Call for Vendor Recommendations: Refer a Vendor, Receive a Ribbon!
November 14, 2024
The Convention Commission’s goal is to pack the Convention 2025 Exhibit Hall with celebrated vendors, and we would appreciate referrals of your favorites! Does your District, Council, or Unit have a must-use vendor for your book fairs, STEM nights, edu …
Read moreSchool Smarts Family Engagement Program
November 14, 2024
The California State PTA School Smarts Family Engagement Program consists of seven two-hour sessions designed to promote long-term family engagement. By participating in the academy sessions, parents and caregivers invest in their students’ education t …
Read morePTA Highlights of the Month – November 2024
November 14, 2024
“Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change.” – Barbara Mikulski The Journey of Rebuilding Gledhill Elementary PTA (31st District) PTA membership is not just a title – it is a journey that calls for community, collaboration, and crea …
Read moreExploring Arts Education With Your Local Library Programs
October 21, 2024
The California State PTA Arts Education Committee invites students and families to take on an exciting journey to explore your local library! Libraries are not just places to borrow books; they are dynamic community hubs that provide a myriad of opport …
Read moreFall in Love with PTA
October 21, 2024
Fall is the time to make sure your membership campaign, strategy, and goals for 2024-2025 are in full swing. Here are some ideas to keep those memberships coming in throughout the school year: Communicate regularly with your school community. Try new s …
Read morePTA Membership Cards – Needed for Convention
October 21, 2024
The PTA membership card is a small, but important, document for PTA members. An electronic “card” is available for those PTAs that use TOTEM to collect membership dues. But what about those PTAs that don’t use TOTEM or those members who prefer to join …
Read moreCybersecurity Tips & Best Practices to Help Keep Your PTA Secure Online
October 21, 2024
“There’s not a ‘one and done’ solution for cybersecurity, no silver bullet as we like to call it. With cyber, there needs to be continuous care and feeding of the program. It’s a program that requires ongoing improvement.” -Zaki Abbas Throughout the st …
Read morePTA Highlights of the Month – October 2024
October 21, 2024
Our PTAs work year round to positively impact all children and families across California, so we want to shine our spotlight on you! During this school year, we will highlight different PTAs each month to showcase the work you do in our schools, classr …
Read moreCalKIDS College Savings Program Will Make College More Accessible for California Families From Our Sponsor: CalKIDS
September 30, 2024
The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), a program administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California and chaired by the State Treasurer, automatically provided eligible, low-income …
Read moreSAFETY Act Supports LGBTQ+ Youth and Protects Students from Being “Outed” Without Consent
September 30, 2024
California State PTA supported Assembly Bill 1955 (Ward), which Governor Newsom signed into law on July 15, 2024. This bill prohibits schools from disclosing a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity while safeguarding educators from retaliatio …
Read moreSave the Date: California State PTA Convention 2025
September 30, 2024
California State PTA Convention 2025 is scheduled for May 1 through May 4, with pre-convention activities starting on May 1 at 4 pm. Full convention activities begin on the morning of May 2. Start planning now so your PTA is ready to send delegates whe …
Read moreCellphone Policies in Flux in California Schools
September 30, 2024
In recent years, several California school districts have adopted bans on cellphone use during instructional time. That trend is about to accelerate with the passage of Assembly Bill 3216. AB 3216 was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 24. …
Read moreNavigating the New School Year: Embracing AI in Education
September 30, 2024
As we embark on a new school year, technology continues to reshape education in profound ways. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly vital component, with students now using AI tools for tasks such as essay writing, grammar correctio …
Read moreTaking Action Through California State PTA Resolutions
September 30, 2024
Recently a PTA leader shared that she answers the question, “Why PTA?” by directing people to review PTA resolutions and position statements. California State PTA resolutions and position statements provide our members with a united and powerful voice …
Read moreApply Now for our 2024-2025 PTA Program Grants & Scholarships
September 30, 2024
California State PTA is pleased to offer the following grant & scholarship opportunities to you and your PTA. Your PTA must be in good standing at the time that you apply. The application deadline is October 15, 2024. Don’t miss out! Here’s a quick …
Read moreStart your 2024-2025 California State PTA Membership Journey
September 30, 2024
Membership is PTA’s strength, and it is our voice. We want all of our local PTAs to have the tools needed to increase PTA membership. Whether you’re proceeding steadily or speeding towards your membership goals, we hope that you keep your goals aligned …
Read moreRecognizing National Arts in Education Week (September 9-13)
September 10, 2024
PTAs across the nation celebrated National Arts Education Week from September 9-13th! Whether you are a student, educator, parent, or principal, you can still find a way to continue celebrating the arts in education. According to the National Art Educa …
Read moreApply Now for California State PTA’s 2024 Scholarships and Grants
August 19, 2024
Apply Now for California State PTA Scholarships and Grants! The Scholarships & Grants Committee is excited to announce our 2024 Scholarship and Grant opportunities for your PTA unit, school staff, and parent volunteers! We encourage all PTA units …
Read moreLeadership Services Welcome
August 19, 2024
The first months as a new PTA leader may seem overwhelming, but California State PTA is here to help! A lot needs to be done to get things up and running. This list will help you figure out when and how to schedule meetings, create calendars, and perfo …
Read moreWelcome to the 2024-2025 School Year!
August 19, 2024
By Shereen Walter, California State PTA President It’s that time again, time to welcome students and their families back to school for the year! How are you and your PTA board going to make the families in your community feel valued and welcome? Here a …
Read moreKickstart Your School Year with Cheddar Up
August 19, 2024
From Our Sponsor: Cheddar Up Getting ready for the school year can be a whirlwind, especially for PTA members juggling multiple tasks. Imagine if you could streamline all your activities, from payments to event management, with one simple tool. Enter C …
Read moreJoin the Free California State PTA Insurance Webinar 2024
August 19, 2024
California State PTA is excited to announce our annual Insurance Webinar, scheduled for Thursday, September 26, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is an essential event for all PTA leaders, providing crucial information and updates on insurance policies, wo …
Read moreCongrats to our 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Award Winners
August 19, 2024
From Our Sponsor: McDonald’s Owner/Operators in California McDonald’s California owners value education and recognize the hard work and dedication of teachers throughout our state. For many years, McDonald’s has worked with local schools and school dis …
Read moreWhy Legislation?
August 14, 2024
Why should you register to attend the California State PTA Legislative Conference? You don’t have to be a policy expert or an advocacy rock star to get great benefit from the conference. The Legislative Conference is designed to meet the needs of ever …
Read moreCongratulating California PTA/PTSAs Designated 2023-2025 Schools of Excellence
August 10, 2024
by Communications Commission Congratulations to the California State PTA/PTSA units at schools throughout our state who were designated 2023-2025 National PTA Schools of Excellence in recognition of their commitment to building an inclusive and welcomi …
Read moreGet On Board with Totem
July 18, 2024
If your PTA isn’t registered yet in the TOTEM electronic membership system, now is the time to get on board! PTA leaders throughout the state use TOTEM. You can set up the e-membership account from home. It’s easy, quick and free. All you need is the c …
Read moreSpotlight on the 2024-2025 Reflections Art Program
July 18, 2024
We are thrilled to introduce the theme for the 2024-2025 PTA Reflections Art Program, “Accepting Imperfection.” This year’s program aims to inspire students to express their creativity while embracing their unique perspectives. Resources and Guidelines …
Read morePTA Leaders Find Important Connections at Museum of Tolerance
July 18, 2024
By Shereen Walter, California State PTA President “…it is crucial for all of us to give new meaning to the word ‘tolerance’ and understand that our ability to value each and every person is the ethical basis for peace, security and intercultural dialog …
Read moreWelcome New PTA Officers to the 2024-2025 PTA Term!
July 18, 2024
Congratulations on your new role as a PTA officer! As we kick off the 2024-2025 school year, it’s crucial to start strong and stay prepared. This guide will help you navigate your new responsibilities and provide valuable resources to ensure a successf …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Education Commission and You
July 14, 2024
Quality public education is crucially important to individual families and the future of our society as a whole. California State PTA is committed to connecting families and schools by providing a range of information, resources and training to empower …
Read moreYou’re on the Board Now! Here’s How to Prepare for a Successful 2024-25 School Year
April 26, 2024
Even though you and your new board members don’t officially take over until July 1, there is a lot you can accomplish now to make sure you have a successful 2024-25 school year. Before July 1, the new board can meet to: Set ground rules and expectation …
Read moreJoin PTA Today to Save Money on Special Offers
April 26, 2024
As a member of California State PTA, you advocate for children, promote parent and family involvement in schools, and improve the lives of all children and families. Here are a few extra perks of membership available exclusively to PTA members like you …
Read moreNominate A Teacher for McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Awards
April 24, 2024
From Our Sponsor: McDonald’s Owner/Operators in California McDonald’s California owners value education and have long recognized the hard work that teachers across our state put in every day. For years, McDonald’s has worked with local schools and sch …
Read moreSeamless Transition: A Guide for PTA Leaders on Board Changeover with Cheddar Up
April 24, 2024
From Our Sponsor: CheddarUp Smoothly transitioning PTA leadership boards is key to keeping things moving forward without missing a beat. In this guide, we’ll look at how to make this change, covering everything from getting organized and sharing know-h …
Read moreCelebrate Financial Literacy Month by Using College Savings Options
April 19, 2024
April is financial literacy month, a time to review good money management habits. One good habit, according to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, is to plan for big expenses, such as college and career training. Unfortuna …
Read moreUnlocking Opportunities: Why You Should Attend the California State PTA Convention in Ontario
March 29, 2024
As a leader within the California State Parent Teacher Association (PTA), you’re already dedicated to enhancing the educational experience and well-being of children. Yet, there’s always room to grow, to connect with like-minded individuals, and to exp …
Read moreGreetings from your CAPTA Legislation Team!
March 29, 2024
We are thrilled to provide a brief overview of some advocacy efforts that the Legislation Team has undertaken so far this term. One such effort was the work of a Legislative Study Committee that has made recommendations on two measures currently head …
Read moreBringing Mental Health Out of the Shadows and Into the Spotlight
March 29, 2024
Twenty percent of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition. PTA is working to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness by fostering communities where people with mental health conditions are accepted and creating a culture where peop …
Read moreFree Money for College and Career Training Available for Low-Income High School Seniors with CalKIDS
February 29, 2024
High school seniors are now preparing to start the next chapter in their lives, but some do not have a key piece of information that could help. Many students have money for college and career training in an account as part of the California Kids Inves …
Read moreCelebrating Arts Education Month this March
February 28, 2024
March is Arts Education Month, and we’re diving into a world of creativity and imagination! Join us in celebrating the power of the arts in education with a month-long calendar packed with exciting activities for you and your children. From drawing cha …
Read moreSpotlight Awards: Share Your Accomplishments
February 28, 2024
PTA members bring innovative services to our kids and schools each and every day. California State PTA wants to hear about your amazing accomplishments. PTA Unit/Council Spotlight Awards recognize successful programs that are planned, organized, and im …
Read moreCelebrating Black History Month
February 28, 2024
This February, California State PTA is proud to join the nation in celebrating Black History Month. This annual observance is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans. As unit leaders, it is crucial to embrace t …
Read moreHow Do I Handle a Missed Meeting or Missed Election Meeting?
February 28, 2024
One of the more important dates for all PTA units is the annual election meeting. This association meeting is where officers for the upcoming term will be elected. Your unit bylaws specify the date of your annual election meeting in Article V, Section …
Read moreFilling Out FAFSA? Remember to check your eligibility for free money for college from the State of California with CalKIDS
January 29, 2024
It’s that time of the year for high school seniors to prepare for college expenses by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document is completed by almost 18 million students each year and can open the door to federal …
Read moreCreating an Inclusive Environment: Embracing Diversity in Our School Community
January 19, 2024
by the Family Engagement Commission When families, schools, and communities effectively work together as partners, family engagement is a powerful strategy that boosts student achievement and better prepares our children to lead healthy, happy, and pro …
Read moreLegislative Updates
January 18, 2024
Greetings from your CAPTA Legislation Team! We are thrilled to provide an update on recent activities around the State Capitol, including the 2024-2025 Budget outlook for California, and a summary of the recent “Taking Stock of California’s March to E …
Read moreFunding and Advocating for Arts Education
January 17, 2024
Research shows that education in the arts improves student social-emotional well-being, keeps students in school, increases the graduation rate, boosts academic performance, and adds to students’ ability to create, collaborate, think critically, and co …
Read moreGraduating Senior Scholarship Applications Are Due Soon!
January 16, 2024
Do you know a student who might be interested in applying for one of California State PTA’s two Graduating High Senior scholarships? Now is the time to apply; the application deadline is February 1! The following two types of scholarships are a …
Read moreNominating Committees Play a Vital Role in PTA’s Success!
December 5, 2023
It is time to think about electing the nominating committee to ensure a successful election for the coming term. election for the coming term. The nominating committee is a very important part of a PTA’s continued success! Think of the nominating comm …
Read moreBuilding a Community of Belonging – A Crucial Step in Family Engagement
December 3, 2023
Standard 1 Welcome all families Article 1: Building a Community of Belonging – A Crucial Step in Family Engagement As parents, we play a vital role in our children’s education, and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community is es …
Read moreRedefining Homework
December 2, 2023
Homework is one of the most debated topics of this century, discussed by students, parents, and educators. We all know that homework is vital for students to review the concepts they learn at school and to learn how to apply them. We also know that hom …
Read moreLegCon2024 registration is now open. Join us and make a difference!
December 1, 2023
We’re inviting you to use your voice at the 2024 California State PTA Legislation Conference in Sacramento on January 22-23, 2024. Our annual trip to California’s state capitol is your opportunity to hear from experts and key speakers on children’s iss …
Read moreHelp spread the word about CalKIDS college savings accounts
December 1, 2023
Dream big. That’s the message at the heart of the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS). The program provides $2 billion in state funds for millions of California children with the goal of inspiring families and students …
Read moreNew laws for California’s schools and youth
November 27, 2023
by Legislation Commission Many new laws were passed in 2023 that affect the lives of California’s children, youth, and families. Here are just some of them that were supported by California State PTA: Recess guaranteed. Schools must provide at least 3 …
Read morePTA-Supported Legislation Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth Signed into Law by Governor Newsom
October 25, 2023
By Kathleen Fay, Director of Legislation National PTA and its constituent associations have long believed that every child deserves to go to school excited to learn, in a safe and nurturing environment, without the fear of bullying, violence, or discri …
Read moreClimate Change: What’s PTA got to do with it?
October 23, 2023
Climate change is one of the most pressing and complex issues that families and schools face today. Further, it’s an issue that California State PTA is committed to addressing. In recent years, delegates to the California State PTA convention have ado …
Read moreHanging Out the Welcome Sign
September 14, 2023
Labor Day has come and gone and most of our students are back in school for the fall. The school year is filled with excitement and possibility for your PTA. Now is your chance to “Make a difference every day with PTA!” What are you going to do every d …
Read moreNational PTA Wins Award for Advocacy Efforts to Promote Family-School Partnerships
September 13, 2023
National PTA is being recognized for its efforts to use the power of the association to shift the narrative around parents’ rights on Capitol Hill towards meaningful family engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents got a front-row seat to their …
Read morePTA Program Grants & Scholarships
September 12, 2023
California State PTA is pleased to offer these grant & scholarship opportunities to you and your PTA. The application deadline is October 15, 2023. Don’t miss out! Here’s a quick rundown. PTA Program Grants: California State PTA grant funds are ava …
Read moreSave the Date: California State PTA Convention 2024
August 5, 2023
Did you know that as president of your PTA, you and one other PTA officer from your school can be voting members at the annual meeting of the California State PTA? Part of your leadership role is to attend the annual meeting known as convention. Voti …
Read moreUnlock your child’s full summer potential with practical tips to prevent learning loss!
August 5, 2023
By California State PTA Education Commission This summer you may be wondering how to make the most of your child’s time while still supporting their education. Learning loss can occur when students are away from school for a long break like summer. But …
Read morePlan for a full year of advocacy!
August 4, 2023
As your PTA develops its plans for the 2023-24 school year, it’s important for education administrators and PTA leaders to nurture PTA advocacy efforts together. PTA leaders understand that speaking up for children – the essence of advocacy – is esse …
Read moreUse Your Meetings to Encourage PTA Participation
August 3, 2023
By the California State PTA Leadership Services Commission As your local PTA starts to plan the year ahead, take some time to think about how to use meetings to both accomplish the business of the organization and engage members. The first question is …
Read moreFor new officers, bylaws are your best friend!
August 2, 2023
PTA bylaws are the foundation of the organization. What officers you will elect, when you will have your meetings, how many voting members must be in meetings – even meeting notice requirements and budget adoption requirements – are in the bylaws. Byla …
Read moreGET ON BOARD WITH TOTEM
August 1, 2023
If your PTA isn’t registered yet in the TOTEM electronic membership system, now is the time to get onboard! You can set up the e-membership account from home – it’s easy, quick and free – all you need is the contact information for a few of your key of …
Read more15 Tips For New Leaders
July 31, 2023
The first months as a new PTA leader may seem overwhelming, but California State PTA is here to help! A lot needs to be done to get things up and running. This list will help you figure out when and how to schedule meetings, create calendars, and perf …
Read moreNational Standards for Family-School Partnerships Standard 4- Speaking Up For Every Child
June 16, 2023
by Colleen Hervey, Family Engagement Commissioner “Every Child, One Voice.” That is the foundation for the work of PTA. Parents want what’s best for their children but may not always have the knowledge, means, or opportunity to provide that. This is w …
Read moreIdeas For Filling Out Your Executive Board
June 14, 2023
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission Your local PTA elections are over, your new board is ready to take up their roles, but wait… Despite your best efforts, and those of your nominating committee, you still have some board positions …
Read moreTips for Making Sure Family Engagement Includes the Whole Family
June 9, 2023
by Kathleen Fay, Family Engagement Commission Consultant Research shows that students succeed better when the entire family plays an active role at school. That includes joining and being active in PTA. Today’s PTA leaders know that more and more men w …
Read moreBoard Elect Planning for the New Term
May 16, 2023
by Leadership Services Commission The end of this school year is in sight. That makes it an ideal time for next year’s PTA officers to start planning in earnest. You may already have great ideas for the work and activities you want to undertake, but do …
Read moreSchool Research Resources Online: California provides access for all
May 16, 2023
by Guest Author: Mary Beth Barber, California State Library Every parent has faced it: the research paper. The first report and bibliography are introduced in fourth or fifth grade, and the assignments get more sophisticated every year after. How can a …
Read moreHow to Tell Your PTA Story in Pictures
May 11, 2023
by California State PTA Communications Commission As a PTA leader, you know the importance of effective communication with your members, parents, and the broader school community. One powerful tool to make your communications more engaging and effecti …
Read moreExpert Tips For Raising and Educating Digital Citizens
May 11, 2023
by California State PTA Communications Commission Our children are growing up in a rapidly-changing digital world. How do we make sure they’re safe and at the same time give them the skills they need to thrive in the world that awaits them? This topic …
Read moreWho is this adult in my child’s body?
April 28, 2023
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Parents work hard to create good humans. We feed our children not only for them to survive but to make sure they get good nutrition so their brains and bodies thrive. We teach them to wash their han …
Read moreHoping to See You at Convention
April 21, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission Join us at the Convention! Celebrate PTA Membership & Programs The members of the Membership Services Commission are the people who have been bringing you Membership Mondays. We have also done …
Read moreConvention Preview – Family Engagement Workshops
April 21, 2023
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission The Family Engagement Commission is excited to share the workshops we will be presenting at the 2023 California State PTA Convention in Sacramento, April 21-23. We hope that you will register to att …
Read more7 Ways Cheddar Up Simplifies PTA Event Management
April 17, 2023
by Sponsored content from Cheddar Up Cheddar Up began as a payment platform geared for groups — specifically PTAs like yours. But over the years, users have discovered another ideal use: event management. Given Cheddar Up’s automation, versatility, cus …
Read moreFamilies Need to Understand the Risks of Fentanyl for Children
April 17, 2023
by California State PTA Health and Community Concerns Commission As a parent, guardian or family member, you likely take steps to make sure your children take medications safely and under your watchful eye. That includes carefully following dosing inst …
Read moreIt’s Time for the Mid-Year Financial Review
March 14, 2023
By Laura Ann Hawk-Loya, California State PTA Treasurer Your bylaws currently state that you should be conducting twice yearly reviews of your financial records. This may change soon based on an amendment coming up for vote at convention. For most PTAs …
Read moreMental Health is part of the California Health Curriculum
March 14, 2023
by California State PTA Health and Community Concerns Commission More middle and high schools throughout California should be receiving mental health information in their health curriculum. Thanks to a new law supported by California State PTA. Mental …
Read moreLearn more about the Resolutions at the 2023 Convention
March 14, 2023
Convention delegates will have the opportunity to vote on four resolutions at this year’s 2023 California State PTA Convention in Sacramento! One of these is an update to one of our oldest resolutions. The other three cover suggested tools and strategi …
Read moreDonated Items and Giving Donations to Those in Need
March 14, 2023
by Leadership Services Commission Donations, Fundraising, Disasters and Taxes–what’s a PTA to do? Knowing how to handle donations your PTA receives and perhaps some they want to make can be confusing. Tax laws affect both. California State PTA often g …
Read moreApplications for the 2023-25 California State PTA Board of Managers Now Open!
March 7, 2023
by California State PTA Would you like to serve on the 2023-25 California State PTA Board of Managers? Be part of the nation’s largest volunteer child advocacy association working to improve the education, health, and welfare of all children and famili …
Read moreCelebrate Arts in Education Month in March – An Education without the ARTS is Incomplete!
March 6, 2023
by Arts Education Committee In PTA we believe that arts education is a student right! It is our responsibility to continue to advocate for comprehensive, accessible arts education in your schools and communities. Art can be many things – in the PTA Re …
Read moreNational PTA Introduces New Standards for Family-School Partnerships
February 22, 2023
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission PTA believes families are essential partners with schools in the shared mission to help every child reach their full potential. For more than 20 years, PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Part …
Read moreHow Well Are Your Local Schools Serving Students?
February 22, 2023
by California State PTA Education Commission During the pandemic, many parents gained a new understanding of the challenges and successes their children experienced in school. But a two-year hiatus in state assessments and data reporting generally made …
Read moreRecharge Your PTA Board!
February 22, 2023
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission As we head into spring, do you and your PTA board need some energy to finish the year strong? If the answer is yes, it’s a good time to applaud your successes. Take 15 minutes at your next executiv …
Read moreMake DEI a PTA Membership Topic
February 20, 2023
MEMBERSHIP TIP: World Day of Social Justice – Make DEI a PTA Membership Topic February 20th is the United Nations World Day of Social Justice. This year’s theme is “Overcoming Barriers & Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. You can learn m …
Read moreSaying Welcome to All Families Comes First for Effective Family Engagement
February 16, 2023
by Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant Before families are willing to partner with the school and the PTA, they need to feel that they are welcome and belong. That’s why Welcome All Families is the first of the si …
Read morePTA Leaders Get Good News About Education Funding
February 14, 2023
by California State PTA Legislation Team In January PTA leaders from throughout California attended an online briefing about Governor Gavin Newsom’s recently released proposal for the 2023-24 State Budget. Watch the full briefing. Attendees heard abou …
Read moreYou’ll Love These Membership Ideas
February 13, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: You are Our Valentine! Share the Love through PTA Membership We’re celebrating 126 Years of PTA this week! Join PTA members throughout California and the nation as we celebrate the …
Read moreHelp Wanted: Student Board Members for the California State PTA
February 10, 2023
by California State PTA It happens whenever an articulate, well-informed student steps forward to describe their experiences to the California State PTA Board of Managers. State PTA leaders listen. And they inevitably get a richer perspective by seein …
Read moreTake Your Family to School Next Week or Any Week
February 10, 2023
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission February 13-17th is Take Your Family to School Week. This annual event, created by the National PTA In 2006, gives families a chance to see what happens on their child’s school campus. It’s all about …
Read moreShare the Power of PTA During Black History Month
February 6, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: Celebrating Selena Sloan Butler, One of Our Founding Mothers, Tells the PTA Story Starting Black History Month Off with Our Very Own Selena Sloan Butler Selena Sloan Butler is one o …
Read morePut Some Spring into Your Plans
January 30, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: Plan Your Spring Membership Drive to Help You Qualify for California State PTA Challenges & Incentives Membership is year round! It is time to start planning your spring drive t …
Read moreUse PTA’s 126-Year History to Promote Membership
January 23, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: Plan Ahead to Make Founders Day Part of Your Membership Campaign Founders’ Day is Coming! Start Planning for What You Can Do in February. On February 17th each year, PTAs throughout …
Read moreCelebrate Black History Month by Celebrating Selena Sloan Butler
January 18, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission The power of PTA is our proud history and dedication to “every child with one voice” that we have continued to demonstrate over the years. We honor Selena Sloan Butler as one of our Founding Mother …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports Climate Resilient Schools
January 18, 2023
by California State PTA Health and Community Concerns Commission Recently, California State PTA joined the statewide Climate-Ready Schools Coalition. What is that, you ask? Well, it is a coalition formed of education, climate, health, youth, labor, ci …
Read moreJob #1 for the New Year: Getting Ready for PTA Elections
January 17, 2023
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission January may seem early for thinking about your PTA officers for next year, but it’s time! Keep on schedule with these three vital tasks and ensure leadership continuity for your PTA going forward. …
Read morePTA Membership: An Opportunity to Serve
January 16, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission Today, January 16th, is MLK Jr. Day, A Day of Service. We’re Grateful for Your Service. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is now often observed as a Day of Service As a part of this day and observance, we …
Read moreA New Year And New Opportunities
January 9, 2023
by California State PTA Membership Services Commission2023 is a New Year and That’s an Opportunity for New Members This new year, California State PTA is setting a New Year’s Resolution to start all our PTAs back on a Journey to a Million Members! Each …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Convention Commission and You
December 16, 2022
Each year, PTA members and leaders from every corner of California gather for our association’s annual convention. It’s an important opportunity to meet and learn from each other, come together to conduct the vital business of our association, a …
Read moreThe Family Engagement Commission helps build strong family-school partnerships
December 16, 2022
Healthy family–school partnerships benefit students, parents, teachers, schools, and the community. Developing these partnerships is essential for student success and crucial to PTA’s work to positively impact the lives of children and families. The F …
Read moreMeet the Leadership Services Commission
December 16, 2022
The California State PTA Leadership Services Commission strengthens and extends the work of PTA in all arenas, and enhances the influence and public understanding of PTA, its purpose, and work. Commission activities include: Opportunities for leader …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Legislation Team and You
December 16, 2022
PTA began, in 1897, as an advocacy organization with a nationwide campaign to eliminate threats that endangered children. Today, one of the important roles of the California State PTA is to advocate for policies and laws that improve the lives of all C …
Read moreMeet the Membership Services Commission
December 16, 2022
California State PTA is a membership-based, nonprofit impact organization. Membership is the foundation upon which the entire organization rests. Members are vital to the advocacy work PTA does on behalf of children and families. Policy makers pay atte …
Read moreCommunication Tips for PTA Leaders Over the Holidays and Beyond
December 14, 2022
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission PTA Communications keep your members, school and community informed and engaged. The California State PTA Leadership Services Commission has worked with the state Communications Commission to share …
Read moreCommunity Service and Your PTA
November 18, 2022
by Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kelly Mattinson Volunteering in your local community can be fulfilling. Think about all the things we do to make our community, ours. How can PTAs and PTSAs encourage children and families to be good citizen …
Read moreSupport For Adult Mental Health – Part 2
November 11, 2022
by Colleen Hervey, CA State PTA Family Engagement Commissioner, Derby Pattengill, CA State PTA Health and Community Concerns Vice-President, and Justine Fischer, Community Director for CalHope Schools Initiative Partnership As parents and/or caregivers …
Read moreHybrid PTA Meetings Are a Giant Step Forward
November 10, 2022
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission PTAs learned a few things during the pandemic. Teleconferencing and video-conference meetings are now utilized by PTAs frequently. Three years ago the term “hybrid meeting” was pretty much unknown …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA positions on education bills
November 10, 2022
by California State PTA Legislation Advocates Anita Avrick, Melanie Lucas and Beth Meyerhoff California State PTA supported nine education bills that were signed into law this year. These laws range from classroom air quality and school drinking wate …
Read moreSupport For Mental Health: The CalHOPE Schools Initiative
November 4, 2022
Adults who care for kids want what’s best for them, whether they’re in the role of parent, caregiver, teacher, or something else. What’s best includes providing young people with care that helps them to be happy, healthy, loved, nourished, protected, e …
Read moreCalifornia Department of Education Releases CAASPP Data
October 28, 2022
by California State PTA Education Commission Earlier this week, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the results of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests administered during the 2021-22 school yea …
Read moreLearn, Share, Grow: Strategies that Work at Secondary Schools
October 21, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Connecting with secondary-school students and their families is just as important as when they were in elementary school. But sometimes the programs that were successful when the students were littl …
Read morePTAs help students stand up and stand out
October 14, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kelly Mattinson For students hoping to attend highly competitive colleges and universities, the application process can be daunting. That’s especially true for students with a good grade …
Read moreMaking Digital Citizenship a PTA Priority
October 12, 2022
By Mary Perry, California State PTA Communications Commission How do we help families use technology responsibly for learning, creating, and participating in the larger community? That is the central question that educators, parents, and students are a …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports Prop 31: Keep Kids and Tobacco Apart
October 12, 2022
by California State PTA Legislative Action Committee Flavored tobacco products like blue raspberry, root beer, and minty menthol target and hook kids. Tobacco companies use these flavors to make our children their lifelong customers. The numbers speak …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Urges Support of Prop 28: Art and Music in Public Schools
October 12, 2022
by California State PTA Legislation Team California State PTA supports Proposition 28 on the November ballot which funds art and music in public schools. California State PTA has strongly and actively advocated for a full curriculum that includes the a …
Read moreReflections – Another Way to Celebrate the A in STEAM
October 9, 2022
by California State PTA Arts Education Committee An A in the classroom is still the best grade. And we know putting the A in STEM, making it STEAM, is the right decision for all students. When schools include the arts as an integral part of their curri …
Read moreWhat do families need? The chance to be heard.
October 7, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kathleen Fay Families want to be heard by their school community. PTA leaders can help make that happen by hosting listening sessions to provide families with an authentic opportunity to …
Read morePTA Contracts Require Thoughtful Consideration
October 6, 2022
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission Your PTA’s efforts to provide programs for students and to support your schools often require that you contract with individuals or companies to fundraise or provide services. California State PTA …
Read moreHow Your PTA Can Easily and Safely Collect Payments
October 3, 2022
In our personal lives everyone is using apps to make payments, and folks are asking “Can PTAs use Venmo?” “What about Cash App?” The answer is no. These types of apps are peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms which aren’t developed to serve groups, especially …
Read moreCollege Essay Writing
September 30, 2022
by California State PTA Vice President for Family Engagement, Heather Ippolito As many families with high school students know, fall is not just the beginning of the school year. For a high school senior planning to continue their education at a four-y …
Read moreAttendance & Why It Matters
September 23, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commissioner, Shannon Jaeger As we start off another school year, we know that local PTA leaders are excited to see students returning and eager to welcome parents and students alike to the school campus and al …
Read moreKnowing your family’s rights: Students have rights, too
September 16, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kathleen Fay As events and programs for the new school year get underway, your PTA will be more successful and your plans will go more smoothly if your leaders have a solid understanding …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports Prop 28: Art & Music in Public Schools
September 14, 2022
by California State PTA Legislation Team For almost thirty five years, California State PTA has strongly and actively advocated for a full curriculum that includes the arts. Arts education supports all kids. In the past, many schools have cut arts educ …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports Prop 31: Prohibit Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
September 14, 2022
by California State PTA Legislative Action Committee With flavors like “cotton candy,” “mango slushy,” and “chocolate,” vaping tobacco products have become increasingly popular among youth as young as 4th grade. A 2020 report from the Centers for Disea …
Read moreCommittees Help Your PTA Get Things Done
September 13, 2022
by California State PTA Leadership Services Commission Are you wondering how your executive board can possibly plan, promote, and implement all the activities you hope to have? Are you looking for ways to engage new PTA members or those with limited ti …
Read morePTAs Throughout State Receive Grants to Support Their Programs
September 13, 2022
by California State PTA Scholarships and Grants Committee A dozen local PTAs have received the extra resources they need to turn great program ideas into reality in 2022. Thanks to our California State PTA Scholarships and Grants program, these local u …
Read moreLearn, Share Grow: Ideas for Family/Caregiver Elementary School Events
September 9, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Elementary school is many families’ first interaction with the school system. When your PTA finds ways to engage families early in the year it can have lasting impacts on your campus, your PTA, and t …
Read moreLocal PTAs Successfully Advocate For School Facilities Improvements
September 9, 2022
by California State PTA Legislative Advocate Beth Graves-Meyerhoff Many PTAs coordinate programs and opportunities for their members to advocate directly with their local elected officials. Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTAs invited students, teach …
Read morePTAs Can Help to Get Out the Vote!
September 8, 2022
by California State PTA Get Out the Vote! Many PTAs coordinate voter registration campaigns as part of their advocacy programs to engage PTA families and students. Along with the adult advocacy California State PTA undertakes, we have long encouraged s …
Read moreMock Elections Generate Real Election Excitement For Students
September 5, 2022
by California State PTA While many middle and high school students may not yet be able to vote officially, they can participate in mock elections. Many PTAs offer mock elections as a student program to teach students about the elections process, the el …
Read moreKnowing your family’s rights helps to protect them
September 2, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kathleen Fay Decades of research back up what we know and value: Family involvement is the real key to our kids’ success. California State PTA wants to make sure you know your family’s ri …
Read moreLearn, Share, Grow: Ideas for Creating Successful Family Events
August 26, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Creating family-oriented events, and making sure every family feels welcome, is a great way to strengthen the engagement of families with school and their kids’ education. More than 100 participant …
Read moreBigFuture: Offering Scholarships for All
August 17, 2022
Sponsored by College Board Lin from New Utrecht High School in New York High school students are heading back to classrooms for a new school year, and it’s never too early for families to start thinking about life after high school. Exploring careers …
Read moreExplaining the “WHY” for Family Engagement
August 12, 2022
By California State PTA Vice President for Family Engagement, Heather Ippolito, and California State PTA Family Engagement Consultant, Kathleen Fay Experienced PTA leaders know that effective family engagement is key to student success. Yet, it can be …
Read moreNational 988 Crisis Hotline is Now Up and Running
August 3, 2022
by California State PTA Health and Community Concerns Commission A new nationwide hotline phone number, 988, will provide 24/7 free and confidential emotional support to those struggling with a mental health crisis. Promoted as an alternative to 911, 9 …
Read moreSummer Tips to Stay on Track for College & Career Planning
June 17, 2022
Sponsored by College Board As summer arrives, rising seniors might have extra time to think and plan for life after high school. Families are making big decisions that starts with planning for what happens after high school graduation and choosing what …
Read moreMaking Media Literacy Happen
June 17, 2022
By Mary Perry, California State PTA Communications Commission The phrase “media literacy” can raise different issues for different people. One parent might point to the cacophony of different advice regarding the pandemic. Another parent might put the …
Read moreMake PTA Planning Part of Your Summer. You’ll Be Glad You Did.
June 17, 2022
By Leadership Services Commission Summer is certainly a time to relax and take a breath. For PTA leaders it’s also the ideal time to get a head start on the next PTA term. When things begin to get busier with the start of school, you and your team wil …
Read moreSummer Break Learning and Activities for Families
June 3, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission California PTA leaders’ top recommendations for summer break learning activities and adventures you can discover together with your child. Check out the Resource Library- The California State PTA’s …
Read moreCalifornia PTA Program Grant Helps Dunsmore Elementary Present Anti-Racism Series
May 27, 2022
By Colleen Hervey, Family Engagement Commission Member and Chair of Scholarship and Grants Committee This week, we’re highlighting Dunsmore Elementary School PTA which received a $2,000 Parent Education program grant from California State PTA in fall 2 …
Read moreHow you can have a voice in developing your school district’s LCAP
May 20, 2022
by Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant At this time of year, California school districts can demonstrate their commitment to family engagement in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP). National PTA …
Read moreUnderstanding Annual Statewide Test Scores
May 16, 2022
Sponsored by ETS Beginning in June, parents should be on the lookout for their child’s Student Score Report on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The California Department of Education in partnership with the state’ …
Read moreHow to Incorporate Your Historian’s Work Into Your PTA All Year
May 16, 2022
By California State PTA Leadership Services Commission In the bylaws of many PTA/PTSA Units, Councils, and Districts the historian is identified as an elected officer (a member of the executive board). Even though this person has a seat at the table ye …
Read moreTips to Celebrate Student Success: Graduations, Promotions and Proms
May 14, 2022
By California State PTA Leadership Services Commission Each year, PTAs are asked to sponsor various graduation and celebration events in May and June. These events may be for high school seniors or for eighth and fifth/sixth grader advancement to the n …
Read moreNew Resolution Gives Equitable Access with Plant-based Meals
May 11, 2022
By California State PTA Resolutions Committee and Maya Bhandari, Student Board Member, California State PTA Student Involvement Committee We are pleased to announce that the delegates to the 2022 California State PTA Convention adopted a new resolution …
Read moreFamily Engagement is an Education Priority for California
May 5, 2022
By Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant Springtime brings warmer weather, a week off, and preparations for the future. As school districts tackle budget planning to get ready for the next school year, families are …
Read moreApply now: California’s Parent Advisory Council
April 22, 2022
By California State PTA Family Engagement Commission The California Department of Education is looking for parents and guardians of public-school students in Pre-K through 12th grade from a variety of communities throughout California, to serve on the …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports AB 1703: California Indian Education Act
April 17, 2022
By Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Education Advocate Assembly Bill 1703 (Ramos) California State PTA supports Assembly Bill 1703 (Ramos). This bill would change California’s education code to encourage school districts, county offices of educatio …
Read moreSummary of the CAAASA Conference
April 13, 2022
by Family Engagement Commission The California State PTA is proud to partner with the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) to support its statewide professional development summit titled: An Equitable A …
Read more8 Tips for Families with Young Children
April 8, 2022
By California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Did you know that during the first three years of life, brain development is especially rapid, with more than 700 neural connections created each second? This means that more is learned — at a faster …
Read moreFamily Engagement Opportunities at the 2022 Convention
April 1, 2022
By California State PTA Family Engagement Commission The Family Engagement Commission is excited to meet you at our upcoming state convention on April 29-May 1 in Ontario! We have been planning workshops to help you take your PTA family engagement to t …
Read moreCelebrating Arts in Education Month at Home
March 24, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission and Arts Committee March is Arts in Education month. Here are some resources and tips to help you celebrate: Here are five reasons to make art a part of your family time: Art is something that all …
Read moreSchools Can Access a Wealth of Free Resources That Support Media Literacy
March 16, 2022
By Mary Perry, California State PTA Communications Commissioner Do you know how well your local school is doing at addressing media literacy? It may be hard to tell if you just look for middle and high school courses with that title. Instead, the conse …
Read moreAttendance Issues Could Drive a Change in How School District Funding is Calculated
March 16, 2022
By Beth Meyerhoff, Education Legislation Advocate In California, school districts receive funding based on the number of students who attend school or what is known as Average Daily Attendance (ADA). This funding system has become challenging for schoo …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports SB 878, the Road to Success Act
March 16, 2022
By Beth Meyerhoff, Education Legislation Advocate SB 878 (Skinner) Yellow Buses for Every TK-12 California Public School California State PTA supports Road to Success, a bill which will make sure that every TK-12 public school student has bus transport …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports SB 291: Giving Students a Voice Act
March 16, 2022
By Melanie Lucas, Education Legislation Advocate SB 291 California State PTA supports a bill that would give students a seat at the table on a special needs advisory board. Roughly 800,000 students in California receive special education services which …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports AB1675: Expedited Application Process For Teacher Credentialing of Military Spouses
March 16, 2022
By Beth Meyerhoff, Education Legislative Advocate AB 1675 (Ward) Expedited Teacher Credentialing for Spouses of Active Duty Armed Forces Members California State PTA took a support position on a bill that will streamline the barriers to obtaining a lic …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA is a Sponsor of AB 1614, Increasing the LCFF Base Grant
March 16, 2022
By Anita Avrick, Education Legislation Advocate AB 1614 (Muratsuchi) It’s Time to Raise the Base Grant California State PTA supports increasing school funding for all students. Our students deserve adequate funding for a full curriculum. AB 1614 (Mura …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports AB558, School Meals: Child Nutrition Act of 2022
March 16, 2022
By Vinita Verma, California State PTA Health Advocate AB 558 (Nazarian) School meals support education by providing nutrition to children. They improve behavior, ability to focus, and academic performance. For some students, school meals are the only m …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA Supports AB 58: Pupil health: suicide prevention policies and training
March 16, 2022
AB 58 (Salas) by Vinita Verma, California State PTA Health Advocate California State PTA has taken a support position on Pupil health: suicide prevention policies and training. The California State PTA has a strong advocacy goal of improving pupil men …
Read moreSocial and Emotional Learning and the Arts
March 16, 2022
By California State PTA Arts Education Committee and Health & Community Concerns Commission There is no question that an emphasis on the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the educational environment has grown exponentially. SEL has …
Read moreBylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units: Essential and Easy to Update
March 16, 2022
By Leadership Services Commission What do you think of when you hear the term “bylaws?” Does “restrictive,” “rules,” and “Who needs them?” come to mind? The more familiar you are with unit, council, or district bylaws ― the more you’ll appreciate their …
Read morePTA Advocacy is Member Driven: Resolution at the 2022 Convention
March 16, 2022
By California State PTA Resolutions Committee PTA advocacy is led by our members from the local elementary school to the state and national level. Our efforts are guided by PTA authorities; such as resolutions, position statements, and legislation plat …
Read moreInterview: Ways to Include and Engage the Men in Your PTA
February 25, 2022
Byline: LaQuisha Anderson, Family Engagement Commissioner The California State PTA Family Engagement Commission sat down with PTA dad Murali Vasudevan to discuss his experience serving in the PTA at his daughter’s schools, ABC Council PTA, and Thirty-T …
Read moreKeeping Family School Partnerships Strong as COVID Challenges Continue
February 18, 2022
by By Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant When families are involved in their children’s education they have better outcomes and when families and schools are partners all children do better. That’s the findings …
Read moreTake Your Family-to-School Week: Strengthening Family-School Ties
February 11, 2022
by Family Engagement Commission February 14-18th is Take Your Family to School Week. This statewide event, created by the National PTA In 2006, gives families a chance to see what happens on their child’s school campus. Help families, teachers, and sch …
Read moreTips to Foster Educational Equity for All Students
February 10, 2022
Sponsored by College Board In California, college-readiness and college-going rates vary greatly by race and ethnicity. Black, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander students are less likely to be prepared for and enroll in college due to lack o …
Read moreSix Ways to Fix the “Everyone Welcome Sign” on Your PTA
February 8, 2022
By: California State PTA Leadership Services and Family Engagement Commissions You’re in the PTA to do good things for all kids and families. You might think your PTA is a place where everyone feels welcome, but others could see it differently because …
Read moreProposed State Budget Is A Cause For Guarded Optimism
February 8, 2022
By: Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Legislative Advocate Each January in California, a new legislative year kicks off with the governor submitting a proposed state budget. This year, the Governor’s Budget proposal includes funding for many PTA pr …
Read moreA High School Counselor Shares Tips for Families to Help Preparing Their Child for College or Career
February 8, 2022
By: Family Engagement Commission A high school counselor shares tips on how families and counselors can work together for success after high school. February 7-11 is National School Counseling Week. Kimberly Goller, a counselor at Canyon High School i …
Read morePromote Safer Internet Day & Start Planning Future Membership Drives
February 7, 2022
by Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: HOW TO PROMOTE SAFER INTERNET USAGE The pandemic has forced students and educators across all levels of education to rapidly adapt to online learning. Safer Internet Day is February 9th and PTAs can bu …
Read moreNational School Counseling Week is February 7-11
February 4, 2022
By: Family Engagement Commission There are many people on a school campus that families should become acquainted with — one key person is the school counselor. The week of February 7th is National School Counseling Week. To help families understand mor …
Read moreMembership Monday: Spread Warmth and Grow Your PTA
January 31, 2022
by Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: GROWING MEMBERSHIP CAN BE AS EASY AS A CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE Today is National Hot Chocolate Day! Spreading a little warmth and joy can help you build community and grow your PTA membership. Offering a c …
Read moreCelebrating February Holidays and Events as a Family
January 28, 2022
By: Family Engagement Commission It’s almost February! Get ready for a month full of important holidays and events including Black History Month, Presidents’ Day, Safer Internet Day and Valentine’s Day. Schools will be focused on these events in a vari …
Read moreMEMBERSHIP TIP: Founders’ Day. Remind Your Community of the Value of PTA
January 24, 2022
By Membership Services Commission PTA has been a fierce advocate for children and families in our schools, across the nation, and throughout California. PTA was founded on February 17, 1897, and California State PTA was chartered in 1902 and has proudl …
Read moreBuilding Relationships Starts With Trust
January 21, 2022
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Relationships are at the core of high-quality family engagement. As a PTA leader, you must take the time to build trusting, authentic relationships with families on your campus before they buy into a …
Read moreFamily Engagement is a Shared Responsibility
January 14, 2022
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement , California State PTA Whose job is it to create partnerships between families and the schools that serve them? That question has driven the work of Dr. Karen Mapp, a Harvard professor and a con …
Read moreMedia Literacy: Should it be part of your school’s curriculum?
January 13, 2022
By Mary Perry, California State PTA Communications Commission In the era before internet and social media news, we looked to a limited number of media sources (e.g. newspapers and magazines, TV networks, and radio broadcasts) for the facts and informat …
Read moreMake Sure You’re Prepared for Your PTA’s Annual Meeting
January 11, 2022
By Michael Morgan, Vice President for Leadership Services Your PTA is required to have an annual association meeting. Your California State PTA Leadership Services Commission is here to help you. A few simple tips will ensure the official business is d …
Read morePTA Perspective on Federal Infrastructure Bill
January 10, 2022
By Dianna McDonald, California State PTA Advocate New laws around Infrastructure, jobs, and climate change will impact California’s children and families. California is due to receive about $45 billion dollars from the federal Infrastructure Investment …
Read moreNew Law Helps Schools Better Serve Homeless Students
January 10, 2022
By Amy Rickard, California State PTA Advocate California’s population of homeless youth is growing. Assembly Bill (AB) 27, supported by California State PTA and recently signed into law, assures that our homeless students will now be counted and given …
Read moreStart 2022 With a New Membership Campaign
January 9, 2022
By Membership Services Commission MEMBERSHIP TIP: The New Year Calls For New Membership Campaigns Let’s ring in the new year by bringing in new members to our PTAs so we can continue to support children and families in our communities! This is the idea …
Read moreFamily-School Partnership Standard #6: Collaborating With Community
January 7, 2022
By Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant The PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships offer best practices for increasing authentic family engagement in our schools. The sixth standard, Collaborating wi …
Read moreHow Your PTA Can Engage Even the Busiest Working Parents
December 17, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement To be as inclusive as possible, every PTA needs to provide opportunities for all parents and families to be involved. So far on the blog we’ve given you some ideas for engaging middle school fa …
Read moreFamily-School Partnership Standard #5: Sharing Power
December 9, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement When families and schools work together as equal partners in decision-making, students succeed. Parents/caregivers, students, school staff, and administrators should partner to develop programs, …
Read moreCelebrating Handwashing Awareness Week
December 3, 2021
By California State PTA’s Health and Community Concerns Commission The holiday season is upon us along with cold and flu season! California State PTA’s Health and Community Concerns Commission wants to remind you that December 5-11 is National Handwash …
Read moreCelebrate Inclusive Schools This Week — And All Year Long
December 3, 2021
By Derby Pattengill, Vice President, Health and Community Concerns During the week of December 6, schools across the country will be raising awareness about how to make sure every classroom offers opportunities for ALL children to succeed. The national …
Read moreIt’s Time for Your PTA Mid-Year Financial Review!
December 3, 2021
By Laura Ann Hawk-Loya, California State PTA Treasurer Your bylaws state that you should be conducting twice yearly financial reviews of your financial records. For most PTAs that means you have a mid-year financial review coming up (double check your …
Read moreLegislation Conference Strengthened My Confidence and Connections
December 3, 2021
By Kathryn Rickard, Student Board Member, California State PTA When I look back and think about why I applied to become a student member of the California State PTA Board of Managers, I am reminded of the first state PTA Legislation Conference I attend …
Read moreNominating Committee: The most important committee of your PTA
December 3, 2021
By Brad Waller, CA State PTA Parliamentarian January marks the time to think about the election of your PTA’s nominating committees! Your local bylaws determine when your nominating committee should be elected, typically in January or February. The no …
Read moreFamily Engagement Strategies for Middle School
December 3, 2021
By: Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement During elementary school connecting with your child’s school and teacher can be relatively straightforward and our kids generally welcome our involvement. However, the hands-on approach of fami …
Read moreBipartisan Background Check Act of 2021 (Thompson)
December 3, 2021
By Dianna MacDonald, California State PTA Legislative Advocate For more than a century, California State PTA has advocated for safer schools. While gun violence is a public-health crisis that affects us all, it is of particular concern when it comes to …
Read moreCelebrate International Men’s Day By Getting Men Involved at School
November 19, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement Involving men on school campuses and in school activities has lasting positive impacts on children. When fathers (or other male role models) are engaged in a child’s education, attendance incre …
Read moreCelebrating American Education Week
November 15, 2021
By California State PTA Education Commission The National Education Association (NEA) has officially declared November 15-19, 2021 as “American Education Week.” This is a time to celebrate public education and honor the individuals working to ensure th …
Read moreAdvocates Plan to Continue Work on Several Education Bills
November 12, 2021
By Anita Avrick, Melanie Lucas and Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Education Advocates The California State PTA takes positions on bills to improve the lives of children and families. The Legislation Team reads hundreds of bills a year. The Legi …
Read moreHow to Engage High School Parents in PTA
November 12, 2021
By Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant As kids get older, family involvement in school and in PTA tends to drop off – even as stakes grow higher. When high school PTA leaders make family engagement a central goal, …
Read moreThe Legislation Conference Turned Me Into an Advocate
November 11, 2021
By Jade Chao, Immediate Past President, Palo Alto Council of PTAs I first heard about a conference focusing on advocacy and legislation through my local PTA. As a relatively new volunteer in my children’s middle school and not knowing exactly what I mi …
Read moreMultiple Bills Addressing Students’ Mental Health are Now Law
November 11, 2021
By Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Advocate Fear and isolation heightened during the pandemic have reinforced California State PTA’s long-standing commitment to the mental health of children and the need for adult education to address youth mental …
Read moreGovernor’s Signature on AB 417 Supports College Access
November 10, 2021
By Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Education Legislative Advocate College opportunities for incarcerated teens and adults increased significantly when Governor Gavin Newson signed Assembly Bill (AB) 417 (McCarty) into law on October 6, 2021. This …
Read moreAB 856 Established Protocols for Safe Return to School
November 10, 2021
By Vinita Verma, California State PTA Community Concerns Legislative Advocate California State PTA supported Assembly Bill (AB) 856 (Maienschein) which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in July. The bill addressed the much-needed COVID era protoco …
Read moreSenate Bill 796: A Step Closer to Historic Justice for a Southern California Family
November 10, 2021
By Beth Graves Meyerhoff, California State PTA Legislative Advocate In a historic moment on September 30, 2011, the issue of reparations was addressed by Governor Gavin Newsom when he signed Senate Bill (SB) 796, authored by California State Senator St …
Read moreTakeaways from the Family Engagement Summit (Part 2)
November 5, 2021
Byline: Heather Ippolito, California State PTA Vice President for Family Engagement At schools all over the country, educators and community members are working to build stronger connections between families and schools. We already shared some t …
Read moreFinding the Right College for your Student
October 28, 2021
By California State PTA Family Engagement Commission A Conversation with Kelly Mattinson, Family Engagement Commission Consultant Q. How does a student find the “perfect fit” college? In most cases it’s a family decision. The choice needs to fulfill th …
Read moreTakeaways from the Family Engagement Summit: Part 1
October 22, 2021
By California State PTA Family Engagement and Communication Commission What do focusing on equity, motivating and validating others, understanding learning goals, pivoting away from passive information, and bridging the digital divide have in common? …
Read moreHalloween Safety Tips
October 19, 2021
Halloween is just around the corner. To ensure a fun and safe holiday, California State PTA suggests the following tips from Safekids.org: Walk Safely – Use crosswalks, walk on sidewalks instead of the street, and always check before crossing Watch You …
Read moreLearn How To Put Arts Education Into Your District Budget
October 17, 2021
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 (LCF …
Read moreCalifornia Supports Diversity with New Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement
October 15, 2021
By California State PTA Legislation Team with the Health and Community Concerns and Education Commissions With the governor’s signing of Assembly Bill (AB) 101 Ethnic Studies (Medina), California is the first state in the country to require that every …
Read moreFutureproof: A Book About Your Kids’ Futures (and Yours)
October 15, 2021
By California State PTA Family Engagement and Communication Commission Futureproof, written by technology writer Kevin Roose, offers new perspectives and interesting food for thought on matters that shape the relationship between families and sc …
Read moreParents Can Help Prevent Bullying
October 15, 2021
By California State PTA Health & Community Concerns Commission October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Bullying is a serious issue at home and in school, and parents and caring adults can play pivotal roles in creating healthy, safe school …
Read moreCelebrating Partners in Education: School Administrators
October 13, 2021
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 …
Read moreTaking Personal Responsibility for Cybersecurity
October 11, 2021
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month “The line between our online and offline lives is indistinguishable. In these tech-fueled times, our homes, societal well-being, economic prosperity and nation’s security are impacted by the internet,” the Natio …
Read moreSix Tips for Building Your Local PTA Leadership
October 11, 2021
Children are back in school, but for many of us it feels like we are still a long way from a full pandemic recovery. One place many PTA leaders feel that is in the volunteers on their local boards, or should we say the lack of volunteers. Filling a vac …
Read moreIt’s Tax Time for PTAs: Connect with us for help
October 11, 2021
Need help heading off tax issues before they start? Need help reaching the right contacts at the various government agencies who can help expedite processing of paperwork? We’re here for you. California State PTA has a dedicated tax support specialist …
Read moreFamily-School Partnership Standard #4: Speaking Up for Every Child
October 8, 2021
by Heather Ippolito, Vice President Family Engagement Commission 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 treat …
Read moreFall Family Challenge
October 1, 2021
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 …
Read moreSeptember is Attendance Awareness Month
September 28, 2021
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 …
Read moreSunday is Gold Star Mother’s Day
September 24, 2021
by Heather Ippolito, Vice President Family Engagement Commission This Sunday, September 26th is Gold Star Mother’s Day. 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 daught …
Read moreDisaster Preparedness – Protecting Those We Love
September 20, 2021
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 emergenc …
Read moreLet Everyone Know About PTA Perks
September 20, 2021
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 tea …
Read moreQuestion: College? When do we start talking about college? Answer: NOW!
September 17, 2021
by California State PTA Family Engagement Commission Consultant, Kelly Mattinson The best time to discuss and prepare for college is now. That said, your three-year-old does not need to decide where they are going to college BUT open discussion about a …
Read moreHow to Apply for CA State PTA Scholarships and Grants
September 16, 2021
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 rundo …
Read moreWe Should Have a Resolution on That!
September 15, 2021
by Resolutions Committee A History of Parent Advocacy Founded in 1897, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a nationwide network of 4 million families, students, educators, and community leaders working at the school building, district, state, and natio …
Read morePTA leaders can spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide
September 15, 2021
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 Amer …
Read moreEvery PTA should be your kind of PTA
September 13, 2021
by Membership Services Commission Did you know anyone can be a member of the PTA? That’s right, from students (even elementary), to grandparents, alumni, school board members, and… Well, you get the picture. It is so important that your PTA reflect …
Read moreIt’s Arts in Education Week
September 12, 2021
by CA State PTA Arts Education Committee This National event, taking place this year on September 12-18, is a great chance for local PTA leader and members to show your support for Arts Education and add your voice to a national movement. It also gives …
Read moreBack to School Week September 13-17
September 10, 2021
by Heather Ippolito, VP Family Engagement This coming week National PTA celebrates Back to School Week. From September 13-17 they are hosting activities and encouraging school sites across the country to hold events to welcome students and their famil …
Read moreSeptember 12- Grandparents Day
September 10, 2021
by Family Engagement Commission On September 12th we celebrate Grandparents Day to honor all of the contributions that grandparents have made in our lives. While it can be a wonderful idea to bring grandparents to campus for some sort of celebration, …
Read moreSeptember 8 – International Literacy Day
September 7, 2021
by Education and Family Engagement Commissions The website, Raising a Reader, recently shared these statistics about reading and literacy: Less than half of the 16 million U.S. children who live in poverty enter school with the language and reading ski …
Read moreParticipate and WIN: 2021-2022 Membership Awards & Incentives
September 6, 2021
by Membership Services Commission We’ve made the directions simple on your journey to a successful membership drive. Visit each checkpoint along the route to build a strong membership campaign for your PTA this year. Read the official rules, find dead …
Read moreFamily-School Partnership Standard #3: Supporting Student Success
September 3, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, VP Family Engagement As we continue our series about the PTA National Family-School Partnership Standards we want to remind you that we have several blog posts around this topic: PTA National Standards for Family-School Partners …
Read moreFamily Engagement Monthly Activities – September Family Walking Challenge
September 1, 2021
By Family Engagement and Health & Community Concerns Commissions Each month the Family Engagement Commission is going to share an activity that you can do with your school, council, or district. The goal is simple– let’s get families having fun a …
Read moreTest Scores Can Help Jump Start the Learning Process
September 1, 2021
Register Now! California State PTA Presents: A Zoom presentation by Educational Testing Service and Metametrics September 2, 2021 – 4-5pm We often think of test scores as the ending point of a student’s learning, a “final score.” But test result …
Read moreChild Tax Credit Outreach Requested by US Department of Education
September 1, 2021
We recognize that many families are still struggling financially from the pandemic and that the Child Tax Credit is an important opportunity to help them cover their expenses, especially as kids prepare to return to school. We’re engaging with the Trea …
Read morePTA Tools Can Help You Exceed Your Membership Goals
August 30, 2021
by Membership Services Commission School has started now, and we know just how easy it is to be overwhelmed by the commotion of getting your own students out the door and into the classroom. Because it can be just that hectic, we wanted to take some ti …
Read moreMeet the Family Engagement Commission
August 27, 2021
by Heather Ippolito, VP Family Engagement The Family Engagement Commission this term consists of a Vice President, nine members of the CA State PTA Board of Managers (five of whom are District Presidents), and two consultants. We are located around th …
Read moreElectronic Membership Makes it Easy to Join PTA
August 24, 2021
by Membership Services Commission ELECTRONIC MEMBERSHIP WORKS! A few years ago, at the request of our local leaders, California State PTA created the online membership system known as Totem. Since its unveiling, over 2,400 PTA units have joined Totem a …
Read moreStandard #2: Communicating Effectively
August 19, 2021
by Heather Ippolito, VP Family Engagement In July we introduced the PTA National Standards for Family School Partnerships and Standard 1- Welcoming All Families on this blog. Today we are going to share some tips and best practices for Standard 2: Co …
Read moreCONQUERING ANXIETY AS WE ALL HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL
August 19, 2021
by Mary Perry, California State PTA Board of Managers All over California, the back-to-school ritual has begun. This year, of course, that ritual is so different. For many students and families, it’s the first time in more than a year that in-person sc …
Read morePTA Knows Family Engagement! Learn more about the School Smarts Program
August 18, 2021
by School Smarts Committee For nearly 125 years PTA has helped parents and caregivers make lasting connections to their school campus to benefit all children. Over the last ten years our School Smarts family engagement program has helped over 10,000 p …
Read moreGetting Inspired About Reflections
August 17, 2021
by Reflections Committee Want to be inspired? Just spend some time looking at the dance routines, films, visual artwork, written poems and stories, and photographs California students created as part of the 2020-21 PTA Reflections program. Thousands of …
Read moreInvolving Students Strengthens Your PTA
August 16, 2021
By Membership Services Commission Adding student members to your association and having students serve on your executive board is great for them and great for your PTA. PTA was established to be a powerful voice for all children. Having student and …
Read moreEleven Ways to Draw a Crowd to Your PTA Meetings
August 13, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement PTA units are always asking our state leaders “How can we get more people to attend our association meetings and events?” The Leadership Services and Family Engagement commissions teamed up and …
Read morePTA Membership: Teacher is Our Middle Name
August 9, 2021
By the Membership Services Commission In the PTA universe, we know how important our teachers are! Having the teachers and administrators at your school join your PTA and participate in your programs is a great way to encourage children and families to …
Read moreFamily Engagement: A Hot Back-to-School Topic
August 6, 2021
As the summer ends, many workshops, webinars, and virtual conferences are preparing educational leaders, teachers, and parents for the return to school. Our Family Engagement Team has attended several of them. Here are some of the take-aways: We can …
Read moreThe CDC is Asking You to Help Raise Awareness About Immunizations
August 5, 2021
By Mary Perry Vaccinations are a hot topic right now, thanks of course to COVID-19. But long before the current pandemic the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) designated August as National Immunization Awareness Month. To help schools and families mak …
Read moreStandard #1: Welcoming all families into the school community
July 30, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, VP for Family Engagement Earlier this month we introduced the PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships on the blog. You can view that article by clicking here. Today we are going to dig a little deeper into the first …
Read moreProtecting Kids from the Academic Impact of a Lost Year
July 29, 2021
By Mary Perry, California State PTA Board of Managers For many California children, the 2020-21 school year was a time of lost potential as one fourth of families did not have a high-speed internet connection and thousands of students did not even enro …
Read moreInterview with Danni Kim, National PTA Family Engagement Whole Child Fellow
July 23, 2021
Earlier this month National PTA announced the names of four Family Engagement Fellows from across the United States. California State PTA is proud to announce that Danni Kim from Franklin Magnet PTA in First District was selected for this prestigious p …
Read moreFamily Engagement in the News
July 16, 2021
As we gear up to head back to school, our commission has been noticing a trend in the news — there has been a great deal of talk about Family Engagement! This is exciting for all of our PTA units, as this continues to show that the work you do every d …
Read moreSummer learning ideas and resources
July 13, 2021
Learning loss during the summer months is a real concern, especially after the challenging school year we’ve had. If you’re looking for ways to keep your child’s mind active over the term break, or just want to take part in some interesting summer acti …
Read moreIntroduction to the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
July 9, 2021
National PTA is focused on transformative family engagement which is defined as “a shared effort of families, schools, and community leaders to advance programs, practices, and policies that empower every parent to make their child’s potential a realit …
Read moreFirst Tasks for New PTA Officers
July 9, 2021
Getting started as a brand-new PTA officer can seem daunting at first. There’s a lot that needs to be done to get things up and running, but who does what, and in what order? This list help you figure out when and how to schedule meetings, create calen …
Read moreWhat is Family Engagement?
July 2, 2021
By Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Family Engagement In PTA we often talk about family engagement, but what does it really mean and why is it so very important? Family engagement with schools has many definitions: The US Department of Health a …
Read moreThank you from PTA president Celia Jaffe
June 29, 2021
Hello PTA friends and friends of California State PTA: The resilience, dedication, and creativity shown by PTA leaders during this challenging term has been exceptional. Through the pandemic, PTAs continued to play meaningful roles in their local commu …
Read moreFocus on Eye Health
June 28, 2021
The biggest challenge of the last year to maintaining healthy vision has been digital eye strain. With kids being forced to switch from in-person to digitally based distance learning because of the pandemic, the number of hours per week they spend star …
Read moreCollege and Career Readiness Summer Activity
June 25, 2021
Helping our students think about college and career readiness is a great thing to do during the summer months. The Family Engagement Commission has found a really fun resource for students in grades 5-12 to use this summer AND they could win a $1,000 s …
Read moreAdvocacy Agenda for Equity 2021
June 21, 2021
California State PTA believes that all children deserve a quality education regardless of the community in which they live, the color of their skin, their language, their gender identity, or their immigration status. But too many California students fr …
Read moreFamily Engagement in a Virtual World
May 14, 2021
This year was different – and Family Engagement was different, too. Families are struggling with physical and fiscal health. There were so many uncertainties about this school year – and even next year! Our usual routines have been changed dramatically …
Read moreAddressing Microaggressions to Make PTAs More Welcoming
May 13, 2021
We all want all families to feel welcome at our schools. An active middle school PTSA was committed to including all voices in their PTSA planning. They worked with their school’s Spanish-bilingual and Chinese-bilingual family liaisons to engage the En …
Read moreFamily Engagement: It’s the Law
May 11, 2021
As PTA members, we know how important family engagement is for student and school success. Did you know that family engagement is not just good practice? In California it’s the law! The California Department of Education’s Local Control Funding Formu …
Read moreETS Update: Spring Assessments
May 10, 2021
This article was provided by our sponsor ETS. Read more about ETS here. State tests are underway and like this school year when learning is different—whether your child is in a school, learning at home, or both—the tests are also different. We recogni …
Read moreStaying Connected with PTA Families in a Virtual World
May 10, 2021
How do we keep everyone connected when we can’t meet in person? The same way we did before: by communicating clearly and frequently, by hosting a variety of social and learning activities, and by building authentic relationships. Clear and frequent com …
Read moreNational PTA Reflections Results for 2020-21
May 1, 2021
By the Reflections Committee A total of 13 students from California received recognition for their creative accomplishments from the National PTA Reflections program. You can see a list of all the 2020-21 California Reflections awards here. National PT …
Read moreAre you feeling engaged with your school site?
April 26, 2021
Family Engagement is at the heart of what we do in PTA — but do you feel like you are running out of ideas for good programming? The Family Engagement Commission is hosting a workshop that will help you with just that at our 122nd Annual Convention. T …
Read moreScreenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills For Stress Resilience
April 22, 2021
The Family Engagement Commission is excited to share a little teaser about its upcoming Convention workshop. You won’t want to miss the showing of the documentary “Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,” as well as the discussion that happens afterward! Title of Pr …
Read moreIt’s Time for a Renewed Focus on the Old LCAP
April 20, 2021
This article was written by Kathleen Fay, member of the California State PTA Legislation Team. A school district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is an important tool that requires a district to identify goals, address priorities, allocat …
Read moreSchool Reopening Advocacy: What Can Your PTA Do?
April 20, 2021
This article was written by Shereen Walter, California State PTA’s Director of Legislation. Now that the Governor and Legislature have come to agreement on the details surrounding the $2 billion to incentivize schools to reopen for in person learning, …
Read moreMarch 31st is National Crayon Day
March 31, 2021
Take some time with the family today to celebrate both National Crayon Day and the end of Arts Education Month. Our Communications Commission created these coloring sheets that highlight PTA’s advocacy efforts over the years — enjoy coloring them with …
Read moreThe Importance of Civics Education
March 30, 2021
California State Board of Managers member and past Vice President of Education Mary Perry recently wrote an article for Ed100 entitled, “Are California Students Prepared for Citizenship?” She writes, “Some students are deeply involved in civic life. Th …
Read morePreventing School Absenteeism: What Parents Need to Know
February 23, 2021
Chronic absence is defined as missing 10 percent or greater of the total number of days enrolled during the school year for any reason. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions, and in-school suspensions that last more than one-ha …
Read moreNational Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 22, 2021
The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness) is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders by educating the public, spreading a message of hope, and putting lifesaving resources into the hands of those in need. Every Body Has a …
Read moreLeg Con 2021 Wrap-Up: Bringing Equity to California Public Schools
February 19, 2021
This article was written by Kitty Cahalan, President of Blair School PTSA in Pasadena (First District) “A Path to Equity” was the focus of this year’s Legislation Conference, which I attended as a local PTA leader and advocate, but also as the parent o …
Read moreWhat Does President Biden’s Coronavirus Relief Plan Mean for Children and Families?
February 19, 2021
The Biden administration recently released its $1.9 trillion Coronavirus relief plan. So what does this plan mean for our children and families through the lens of equity? Stimulus The plan calls for sending another $1,400 per person to eligible reci …
Read moreOp-Ed: 10 Things California State PTA Recommends for the Safe Reopening of Schools
February 8, 2021
It’s been almost a year since California closed school campuses. And you know who is counting? Parents, teachers, and students are counting each day with growing frustration. The California State PTA shares that angst. Not only are children falling beh …
Read moreHow Is California’s Education Budget Created?
January 25, 2021
The California State budget is complex, to say the least. How do we, as parents, help to understand it especially as it relates to education funding? Our own former State President, Carol Kocivar, wrote the following article for Ed100 last week to hel …
Read moreWhat is the Role of the Federal Government in Education?
December 18, 2020
Education is primarily a state and local responsibility in the United States. It is states and communities, as well as public and private organizations of all kinds, that establish schools and colleges, develop curricula, and determine requirements for …
Read moreWill There be More Money for Schools Next Year? Let’s See…
December 16, 2020
The headlines say California schools will get billions of dollars of new funding next year under Prop 98 which guarantees schools about 40% of the state budget. This is great news. But it is only part of the financial picture, because last year schools …
Read moreVirtual Icebreakers for PTA Meetings
December 10, 2020
This article was originally published on MindTools.com. Virtual ice breakers are a great way of overcoming one of the biggest challenges of managing a remote team – that is, the lack of opportunities for team bonding. It’s no longer as simple as walkin …
Read moreInclusive Schools Week: December 7-11, 2020
December 9, 2020
This week is Inclusive Schools Week, celebrating the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio …
Read moreWhy Should You Attend the 2021 California State PTA Legislation Conference?
December 2, 2020
Have you considered attending Leg Con 2021, but are still on the fence? Well, here are five reasons that will convince you that attending is DEFINITELY worthwhile: This is our first-ever virtual Legislation Conference — don’t you want to be able to sa …
Read moreBook Review: “The New Jim Crow,” by Michelle Alexander
November 19, 2020
The CAPTA Legislation team is in the process of reading and discussing one book a month on the topic of the African American experience in the U.S. We decided to do this to educate ourselves about this pertinent and important issue. Our first two books …
Read moreGlobal Diversity Awareness Month: Parent Stories, Part 2
November 5, 2020
First, listen… Unit PTA leader: We decided to move to an area where my Black son would see peers and school adults who looked like him. As a PTA leader, I know the power of advocacy and partnership with school staff. I advocated with his teachers about …
Read moreAdvice on Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle – During COVID-19, and Year-Round
October 29, 2020
Although we’ve all learned a lot over the last eight months about how to stay healthy in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle year round. Exerc …
Read moreGlobal Diversity Awareness Month: Teacher Stories, Part 1
October 27, 2020
First, listen… Educator: I use the word ‘grownups’, not parents, or mom and dads. I used to use those words but I learned that some of my students are being raised by their grandparents or other family members. Some had one parent because the other was …
Read moreHow Next Gen Science Standards Prepare Students for Next Gen Careers
October 27, 2020
“Mom, what’s the point of taking biology if I’m not going to use anything I learn? I’m not going to be a scientist. I’m going to be a reporter.” Many of your children may ask similar questions when they come home from school. Unable to make a direct co …
Read moreGlobal Diversity Awareness Month: Student Stories, Part 2
October 22, 2020
First, listen…. Student: It wasn’t until I took an AP class my sophomore year where the books we read were by authors of color. I became really interested in who gets to choose the books that I am taught in school. I found out it’s up to the teacher to …
Read moreGlobal Diversity Awareness Month: Student Stories, Part 1
October 13, 2020
First, listen… Student: Whether I wear pants or a skirt, I sing the same. Does it matter if I wear pants instead of a skirt? Yes it matters to me. I don’t understand why my teacher and principal insist on me wearing a skirt to sing in the choir. It fee …
Read moreGlobal Diversity Awareness Month: Parent Stories, Part 1
October 8, 2020
First, listen… Parent: There it was — in print. The new Superintendent wrote in his message to the whole district that special education was taking funds meant for general fund programs. My heart sank. My child and thousands like her were positioned …
Read moreTips and Tricks from the Great Membership Idea Exchange
September 21, 2020
Back in late July and early August we held a few Membership Idea Exchange Zoom calls. We were so excited to be joined by PTA leaders across the state — sharing their ideas and some of their struggles. We took notes from each of the calls and here are …
Read moreStudents Active in PTA Could Get State Recognition
September 9, 2020
California students may soon be able to get official state recognition for the work they do to support their local PTSAs and schools. An item before the State Board of Education on September 10 establishes the criteria by which local school districts c …
Read moreWhy Wednesday? Continuing Education Scholarships and PTA Grants
September 9, 2020
It’s Why Wednesday! Q: Who qualifies for California State PTA grants and continuing education scholarships? When is the application due? Continuing Education Scholarships: To help you continue on your educational path, California State PTA is proud to …
Read moreFinding a “New Normal” During Unprecedented Times
September 1, 2020
With California schools set to be closed through the end of the academic year, many students and their families have had to deal with sudden upheaval to their everyday lives. Most schools have transitioned to online and virtual learning with varying le …
Read moreNASA IS GOING TO MARS!
July 28, 2020
Thursday, July 30 is the scheduled launch date for the NASA 2020 Mission to Mars. The Mars Rover Perseverance will be taking off for the Red Planet on that day — if everything goes as planned. You can watch the launch and the mission online by clickin …
Read moreVirtual Summer Leadership Academy Class Recommendations by Position
July 6, 2020
Are you wondering if there is a class that benefits you at our Summer Virtual Leadership Academy? We have suggested tracks of classes for everyone on your board – from president to chairperson and everything in between. Training is beneficial to your e …
Read moreNASA Brings Space Exploration to You
June 29, 2020
This summer, most of us won’t be going very far from home. So, to make up for that, you might want to fill your kids’ days with some “out of this world” adventures. Thanks to the folks from NASA, you will find more ideas and activities for kids than th …
Read moreCalifornia’s New Science Standards are a Good Fit for Distance Learning
May 22, 2020
In a recent survey, California State PTA asked parents their opinions about science education. Almost all those who responded agreed with the statement “learning science is equally important as reading, writing and math.” Most also agreed that “it’s i …
Read morePTA’s Director of Legislation Quoted in Hi-Desert Star
May 20, 2020
Shereen Walter, California State PTA’s Director of Legislation, was quoted in this article about The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2020 that appeared in the Yucca Valley Hi-Desert Star yesterday. “’Our schools have been desper …
Read moreMay 2020 Advocacy Update: What Bills is California State PTA Currently Supporting?
May 14, 2020
These are certainly unusual times in Sacramento. With the Senate back in session as of Monday, May 11th and the Assembly the prior Monday, our legislators are back at work either in the Capitol wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, or parti …
Read moreWhy Wednesday? What is the New Resource Library?
May 6, 2020
The Resource Library is a new addition to our website where parent leaders, teachers, and families can find links to activities and resources. Today for Why Wednesday we would like to share with you a quick video tour as well as a handout that can be …
Read moreLea Darrah Testifies at CA State Assembly Hearing on School Closures
April 29, 2020
Yesterday, Lea Darrah, California State PTA VP for Education, testified at a hearing of Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance. The topic of the hearing was how to mitigate learning loss during the COVID-19 school closures. Darrah was …
Read moreLet’s Make Every Day Earth Day
April 23, 2020
Earth Day shouldn’t be just one day! And environmental education isn’t just the responsibility of educators. That said, our previous blog did explain that it’s a required part of the school curriculum. Today, we’re presenting the second part of a talk …
Read moreHow are Earth Day and the Environment Connected with Schools and with PTA?
April 22, 2020
April 22 marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. In the midst of sheltering at home and worries about coronavirus, it seems like a particularly important time to think about how all of us are connected to each other and to the natural world. What does …
Read moreFAQs for Staff Appreciation
April 13, 2020
We know that many of our units had lots of great plans for Teacher Appreciation Week on their campus. School closures are causing us to rethink what teacher appreciation looks like this year. Our leadership team has given us a few ideas for ways to cel …
Read moreCalifornia State PTA and Carol Kocivar Honored at 2020 National PTA Legislative Conference
April 9, 2020
California State PTA was recognized with the Outstanding State Advocacy Award at the 2020 National PTA Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. last month, for our efforts in raising awareness about healthier school start times and securing the passag …
Read moreFAQs for Donations During Coronavirus
March 30, 2020
California State PTA’s Treasurer, Melinda Kirkland, has been getting lots of financial questions from local leaders as they begin to navigate online meetings and event cancellations. Today she is sharing with us information about what to do with items …
Read moreDistance Learning Resources
March 19, 2020
As thousands of families are now learning from and working from home, things have changed in all of our daily lives. California State PTA always prioritizes the health and safety of our children, families and communities. Here are a few things to keep …
Read moreAn Arts Education Success Story: Moreno Valley Unified School District
March 6, 2020
The Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) understands the direct impact that parent engagement has on student academic achievement across all socioeconomic groups. In fact, the Board of Education approved a resolution earlier this academic year …
Read moreCelebrating Black History Month
February 6, 2020
February is Black History Month, and we know that you want to celebrate with your children. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee have given us some great resources to help you in your school, home, and community. This four-part series helps s …
Read moreThe Benefits of Phenomenon-Based Science Learning
February 4, 2020
“Why are some days cloudy?” “Why can a cactus survive without water when a willow tree can’t?” “Why does the light on the ceiling go on when I flip the switch on the wall?” Our kids’ “why” questions provide near-constant reminders of their curiosity ab …
Read moreWhy Wednesday? 1/22/2020: What Happens at the State Convention and Why Should I Attend?
January 22, 2020
This year leaders from across California will come together in Riverside for the 121st annual California State PTA Convention. For three days in May we convene to do the business of the association, attend workshops and network. If you have never been …
Read moreParent Involvement and Your Child’s Long-Term Success
January 17, 2020
Parent involvement in a child’s education is likely to have a positive impact on a child’s long-term success. Students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, show improved behavior, atten …
Read morePTA: A Place for Everyone!
December 6, 2019
PTA is an inclusive organization. Although you want everyone on your campus to participate in PTA events, often times certain groups are unintentionally forgotten during event planning. For example, individuals with disabilities. Some disabilities are …
Read moreThe Importance of Inclusive Education
December 3, 2019
Below is an excerpt from Marilyn Cachola Lucey’s blog post “Schools Should Include Everyone,” on Ed100.org. Click here to read the full post. When students with disabilities are educated alongside their peers without disabilities, outcomes improve for …
Read moreNovember 2019 Updates
November 4, 2019
Welcome to November! There are lots of exciting things happening in the PTA world this month. Here are a few: The Legislative Conference early bird deadline is November 15th, so make sure you register in time to get the lowest price. Elections for Nomi …
Read moreResources for Safe Usage of the Internet
October 29, 2019
Today is National Internet Day! California State PTA has some great resources on our website to ensure you and your family to have a positive and safe experience using the internet. This article lets you learn more about the benefits, risks and tips fo …
Read moreNine Things You Need to Know About Vaping
October 28, 2019
Vaping and e-cigarettes are something all parents need to be aware of. As we hear on the news, these devices are small, easy to hide, and can lead to severe health issues. Here are nine commonly asked questions about vaping and e-cigarettes with links …
Read moreHow Well is Your School Preparing Kids for Democracy?
October 23, 2019
Schools play a critical role in educating children for democracy. In fact, a core purpose of public education is to teach children how to be good citizens. There are lots of ways schools can prepare our children. In fact, there are actually six proven …
Read moreGive Your Feedback on the LCAP Template
October 23, 2019
This year, school districts will once again be developing their three-year Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs). You can get more information about what the LCAP is and why it matters at https://capta.org/focus-areas/lcfflcap/. The state is r …
Read moreOctober is Principal Appreciation Month
October 18, 2019
October is Principal Appreciation Month. Site administrator support is a key component to PTA success– and the principal is a large part of that! Here are some tips for forming a stronger relationship with your site administrator: Set a positive, coll …
Read moreBreast Cancer Awareness Month
October 15, 2019
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Each year in the United Sta …
Read moreMental Health Day
October 10, 2019
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The day provides an opportunity for all stakehold …
Read moreGet the Lead Out
October 8, 2019
“I know many parents who had a new water bottle on their ‘back to school’ shopping list,” said Mariaelena Huizar, California State PTA Vice President of Health and Community Concerns. “We’ve got to make sure what’s going in those bottles is safe. For t …
Read moreWorld Teachers Day
October 4, 2019
Tomorrow is World Teachers Day– and in the PTA universe, we know how important our teachers are! Having the teachers at your school join your PTA and participate in your programs is a great way to encourage children and families to join in the fun! St …
Read moreIt is Reflections season!
October 1, 2019
It is currently Reflections season in our PTAs. As you encourage your artists to work on their submissions for “Look Within” keep these things in mind: If you have not already done so, please register your unit with National PTA. It’s a simple form to …
Read moreVoter Registration
September 24, 2019
Are YOU registered to vote? Do you need to update your registration or not sure how to register for the November 3, 2020 election? The deadline to register online is Monday, October 19, 2020. The deadline to register by mail is (postmarked by) Monday, …
Read moreFall is Here!
September 23, 2019
Fall is an exciting time for your PTA! As you begin all of your PTA programming there are a few things to keep in mind: Check the insurance guide to make sure that your programs don’t require any extra waivers or that you don’t have any red light activ …
Read moreCelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
September 20, 2019
CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Did you know that Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated in the United States from September 15 — October 15? We celebrate the contributions that Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to the vitality, history and cul …
Read moreAsk the Governor to Support Later School Start Times
September 17, 2019
California State PTA is co-sponsor of SB 328 which advocates for a later school start time for middle and high schools. Last week it was approved by the state legislature and now it is sitting on the governor’s desk waiting for his signature or his vet …
Read moreNew Arts Education Data Released
September 12, 2019
Every student has the right to a dynamic, creative education, and California Education Code requires it. Yet 88 percent of California schools are failing to meet this standard. This. Must. Change. That’s why California State PTA joined forces with Crea …
Read moreGrandparents Day is September 9
September 9, 2019
Today is Grandparents Day! In 1969, Russell Capper wrote to President Nixon suggesting a holiday to honor grandparents. Grandparents Day didn’t become a national holiday until 1978, when President Carter signed the proclamation. If it weren’t for Russe …
Read moreInternational Literacy Day is September 8
September 6, 2019
September 8 is International Literacy Day, countries around the world acknowledge that literacy is a fundamental human right. The theme this year is literacy and multilingualism. If you want to celebrate, here are a few ideas: Encourage your school lib …
Read moreLeadership TED Talk Inspiration
August 26, 2019
Sometimes we need a little inspiration to help us get through the day and sometimes we need to give inspiration to others. There are lots of wonderful TED Talks out there with poignant and brief leadership messages. Here are a few of our favorites: Dre …
Read moreFamily Engagement Friday 8/23/19
August 23, 2019
Where can I find resources to increase engagement on the California State PTA website? Ideas to encourage family-school partnerships: www.capta.org/focus-areas/family-engagement/family-school-partnerships In this section of the website, you will find t …
Read moreMembership Campaign Ideas
July 22, 2019
As you begin to think about your fall membership campaign, your first orders of business are to select a theme and set a goal. These are often some of the most fun parts of your campaign, as you can be as creative as you would like to be! You can find …
Read moreGet Ready for Summer with Electronic Membership
May 30, 2019
Get set up with e-membership before summer so members can join while you’re on vacation! If your PTA is not yet using the PTA electronic membership system, you can get set up now so you’ll be ready for the new school year. It’s just five easy steps and …
Read moreFederal Legislative Highlights by Derby Pattengill
May 22, 2019
NATIONAL PTA National PTA has taken a positions on a number of bills currently being debated in the 116th Congress. Click here for the complete list. Some notable bills include: HR5 Equality Act (SUPPORT) This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex …
Read moreProtecting Our Children from Sex Trafficking
February 22, 2019
Sex trafficking of youth has been escalating over the past decade and is prevalent in all major California cities. Sexual and labor exploitation are problems that touch our schools, as victims can be students or their family members. Recruiters can be …
Read more2019 Legislation Conference Recap
February 13, 2019
2019 has just begun and the California State PTA Legislation Team is gearing up for a busy season. California State PTA hosted its annual Legislation Conference in Sacramento in January. PTA members came from across the state to learn and advocate. Aft …
Read moreMid-Year Membership Campaign Tips
January 18, 2019
WOW, we are hearing great things about how easy mid-year membership campaigns are using electronic membership links. Here are some tips from our experts (leaders like you): Send out a designated email about PTA membership to your whole school community …
Read moreNew Year’s Resolutions for Membership
January 7, 2019
The great thing about the new year is that you get a fresh start. No matter what you forgot to do, meant to do or thought you should do – now you can. Here are five resolutions that will increase PTA membership, and leave you less stressed in 2019. Get …
Read moreYouth Mental Health Awareness
December 13, 2018
Mental health affects the way our children think, feel, relate to others and behave. Like physical health, mental health can and does evolve throughout life. Symptoms of mental health conditions are often invisible and can be easy to miss. It may be d …
Read morePromoting Good Nutrition
December 13, 2018
Take a look around your school building or campus. How does your school promote good nutrition? Take Action Nutrition promotion should happen in multiple settings throughout the school building. Reinforce nutrition messages to students by using these …
Read morePTA Store Holiday Gift Guide
November 20, 2018
Check out the PTA Store’s special holiday gift shop with new items and old favorites, plus new holiday cards! Beat the crowds and get your holiday shopping done from the comfort of your own home. Shop online for: Holiday greeting cards Plush textured …
Read moreHomework: How Much is Enough?
November 13, 2018
Is it fine for your kindergartener to spend an hour after school on homework? Does your high school student never crack a book or do an assignment at home? As parents, we would likely find both of these scenarios concerning. But do you feel confident a …
Read moreReducing Smoke Exposure
November 13, 2018
Wildfire smoke includes particles from not only burning trees and grasses but also chemicals from buildings mixed with gases. So if your eyes feel like they’re stinging, smoke exposure could also be inflicting other damage as particles could be getting …
Read moreBeing an Involved Parent
November 9, 2018
We’ve been hearing a bunch lately that parental involvement matters more for educational performance of our kids than even the lessons in school. Study after study tells us that parents matter. But what does this really mean and how can I do that and …
Read moreTalking to Children About School and Community Shootings
October 22, 2018
Just like adults, children and teenagers are better able to cope with upsetting news when they understand more about an event and how it might impact them. Often what children and teens need the most is to have someone they trust listen to their questi …
Read moreImpact of Heat on Student Health and Performance
October 22, 2018
It may technically be autumn, but many communities in California are still experiencing a heatwave, and the number and severity of extreme heat events is increasing. Poorly maintained and older HVAC systems in schools may not be able to respond to high …
Read moreIs Your Child’s School Drinking Water Safe?
October 22, 2018
A new law that went into effect in California in January requires that schools have their drinking water tested for lead contamination by July of 2019. Schools built after 2010, private schools and those already required to test their drinking water ar …
Read moreBullying Prevention in Schools
October 19, 2018
Bullying can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety at school and can negatively impact their ability to learn. The best way to address bullying is to stop it before it starts. There are a number of things school staff can do to make schools …
Read moreE-Membership Next Steps
September 4, 2018
Congratulations, you are all set up in the new Electronic Membership System, powered by Totem. Now what? We have some marketing ideas you can use that will help you get members signing up right away. Now that you have a membership link — share it — far …
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