Congratulations to Barbra Davis, PTA president at Sunset Lane Elementary School (Fullerton Council), who received an award at the Joyful Child Foundation Luncheon in May. Barbra and the Sunset Lane PTA were recognized for the creation of a “Samantha’s Pride” program at the school. Adult volunteers wearing red vests are stationed around the school as children arrive and leave to watch over the students and assure their safety.
The program was created by Erin Runnion, whose five-year-old daughter was abducted and murdered in 2002. More information is available at www.thejoyfulchild.org.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CAPTA: Not time to retreat from addressing children's needs
CALIFORNIA STATE PTA
Contact:
Carol Kocivar
Vice President, Communications
(415) 577-1125
Alison apRoberts
Communications Manager
(916) 440-1985, ext. 106
aaproberts@capta.org
SACRAMENTO - California State PTA President Pam Brady called on state leaders to redouble their efforts to steer California through its current economic crisis, following the defeat yesterday of five measures on the May 19 special election ballot.
"The defeat of these measures doesn't change our need to find budget and funding solutions for California; it only adds new urgency to our task," said Brady, on behalf of California State PTA's nearly 1 million volunteer members.
"Now is not the time to retreat," Brady said. "Our state faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis and bold, bipartisan decisions are needed. Now - more than ever - we need to ensure that children are the top priority. We can't keep making cuts to schools - including more than $1 billion proposed in additional cuts during the last month of this current school year alone. Today's students are tomorrow's workforce, and our state's economic health in the future depends on what happens in classrooms now."
Brady said the state must adopt long-term budget reforms, including reducing the voting margin in the Legislature to 55 percent or a simple majority for passage of both the California state budget and revenue measures. California is one of only three states that requires a two-thirds vote.
"We also must dispel this notion once and for all that cutting vital programs is the only way to close the state's deficit. Polls consistently show the public does not want cuts to schools. We need a thoughtful, balanced approach both for the short and long-term."
Brady said PTAs will continue to play an essential role in helping local communities and schools navigate through these challenging economic times.
"PTAs help bring people together to make a positive difference for all children and families," Brady said. "In these times, we'll need to seize on new and creative ways to work together. And parents need to stay well-informed and active so they can assist local and state policymakers in identifying and advocating for steps that will lead toward adequate funding for education.
"An entire generation of California children is threatened unless we change way decisions are being made in Sacramento right now."
###
everychild.onevoice.
The California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "Every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer organization working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial.
For more information about the California State PTA, visit www.capta.org.
Contact:
Carol Kocivar
Vice President, Communications
(415) 577-1125
Alison apRoberts
Communications Manager
(916) 440-1985, ext. 106
aaproberts@capta.org
California State PTA: Now is not the time to
retreat from addressing the needs of all children
retreat from addressing the needs of all children
SACRAMENTO - California State PTA President Pam Brady called on state leaders to redouble their efforts to steer California through its current economic crisis, following the defeat yesterday of five measures on the May 19 special election ballot.
"The defeat of these measures doesn't change our need to find budget and funding solutions for California; it only adds new urgency to our task," said Brady, on behalf of California State PTA's nearly 1 million volunteer members.
"Now is not the time to retreat," Brady said. "Our state faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis and bold, bipartisan decisions are needed. Now - more than ever - we need to ensure that children are the top priority. We can't keep making cuts to schools - including more than $1 billion proposed in additional cuts during the last month of this current school year alone. Today's students are tomorrow's workforce, and our state's economic health in the future depends on what happens in classrooms now."
Brady said the state must adopt long-term budget reforms, including reducing the voting margin in the Legislature to 55 percent or a simple majority for passage of both the California state budget and revenue measures. California is one of only three states that requires a two-thirds vote.
"We also must dispel this notion once and for all that cutting vital programs is the only way to close the state's deficit. Polls consistently show the public does not want cuts to schools. We need a thoughtful, balanced approach both for the short and long-term."
Brady said PTAs will continue to play an essential role in helping local communities and schools navigate through these challenging economic times.
"PTAs help bring people together to make a positive difference for all children and families," Brady said. "In these times, we'll need to seize on new and creative ways to work together. And parents need to stay well-informed and active so they can assist local and state policymakers in identifying and advocating for steps that will lead toward adequate funding for education.
"An entire generation of California children is threatened unless we change way decisions are being made in Sacramento right now."
###
everychild.onevoice.
The California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "Every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer organization working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial.
For more information about the California State PTA, visit www.capta.org.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Spring Training Workshops
Fourth District PTA will hold their annual spring training workshops on May 28, 2009, at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. Workshops for new, incoming unit and council officers can select from a variety of workshops including presidential basics (offered in English and Spanish), financial procedures, communications, secretary, treasurer, and more. There are both a morning and evening session offered.
New incoming unit presidents and treasurers who did not attend the California State PTA convention earlier this month are required to receive training at these workshops.
Pre-registration is strongly advised to provide each registrant with the appropriate handouts. The fee is $10 per person. Registration forms are available on the Fourth District PTA's Web site.
New incoming unit presidents and treasurers who did not attend the California State PTA convention earlier this month are required to receive training at these workshops.
Pre-registration is strongly advised to provide each registrant with the appropriate handouts. The fee is $10 per person. Registration forms are available on the Fourth District PTA's Web site.
Members receive Fourth District PTA annual awards
Three well-deserving PTA volunteers received Fourth District PTA's highest honors at the Administrators' Dinner held March 26, 2009, at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Ana, Calif.
Patty Christiansen, Golden Oak Award
When you ask Patty why she is involved in PTA her response is always, “It’s all about the kids.” During 30 years in PTA she has held just about every position and has served as board member at every PTA level, from elementary to the California State PTA Board of Managers.
Patty has led Fourth District PTA as President for the past two years. She created new partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education, Samantha’s Pride, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, SMARTS, and Orange County ROP, to name just a few. Under her leadership, Fourth District PTA was proud to launch Rio Contiguo PTSA, the first PTA in a juvenile justice school in Orange County.
Patty’s enthusiasm and energy have been an inspiration to all of us, and her terrific sense of fun has kept us laughing as we work together for our children and schools.
Karen Schroeder, Honorary Service Award
There are leaders, followers, and those who provide unwavering support whenever it’s needed. Karen is all of those.
Fourth District PTAs were truly blessed to have her fill numerous PTA board positions, where she positively affected the lives of students and fellow volunteers. She takes the lead to make positive improvements when she sees the need for change.
She made significant changes as the Fourth District PTA financial secretary and was such a great hospitality chair, she became our current Vice President of Convention. Communicating with hundreds of delegates and coordinating the work of her committee to make sure everyone has a wonderful convention experience is a priority for Karen. She brings a contagious zest for volunteer life to all those she works with and is the true definition of a team player.
Laura Zuchovicki, Golden Orange Award
Laura is Fourth District PTA’s ambassador to the Spanish-speaking community. As a member of the Leadership Committee, she has visited numerous schools with Spanish-speaking parents. She communicates PTA’s message, answers questions, helps establish new PTA units and provides officer training. She also quickly and professionally translates Fourth District PTA newsletter articles, flyers and other materials.
After attending the California State PTA Emerging Minority Leaders Conference last September, Laura and three other parents formed the Fourth District PTA Outreach Committee. They set up a Fourth District Spanish telephone hotline and launched an all-Spanish Fourth District PTA newsletter. Laura is an incredibly valuable asset to Fourth District PTA and to the Spanish-speaking parents of Orange County.
Patty Christiansen, Golden Oak Award
When you ask Patty why she is involved in PTA her response is always, “It’s all about the kids.” During 30 years in PTA she has held just about every position and has served as board member at every PTA level, from elementary to the California State PTA Board of Managers.
Patty has led Fourth District PTA as President for the past two years. She created new partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education, Samantha’s Pride, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, SMARTS, and Orange County ROP, to name just a few. Under her leadership, Fourth District PTA was proud to launch Rio Contiguo PTSA, the first PTA in a juvenile justice school in Orange County.
Patty’s enthusiasm and energy have been an inspiration to all of us, and her terrific sense of fun has kept us laughing as we work together for our children and schools.
Karen Schroeder, Honorary Service AwardThere are leaders, followers, and those who provide unwavering support whenever it’s needed. Karen is all of those.
Fourth District PTAs were truly blessed to have her fill numerous PTA board positions, where she positively affected the lives of students and fellow volunteers. She takes the lead to make positive improvements when she sees the need for change.
She made significant changes as the Fourth District PTA financial secretary and was such a great hospitality chair, she became our current Vice President of Convention. Communicating with hundreds of delegates and coordinating the work of her committee to make sure everyone has a wonderful convention experience is a priority for Karen. She brings a contagious zest for volunteer life to all those she works with and is the true definition of a team player.
Laura Zuchovicki, Golden Orange AwardLaura is Fourth District PTA’s ambassador to the Spanish-speaking community. As a member of the Leadership Committee, she has visited numerous schools with Spanish-speaking parents. She communicates PTA’s message, answers questions, helps establish new PTA units and provides officer training. She also quickly and professionally translates Fourth District PTA newsletter articles, flyers and other materials.
After attending the California State PTA Emerging Minority Leaders Conference last September, Laura and three other parents formed the Fourth District PTA Outreach Committee. They set up a Fourth District Spanish telephone hotline and launched an all-Spanish Fourth District PTA newsletter. Laura is an incredibly valuable asset to Fourth District PTA and to the Spanish-speaking parents of Orange County.
Fourth District PTA members attend National PTA Conference
California swept this year’s National PTA advocacy honors, with both the State PTA and Capistrano Unified Council PTSA winning Outstanding Advocacy awards. Kim Anderson, Capistrano’s Advocacy Chair, was named the Shirley Igo Advocate of the year. The awards were presented at the National PTA Legislative Conference in Washington. The following is Kim Anderson’s report on that conference.
Capistrano Council voted to send Lisa Scharmann, council president; Barb Shangraw, immediate past council president and former legislative chair; Kathy Masters, federal legislative chair; and myself, to the conference.
There were approximately 220 attendees from across the USA, including 16 from California. We attended workshops on a wide array of topics, including Reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB, Working with the Media, Hills Issues and Training, Special Education and the Law, and What’s Happening in Washington?
We had an incredible day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. We met with our members of Congress – Ken Calvert, Gary Miller and John Campbell, and/or their staff, plus senior staff members of the Education Committee Chair, George Miller, and Ranking Member, Buck McKeon. We were honored to have National PTA President Jan Harp Domene and California State PTA President Pam Brady join us for those last two meetings. We advocated for full funding of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and changes to No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
This day also included the Awards Luncheon in a spectacularly beautiful room on Capitol Hill. In addition to the California awards, the Congressional Voice for Children Award was presented to Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL). The National Congress of Parents and Teachers Founders Award was presented to Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) but it was accepted by David Johns, a Kennedy staffer, as the senator was out of town.
The next day we met with the US Dept of Education: the Special Education Office and a member of Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s staff. We spoke about a wide range of Special Education issues as well as the impacts of NCLB on children with special needs.
There is a lot of excitement and energy in DC right now with the new Obama administration that is planning to make education and other children’s issues a priority. This is particularly evident by the education funding that is included in the federal stimulus package, and every conversation included that topic.
National PTA is planning to move forward in a more compelling way, with a stronger vision, and has developed its first ever public policy agenda, (available at: www.pta.org).
Capistrano Council voted to send Lisa Scharmann, council president; Barb Shangraw, immediate past council president and former legislative chair; Kathy Masters, federal legislative chair; and myself, to the conference.
There were approximately 220 attendees from across the USA, including 16 from California. We attended workshops on a wide array of topics, including Reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB, Working with the Media, Hills Issues and Training, Special Education and the Law, and What’s Happening in Washington?
We had an incredible day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. We met with our members of Congress – Ken Calvert, Gary Miller and John Campbell, and/or their staff, plus senior staff members of the Education Committee Chair, George Miller, and Ranking Member, Buck McKeon. We were honored to have National PTA President Jan Harp Domene and California State PTA President Pam Brady join us for those last two meetings. We advocated for full funding of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and changes to No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
This day also included the Awards Luncheon in a spectacularly beautiful room on Capitol Hill. In addition to the California awards, the Congressional Voice for Children Award was presented to Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL). The National Congress of Parents and Teachers Founders Award was presented to Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) but it was accepted by David Johns, a Kennedy staffer, as the senator was out of town.
The next day we met with the US Dept of Education: the Special Education Office and a member of Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s staff. We spoke about a wide range of Special Education issues as well as the impacts of NCLB on children with special needs.
There is a lot of excitement and energy in DC right now with the new Obama administration that is planning to make education and other children’s issues a priority. This is particularly evident by the education funding that is included in the federal stimulus package, and every conversation included that topic.
National PTA is planning to move forward in a more compelling way, with a stronger vision, and has developed its first ever public policy agenda, (available at: www.pta.org).
Fourth District PTA goes to Sacramento
Eighty-four PTA members from Orange County attended the Sacramento Safari in March. They heard from a variety of speakers, including members of the State PTA Legislation Team, the Governor’s deputy legislative secretary, the Legislative Analyst, the chief deputy from the California Department of Education, and representatives from legislators’ offices. The PTA members visited legislators’ offices to talk about local school issues.
Highlights of the trip included a meeting on the Assembly floor with Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, and an announcement about Fourth District PTA’s visit to the capitol by Senator Gloria Romero, during a Senate session
Fourth District PTA officers elected for 2009-2011
The election of Fourth District PTA Executive Board members was held at the general meeting on March 26. Congratulations to the following officers, who were elected for the 2009-2011 term:
President: Patty Jordan
Executive Vice President: Celia Jaffe
1st Vice President, Programs: Christie Parker
2nd Vice President, Advocacy: Patty Christiansen
3rd Vice President, Education: Susan Kinzinger
4th Vice President, Parent and Community Concerns: Fran Sdao
5th Vice President, Communications: Laura Zuchovicki
6th Vice President, Convention: Ellen Carroll
Secretary: Shereen Walter
Treasurer: Cyndee Ely
Financial Secretary: Jeannette Price
Auditor: Dennis Walsh
President: Patty Jordan
Executive Vice President: Celia Jaffe
1st Vice President, Programs: Christie Parker
2nd Vice President, Advocacy: Patty Christiansen
3rd Vice President, Education: Susan Kinzinger
4th Vice President, Parent and Community Concerns: Fran Sdao
5th Vice President, Communications: Laura Zuchovicki
6th Vice President, Convention: Ellen Carroll
Secretary: Shereen Walter
Treasurer: Cyndee Ely
Financial Secretary: Jeannette Price
Auditor: Dennis Walsh
Leg Link - State PTA Special Election Legislative Alert
From: Dennis Walsh - 4th District Advocacy Team
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 12:28 PM
To: Dennis Walsh - 4th District Advocacy Team
Subject: Leg Link - State PTA Special Election Legislative Alert and flier
Importance: High
Hi 4th District Advocates,
Below is a Legislative Alert from State PTA regarding the May 19 ballot measures and State PTA's positions. Attached is a flier that can also be used.
You may use PTA listserves and PTA websites to share this information. You may also put this in PTA newsletters IF they are not being printed at, or handled by, your school district print shop and IF they are not being transported home in a child's backpack.
You may also distribute these at PTA meetings or hand out to parents OFF school property.
Thanks,
The 4th District Advocacy Team
Special Election
LEGISLATIVE ALERT
April 28, 2009
California State PTA urges support for 1A, 1B, 1C and 1E on May 19 ballot
Critical measures that will impact funding for schools and children's services will be put to California voters during a special statewide election called for Tuesday, May 19, 2009. This alert underscores the California State PTA's positions on the ballot measures and new material on the www.capta.org website offering more information, including a Spanish language positions page.
CALIFORNIA STATE PTA POSITIONS
PROPOSITION 1A - SUPPORT
Restores education funding, temporarily increases state revenues, and establishes a "rainy day" stabilization fund.California State PTA has long been urging lawmakers to support education funding and increase revenues as part of a balanced approach to weathering the state's current budget crisis.
PROPOSITION 1B - SUPPORT
Education funding repayment plan to help restore $9.3 billion in budget cuts to schools. Adequate funding must be provided for public education so that every student can receive a quality education. Budget cuts to education threaten an entire generation of children - and that seriously threatens California's economic future.
PROPOSITION 1C - SUPPORT
State Lottery. Proposition 1C generates additional revenues to help mitigate the state's current budget deficit. In addition, it would permanently disconnect school funding from reliance on unpredictable lottery winnings, and instead dedicate an amount from the state's General Fund for schools that would be comparable to previous lottery allocations.
PROPOSITION 1D - OPPOSE
Children's Services Funding. Proposition 1D redirects funding for five years from key children's services (established through passage of Proposition 10 in 1998), and makes other programmatic changes to California Children and Families Commission ("First 5") programs.
PROPOSITION 1E - SUPPORT
Mental health services funding. Proposition 1E redirects funding for two years from mental health services (established through passage of Proposition 63 in 2004) to help mitigate the state's current budget deficit. California State PTA strongly supported Proposition 63, and we continue to advocate for adequate mental health services for children, youth and families; however, we support 1E because it is strictly limited to two years.
New materials online at www.capta.org:
California Secretary of State Official Voter Guide Information
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 12:28 PM
To: Dennis Walsh - 4th District Advocacy Team
Subject: Leg Link - State PTA Special Election Legislative Alert and flier
Importance: High
Hi 4th District Advocates,
Below is a Legislative Alert from State PTA regarding the May 19 ballot measures and State PTA's positions. Attached is a flier that can also be used.
You may use PTA listserves and PTA websites to share this information. You may also put this in PTA newsletters IF they are not being printed at, or handled by, your school district print shop and IF they are not being transported home in a child's backpack.
You may also distribute these at PTA meetings or hand out to parents OFF school property.
Thanks,
The 4th District Advocacy Team
Special Election
LEGISLATIVE ALERT
April 28, 2009
California State PTA urges support for 1A, 1B, 1C and 1E on May 19 ballot
Critical measures that will impact funding for schools and children's services will be put to California voters during a special statewide election called for Tuesday, May 19, 2009. This alert underscores the California State PTA's positions on the ballot measures and new material on the www.capta.org website offering more information, including a Spanish language positions page.
CALIFORNIA STATE PTA POSITIONS
PROPOSITION 1A - SUPPORT
Restores education funding, temporarily increases state revenues, and establishes a "rainy day" stabilization fund.California State PTA has long been urging lawmakers to support education funding and increase revenues as part of a balanced approach to weathering the state's current budget crisis.
PROPOSITION 1B - SUPPORT
Education funding repayment plan to help restore $9.3 billion in budget cuts to schools. Adequate funding must be provided for public education so that every student can receive a quality education. Budget cuts to education threaten an entire generation of children - and that seriously threatens California's economic future.
PROPOSITION 1C - SUPPORT
State Lottery. Proposition 1C generates additional revenues to help mitigate the state's current budget deficit. In addition, it would permanently disconnect school funding from reliance on unpredictable lottery winnings, and instead dedicate an amount from the state's General Fund for schools that would be comparable to previous lottery allocations.
PROPOSITION 1D - OPPOSE
Children's Services Funding. Proposition 1D redirects funding for five years from key children's services (established through passage of Proposition 10 in 1998), and makes other programmatic changes to California Children and Families Commission ("First 5") programs.
PROPOSITION 1E - SUPPORT
Mental health services funding. Proposition 1E redirects funding for two years from mental health services (established through passage of Proposition 63 in 2004) to help mitigate the state's current budget deficit. California State PTA strongly supported Proposition 63, and we continue to advocate for adequate mental health services for children, youth and families; however, we support 1E because it is strictly limited to two years.
New materials online at www.capta.org:
- California State PTA analysis of ballot measures
- Spanish language positions summary
- Flier with California State PTA positions
California Secretary of State Official Voter Guide Information
- Legislative Analyst's Office analyses of ballot propositions
- League of Women Voters: Easy Voter Guide
English | Spanish | Chinese | Korean | Vietnamese
- League of Women Voters: Easy Voter Guide
Capistrano Unified Council Receives State PTA Award
The California State PTA Award for Student Involvement was presented to Capistrano Unified Council of PTAs at a ceremony during the state convention.
Capistrano Council increased student participation in the PTA at the high school level by including two students in a two-day legislative trip to Sacramento. Before the trip, the students studied current Sacramento issues. When they met with legislators, they were able to ask intelligent and insightful questions.
The council has also encouraged its units to create positions on their executive boards for student members. There has been an increase in student attendance at the school board meetings. Students often respectfully address the trustees when issues directly involving their campus or student programs are being considered.
Capistrano Council increased student participation in the PTA at the high school level by including two students in a two-day legislative trip to Sacramento. Before the trip, the students studied current Sacramento issues. When they met with legislators, they were able to ask intelligent and insightful questions.
The council has also encouraged its units to create positions on their executive boards for student members. There has been an increase in student attendance at the school board meetings. Students often respectfully address the trustees when issues directly involving their campus or student programs are being considered.
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