A Message from California State PTA President
Back to school season is full of emotions. Students are excited to see their friends after a long summer break. Families are relieved to have a routine again after a summer of fun. Sending your child off to preschool, TK, or kindergarten for the first time is both exciting and sad. This year I took my own daughter off to college in Oregon for her freshman year and felt that same range of emotions. I’m so excited for all that she is about to experience and how much she will grow, but I’m also terribly sad that I won’t get to see her as much.
I also want to acknowledge that this school year is different. Many of our families feel overwhelmed and concerned. Between changes to education at the federal level and increased immigration enforcement activities affecting our California school communities, there is understandable uncertainty about our children’s safety and well-being. Now more than ever, it is time to focus on our common goal to serve all children and families. This is the work that PTA has championed since 1897—speaking for every child with one voice. Together, I know we can take on the challenges of this school year and make it an opportunity to collectively use our voices to ensure safe, welcoming schools where every family and every student can thrive.
Thank you for being part of California State PTA as we work to positively impact the lives of all children and families—today, tomorrow, together.
Sincerely,
Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President
A Message from California State PTA President-Elect
Back to School is a time of new beginnings for our children, families and school communities. PTA is about positively impacting the lives of all children and families. Here are some ideas on how to promote PTA’s mission:
- Create local opportunities to volunteer or participate in PTA, School, and community activities each month
- Promote district opportunities for families to share their voice and advocate for what is most important to them and their students
- Plan family activity nights throughout the year
- Offer resources related to building positive self-image, self-advocacy and positive relationships.
We encourage your PTA to help your families think about how they can engage with each other, their school, and their community with the goal of building a positive image and framework for our children.
Will Sanford
California State PTA President-Elect