Author: Ray Kinyon

Learn How To Put Arts Education Into Your District Budget

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

LEARN HOW TO PUT ARTS EDUCATION INTO YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

Parents, students, and community advocates can help assure that arts education is part of their school district’s annual funding discussion. The state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) is the key and you’re invited to a virtual workshop to learn more.

Join California State PTA, along with our partners Create CA, Arts for LA, and the Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area, for Part 1 of a three-part series focused on the LCFF and how to be an informed arts education advocate. You’ll walk away knowing how to read and understand your school district’s Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP). You’ll learn about the tools you need to let your school leaders know that the arts are not optional. You’ll hear directly from a school board member and student representatives about promising practices for creating change in your district.

This free workshop takes place on Thursday, October 28, at 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Click HERE to register.

Celebrating Partners in Education: School Administrators

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

By California State PTA Education Commission

Our kids’ education is a team effort! A collaborative partnership between families, teachers and school administrators who are dedicated to the well-being of all children and youth can strengthen family life and improve education outcomes for all students. 

California State PTA takes pride in celebrating October 10-16, 2021, as the “Week of the School Administrator”. Serving as role models in this new era of learning, school administrators are outstanding advocates who work together with families and the community to develop new visions for our schools and programs, spark innovation and inspiration for change, and support teachers in efforts to actively engage students in their own learning. 

Help Celebrate Administrators at Your School

We encourage unit PTA’s to celebrate the Week of the School Administrator by publicly recognizing the contributions that school principals and vice-principals make in creating quality educational opportunities and enhancing academic achievement for all. Here are a few ways to recognize your school administrators this week:

  • Create and display posters and fliers on campus to celebrate school leaders.
  • Provide a nutritious treat to your school site principal and administrators.
  • Give school leaders positive feedback by sending a thank-you note.
  • Give public comment in your next school board meeting thanking school administrators for the work they do.
  • Request that your school board adopt the Week of the School Administrator Resolution.

Family-School Partnership Standard #4: Speaking Up for Every Child

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Heather Ippolito, Vice President Family Engagement Commission

October 2021 Family Engagement

The fourth PTA National Standard for Family-School Partnerships calls for empowering families to speak up and advocate for their child and other children to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.  

Families often need help in this area, as many don’t feel comfortable speaking up in school or district meetings. PTA and school administrators can do so much to help build confidence in our parents and caregivers. Here are a few ways you can help build capacity in this area:

Parents need to understand their rights and responsibilities. The California Department of Education oversees rights that are written into law as part of the California Education Code. Many families are unaware that they have the right to do things like review the curriculum their child is learning, observe their child in their classroom and participate in committees or councils at the school and district levels. School administrators and PTA units can help families understand these rights by doing annual information nights in multiple languages, including these rights in newsletters or on the website, and advertising opportunities for parent engagement in the committees and councils.

As issues arise on your campus, your PTA can host discussions for parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators to come together and work toward solutions. Having all parties in a room together can spark creative solutions to issues and allow everyone to feel heard and involved.

Provide families with advocacy training. Advocacy is a scary term for many parents, but at the school level, advocacy can be as simple as asking your teacher for a resource your child needs or sharing a concern with the school principal. Show parents that all forms of advocacy — small at the school site or larger efforts like speaking to legislators — are welcomed and needed for our children to succeed. 

Families need to understand how the school system works. Who do they talk to if they have concerns about their child? When should they involve the principal? What offices at the district office are there to support student learning? California State PTA has the School Smarts Family Engagement Program that, over seven sessions, helps families at your school answer those questions and build capacity for greater advocacy and involvement. You can get more information about this program by emailing programsupport@capta.org 

You can download the comprehensive document PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, or get started with this brief summary. You might also want to share our previous blog posts: 

Introduction to the National Standards

Standard 1- Welcoming All Families

Standard 2- Communicating Effectively

Standard 3- Supporting Student Success

Fall Family Challenge

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Family Engagement Commission

Thank you to all of the families, schools, PTA councils, and districts who joined us in the September walking challenge.  Remember that you can use that  family engagement idea at any time during the year. We’ve done the work for you by creating a newsletter, weekly emails, and all the other handouts you will need for the program.  

As October begins, the focus is on all of the fun things your family can do together in the fall.  This season can be a busy one for families with school back in session, after-school sports and activities abounding, and several holidays, but we want to remind families to slow down and take some intentional time to come together.  To that end, we have created a calendar with 31 activities on it for families to choose from throughout the fall. We also have a list of over 50 activities the California State PTA Family Engagement Commission has brainstormed that you can use to create your own calendar. 

We invite you to join us this fall as we expand our engagement with these fun fall activities.  If you want to join in, fill out this simple google form and we will send you weekly reminders, tips, and tricks. 

RESOURCES

If your PTA wants to use these family engagement ideas with your members, here are the handouts we’ve created: 

September is Attendance Awareness Month

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Heath & Community Concerns and Family Engagement Commissions 

Parents Need to Know Why Attendance is Vital

About forty percent of parents underestimate how many school absences their child has and the impact those lost days have on their child’s success.  

That is just one of the startling facts California State PTA Commissioners heard when we attended a recent webinar,  “Generation Absent : Post-Covid Fall-Out and Long-Term Fixes.” It was a chance for all of us to learn more about Attendance Awareness Month and learn why it is critically important to help families understand the challenges that chronically absent students face.  (Note: the official state definition of chronically absent is missing ten percent or more of school, or about 18 days in the typical 180-day school year.)

During the course of the conversation, the presenters shared some tips and best practices to help schools, local PTAs, and families work together to improve student attendance.  Here are some of our favorites: 

  • Attendance is a process not an event– you must keep a focus on it all year long.
  • Promote attendance facts everywhere– on social media, at Back to School Night, at enrollment events, during campus events and in your PTA meetings.
  • Recognition of kids who are attending as well as students who are improving their attendance is really important.  Mailing home attendance recognitions, such as brightly colored postcards or letters, grab families’ attention and are often a point of pride. 

For more information about student attendance visit our website.

Sunday is Gold Star Mother’s Day

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Heather Ippolito, Vice President Family Engagement Commission

Gold Star Mother’s Day is designated as the last Sunday in September and is designed to honor mothers who have lost a son or daughter during military service.  As we honor their sacrifice and celebrate the lives of their children we want to help our PTA units support military families who may be at their site.  We have created a new page on our website devoted to Military Families that we hope you will visit.  Take a moment on this most special of holidays to recommit your PTA to supporting all of the diverse families on your campus- including our military families. 

 

Disaster Preparedness – Protecting Those We Love

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by California State PTA Vice President for Health & Community Concerns, Derby Pattengill

We recently highlighted September’s National Preparedness Month, a great reason to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” 

In California, we certainly have had our share of emergencies this year. In our mission to positively impact the lives of children and youth, the Health and Community Concerns commission of the California State PTA have gathered for you a number of helpful resources to help prepare for a potential wildfire, earthquake, flood or any of the other natural disasters that can take place in our state.  

If you are located in an area of California where earthquakes are prevalent, your school can take part in International ShakeOut Day, which occurs on the third Thursday of October. California schools should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake and the Great ShakeOut is a perfect time to plan a one-minute earthquake drill. Learn more about the Great ShakeOut and how to participate here.

In addition, here are four key steps in preparing for a disaster or emergency:

  1. Learn your risks and responses. Stay informed. Here are two great resources: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Ready Campaign. 
  2. Make a plan.  It is important to make a family emergency plan that can be put into action as soon as disaster strikes.  Make sure to include plans for children, seniors, disabled, and don’t forget pets! Here are some links to plans for wildfires, earthquakes, excessive heat and floods.
  3. Build a supply kit. A supply kit is a must when planning for potential disasters. You need to make sure you and your family have the necessary food and supplies to sustain you until the power returns or help arrives.  It is also important to keep the kit maintained by keeping food/water fresh and supplies working properly.  It is typically best to store the kit, along with any pet supplies, in a closet or the basement. Here is a Recommended Supplies List.

Get involved. Find opportunities to support community preparedness. There are many ways to get involved before disaster strikes.  So, ask yourself, “How can I help?” Well, here are some links.   Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Team, Red Cross, Neighborhood Watch, Fire Corps.

Let Everyone Know About PTA Perks

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Membership Services Commission

MEMBERSHIP TIP: Let Everyone Know About PTA Perks

PTA members get more perks than you may have realized! Membership in a Statewide and Nationwide organization comes with a lot of perks and bonuses.

Tell parents and teachers that, “besides being involved in a child’s life, you can get lots of extras from your PTA membership.” 

Our perks provide a great incentive for community members to join your PTA. Grandparents, alumni, and friends will also want to take advantage of these wonderful benefits.

Here are some other tried and true program ideas that can increase membership:

Be an Ambassador for the Arts by:

Hear from our Student Ambassadors & Reflections participants on how this worked in their schools.

Spearhead a virtual or physical spirit days, sponsored by your PTA, that will draw your community. Here’s an example flyer and hashtag a local PTA Council did for their students.

Try an online bingo night, online silent auction, or virtual chats with the Principal and teachers to help your families and communities connect in our new hybrid world.

How to Apply for CA State PTA Scholarships and Grants

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by California State PTA Scholarships and Grants Committee

California State PTA is pleased to offer these scholarship and grant opportunities to you and your PTA. The deadline is coming up fast for two: October 15th. Don’t miss out, here’s a quick rundown!

Continuing Education Scholarships:

To help you continue on your educational path, California State PTA is proud to offer several continuing education scholarship programs for school professionals and volunteers.

We have three opportunities available for nurses, teachers and counselors, and PTA volunteers.

All continuing education scholarship applications are due to the state office by October 15, 2021. Follow this link to apply online or download an application to submit by mail or email.

PTA ProgramGrants:

California State PTA grant funds are available for PTAs in good standing to develop and implement programs and projects at the unit, council and district PTA levels.

We offer the following grants: cultural arts, outreach translation, healthy lifestyles and parent education. To get more information on the grants or download the application, click here.  

Applications must be mailed or emailed; faxes will not be accepted

  • Mailed applications must be received in the California State PTA office by the close of business October 15, 2021
  • Emailed applications must be received by 11:59 PM PST on October 15

High School Scholarships:

Tell the high school seniors in your life that California State PTA offers scholarships for them as well. High school senior scholarships are due February 1, 2022. More information can be found here.

PTA leaders can spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide

Posted on by Ray Kinyon

by Derby Pattengill, Vice President for Health and Community Concerns

Over the last year and a half, we have faced a pandemic, combined with a massive experiment in remote schooling, a racial justice movement stemming from police killings of Black Americans, as well as economic and political instability.  These events will have long-term effects on the mental health of students, teachers, school administrators and staff, parents, family members, friends, and acquaintances. We must make the time now to take care of ourselves and take care of each other.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Even before 2020, our young people were particularly vulnerable to having such thoughts. National data indicated that while 4.8% of all adults had serious thoughts of suicide, the same was true for 18.8% of high school students and 11.8% of young adults aged 18 to 25. Perhaps most alarming, nearly half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students had serious thoughts of suicide. 

Did you know?

Individual Impact of Suicide:

  • 78% of all people who die by suicide are male.
  • Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
  • The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
  • 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
  • While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.

Community Impact of Suicide:

  • Some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
  • Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
  • Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

(Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.)

What Can I Do?

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject.  Don’t be afraid.  

Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.  Talking about suicide will not give the person ideas about death.  The opposite is true–bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.  The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.

Tell the person that you are worried about them.  Mention the warning signs you have noticed.  Ask the person if they are thinking about suicide.  If they say they are feeling hopeless or considering suicide, take them seriously.

Listen with empathy and provide support.  Express concern and reassure the person. Someone who is experiencing emotional pain or suicidal thoughts can feel isolated, even with family and friends around.

Get informed about mental health and suicide prevention. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) provides clear, helpful information on several topics:

If you need more information, referrals, or support, contact the NAMI HelpLine or visit www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

Know what to do in case of a crisis. 

  • If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
  • If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Help the person create a safety plan. A safety plan is a written list of coping strategies and sources of support for people who are at high risk for suicide, and it can help guide them through a crisis and keep them safe.  Make sure the person you care about keeps the plan easily accessible in case they have thoughts of hurting themselves.

Share information about suicide prevention with your school community. Learn more at www.capta.org/suicide-prevention. This page offers tips for knowing the signs of suicide, how to find the words to talk about suicide, and highlights the advocacy work PTA has done on this topic on behalf of our members.   

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Sponsored by NAMI, it is a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We can use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. It’s an ideal time to make sure that members of your community and your PTA have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.