the effects of media on children's health and development; Internet safety; digital citizenship; social networking; and mobile devices. Click here for the application which must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2011. |
Plan now for Founders Day
February 17 is PTA Founders Day, traditionally a time to note the accomplishments of those three pioneering women founders and to honor the people who empower and sustain your PTA. It's also a great time to celebrate the history of your PTA. For service awards, click here. For program ideas, click here or e-mail state PTA historian Debbie Vincent.
Here's a video to inspire you. Click here for English, here for Spanish.
News of your PTA's recent accomplishments can also be celebrated in an application for a PTA Spotlight award. It must arrive in the state PTA office by Feb. 1. For an application, click here. |
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In the know!
This month, the new Governor and the state legislature will be wrestling with the budget deficit and debating cuts that would affect every school in the state. Find out what you can do and keep current with California State PTA Legislative Alerts. Learn more and speak to your elected officials by attending the 2011 California State PTA Legislation Conference, Feb. 7-8 at the Sacramento Embassy Suites. For more information, click here.
 Another excellent conference will be put on by PTA-allied agency EdSource, on March 18, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. The 2011 EdSource Forum will feature state and local experts providing different perspectives on "The Future for Public Education." The cost is $80 for PTA members, with an early-bird savings of $20 available until Feb. 21. For information and registration, click here.
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Tech tonic
The Children's Partnership has issued "Empowering Parents Through Technology." This Digital Opportunity for Youth Issue Brief outlines how parents and caregivers can use high-tech tools to become more engaged in their children's education. The California State PTA provided feedback to the Children's Partnership in developing this brief. To read it, click here.
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Tips and picks
PTAEZ: PTA requirements for financial reporting are incorporated in this software, which has an annual fee based on gross receipts. Transparency and informed planning is easier with up-to-date balances and reports.
ell T-shirts and memberships from your website.
e-Bylaws: Have a typed copy of your bylaws at hand with our free e-Bylaws system that can be updated online. (Changes are still mailed through channels).
Tip: Bylaws limit unbudgeted expenses by the executive board between association meetings.
Just Between Friends: Connect your school community with social networking.
Tip: Use this tool to get instant input on ideas for the spring.
Idea Bank: National PTA has online parent bulletin boards with ideas and best practices from every state. |
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PTA/PTSA checklist
 If you missed it! Last chance to return to good standing: forward Remittance of Per Capita Dues; annual insurance payment ($196 units, $120 councils) today.
January Prepare books for midyear audit; if you pay others for their work, prepare a workers' compensation form along with calendar year-end employer paperwork. Contact district PTA if you have questions. Share the financial service mailing with the executive board to keep your PTA running smoothly.
January Elect a nominating committee at least two months before the election-of-officers meeting.
January Prepare PTA Spotlight Award application and encourage high school seniors to apply for scholarships. Both must arrive in the PTA Sacramento office by Feb. 1, 2011.
February 1 PTA and Common Sense Media Parent Education Award Application postmark due date.
February 7-8 2011 California State PTA Legislation Conference in Sacramento.
February 17 PTA Founders Day
March Remit per capita for convention awards consideration; remit monthly thereafter.
April 28-May 1 2011 California State PTA Convention in Long Beach. Watch for mailed registration materials this month, or click here.
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your PTA is vital, relevant and making a difference in your community. National PTA numbers show about 18 percent of members join in January and February. Think of what those new members could mean to your PTA! The annual membership challenge this year is a 5 percent growth in membership. We know that about a quarter of our PTA units have already met that goal. It's not too late for your PTA to be recognized as well for that accomplishment. 