Getting ready for a New Year, Scholarships & Awards, Convention,
Happy Holidays to all of our PTA members!
Thank you for all you do for our children.

 
see toolkit for more
A new PTA year
As the holidays approach, PTAs should begin thinking about the next PTA year. Already? Already!
 
In order for the required steps to occur when they should, PTAs must begin planning now.
 
STEP ONE
Bylaws require the nominating committee be elected at least 60 days prior to the annual election meeting. Article V Section 3c notes the number of members and alternates to be elected to the committee. This election takes place at an association or general meeting.
 
STEP TWO
Committee meets and confidentially discusses the skills necessary to complete the work of each of office and which member has those skills. The nominating committee chairman contacts potential nominees asking for permission to nominate that person. No promise of election should be given.
 
STEP THREE
With 30 days' notice, notify members of the election meeting and the names of those nominated.
 
STEP FOUR
All PTA bylaws provide for the annual election be conducted prior to the second week of April. Check you bylaws for the month when the election should be conducted. This date applies no matter if last year's election was in the spring, summer of fall.
 
STEP FIVE
Convene the meeting. The president conducts the election of officers even if s/he is a nominee.
 
STEP SIX
Begin transition work immediately.
Check bylaws for steps. 
 
See theToolkit for further details
Membership News

Teachers Matter...Members Matter  
challenge recognizes the value of teachers in your PTand continues to focus on increasing membership.The challenge runs through Feb.1, 2016, so you still have time to get all o
your school's teachers to join your PTand make sure your membership has increased

Qualifying units will be entered into a drawing and the first 100 chosen will receive a free room night for the California State PTA convention in San DiegMay 4-7, 2016. 

New California State PTA Membership Challenge for 2016: 
Kick Off tMale Membership. 
brand-new membership incentive program is putting the focus on men in your school community. Your PTA could win one of 10 FREroom nights at the Town &Country Resort during the California State PTAnnual Convention in San Diego May 4-7, 2016.
Application coming soon with additional details and instructions.
Scholarships and Awards
 
Student scholarships for graduating high-school seniors are available through California State PTA. Don't miss out!

Graduating High School Senior PTA members
are eligible to apply for the $750 Volunteer Service Scholarship and the $500 Dr. Ralph E. White Scholarship for medical-field education. Applications are due February 1, 2016.   

All scholarships require current membership in a PTA in good standing, so if you're not yet a member, but are interested in applying for these opportunities, be sure to contact a local PTA and join today.
Graduating Senior Scholarships


Spotlight Awards

PTA members bring innovative services to our children and schools. Spotlight Awards are here to help recognize and share special programs.

PTA units can apply for awards in:
Leadership Development, Student Achievement, Environment, Family Involvement, Membership and Outreach, Collaboration, Advocacy,and Student Involvement

Units recognized with Spotlight Awards receive two paid registrations to the California State PTA annual convention, (which is right here in San Diego), a $100 gift certificate for use at the convention PTA Store, and the opportunity to spread the word about their programs at a convention workshop.

Your unit can submit an application for any or all of these award categories on a single application form. Applications are due February 1, 2016.
Spotlight Award
Ninth District PTA Annual Meeting and 
Founders Day Celebration

Thursday, February 23, 2016 8:00am - 11:30am

Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego 92108

Reservations received by February 10 .............. $25.00
Reservations received February 11-17 .............. $35.00
At the door as space allows ............................. $50.00




Sacramento Safari

Save the Date
Each year, PTA members from across the state raise their voices on behalf of children in California by visiting the State Capitol. Volunteers meet with their local legislators in a united advocacy effort.

Join us March 14-15, 2016 as we represent, inform and mobilize members to advocate for the education, health, safety and well-being of all children.

Our asks:
  • One billion dollars of one-time funding for family engagement
  • A full curriculum which eliminates the opportunity gap and ensures all children succeed
  • Increase per-pupil funding by $3,000 to move California toward the national average
Convention is Coming!
Convention is Coming!
Convention is Coming!

It's not too early to start planning for the California State PTA Annual Convention. This year the State convention is in our own back yard. That is right. The convention is in San Diego!

If you attend the convention as an elected delegate, you vote, debate and help steer the business of the PTA. All attendees get to participate in great workshops, listen to inspiring speakers and panel discussions, and network with fellow PTA members from across the state.

Let's start with the basics:
When: May 4-7, 2016
� Where: Town & Country Resort and Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle N., San Diego
� Theme: Safari San Diego!

Registration opens January 5th
.. and will close on April 29th. Only two tiers of registration fees this year: pre-convention and onsite. 

Hotel:  The hotel reservation line is currently scheduled to open March 2, but we're working to have it open with registration in January.
� You definitely want to stay at the Town & Country it's the best price around. 
� Rates: $159 per night (single or double occupancy), plus $10 service fee
� Parking: Hotel guests = $9/day and non-hotel guests = up to $20/day
� Some amenities include guest room Wi-Fi, 10% off spa services, unlimited access to Fitness     Center and more

Special Events
: We are packed with activities:
� Wed, May 4 - Exhibit Halls Reception .. yes, there will be two exhibit halls this year!
� Thu, May 5 - Special Dinner Event at Sea World $38/person.
� Fri, May 6 - shh, it's a secret event .. can't tell you about it just yet! ... but it will be free--

Questions: contact Ninth District PTA's Executive Vice President, Derby Pattengill, [email protected] or see the link below.
National PTA Commends President Obama for signing

Every Student Succeeds Act 2015

This landmark legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate, reauthorizes the long overdue Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB).  President Obama signed it into law on December 10, 2015. 
National PTA urges successful implementation of the law to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

"The Every Student Succeeds Act is a marked improvement over previous law and provides great opportunity to strengthen family engagement in education and ensure all students reach their full potential. Now is the time for all of us to work together at the federal, state and local levels to make certain that this law makes a difference for the futures of our nation's children."
said, Laura Bay, president of National PTA.

None of this would have been possible without every single PTA member who sent emails, made phone calls, posted on social media and conducted in-person meetings over the last eight years urging a comprehensive, bipartisan reauthorization of ESEA/NCLB with robust family engagement provisions.
 
We have demonstrated our influence together and the power of our collective voice. This is a success for students, families and PTA. You should be proud of the contributions you made to get this bill signed into law. This is a recognition of our value as stakeholders and key advocates. 

visit our website
Welcome our new parliamentarian

Bruce Bergman has been involved in parliamentary procedure for more than 30 years, starting in high school with a "Parli Pro" debate team, and continuing with a variety of organizations, boards and companies over the years. He is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), and a past Southern Area Director for the California State Association of Parliamentarians (CSAP). Bruce and his wife Joy, have two beautiful daughters, aged 8 (Bella) and 15 (Cassie), and when not reading a copy of Robert's Rules of Order (ha!), they are typically visiting Disneyland or going to softball and lacrosse games. Bruce has established a "Help Desk" for any issues or questions you might have.  more

Save these dates on your PTA Calendar

Annual Meeting/Founders Day:
Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Summer Leadership Conference:
Saturday, June 4, 2016


Ninth District PTA | [email protected] | NinthDistrictPTA.org
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