Archives: Resources

Recording of the “MyPTEZ Made Simpler” Webinar Now Available

Whether you are new to MyPTEZ (formerly PTAEZ), the online accounting system for PTAs, or an experienced user looking for more information, you’ll want to review the recording of the “MyPTEZ Made Simpler” webinar.

CSM, the creator of MyPTEZ, and members of the Leadership Services Commission went over both the basics of MyPTEZ and more advanced topics, including:

  • Deposits and check writing
  • Reporting options
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Uploading documents
  • Accounting for income from third-party systems like PayPal or Square
  • Handling fees related to donations

Click the following link to watch a recording of the webinar: https://vimeo.com/588522236

To view the presentation slides, click here.

To learn more about MyPTEZ, click here.

Final Report on PTA-CCEE Distance Learning “Listening Sessions”

In May 2020 California State PTA partnered with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) to provide professional learning network services by offering three listening sessions to our primary stakeholders: parents/guardians, PTA leaders and educators.

Engagement of our stakeholders throughout each listening session was very high and the conversations were intense. Parents especially had a lot to say. They clearly needed an outlet where they could share their worries, ask questions, and find compassion. While distance learning and school reopening were the topics of greatest concern, common themes emerged through each session: communication and family engagement; social emotional health and well-being; and care for our most vulnerable children. Our stakeholders’ voices make clear how difficult the last few months have been for families and how vital it is that families are included in decisions about their children’s education.

California State PTA and CCEE compiled a report that analyzes the lessons learned from the listening sessions. The report details what we heard from families regarding their experiences during the first months of the pandemic and their concerns going forward. It also identifies available resources that address the needs and concerns of parents, and offers recommendations on how to support parents and families as schools navigate decision-making during this challenging time.

To read or download the complete report, click here.

To listen to recordings of the listening sessions, click here.

 

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA RESPONDS TO NEXT PROPOSED ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT

California State PTA sent the following letter on July 29, 2020 to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer:

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Schumer:

On behalf of our 700,000 members, California State PTA is writing to express our deep disappointment that the proposed HEALS Act does not respond adequately to the funding needs of our schools and the health and safety needs of our students and school staff.

The Senate HEALS ACT provides little healing and in fact tries to force schools to open with in-person learning despite the worsening of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the country.

Instead of protecting public education by funding at the levels school experts recommend, the HEALS Act shortchanges kids and teachers.  The Council of Great City Schools estimates that schools need at least $200 billion to meet the needs of students   The HEALS Act provides far less: $70 billion is allocated to the country’s K-12 schools BUT only one-third, or about $23.3 billion, will be available immediately.

The bill tries to persuade schools to reopen in person by dangling about two-thirds of the funding ($46.6 billion) — only to schools that reopen with more than 50% in-person instruction.

Schools that are reopening mostly with distance learning will not be eligible for any additional funding outside the initial $23.3 billion.

This punishes states that are opening primarily with distance learning and prioritizing the health and well-being of students and staff.  California, the state with the most students in the nation, will not get enough money to support its schools because it is putting safety and health first.

The timeline for the reopening of schools should be based on the current impact of the virus on individual communities.  Using the promise of extra money to re-open schools in person violates our responsibility to protect the safety and health of our children.

California State PTA has several additional concerns beyond the low level of funding for schools to open safely.

  • Oppose Private School Tuition Scholarships The bill provides money for private school tuition scholarships.  Public money should be used for public schools.  Private school voucher programs undermine our nation’s public schools by diverting desperately needed resources away from the public-school system to fund the education of a few, select students in private, often religious, schools.
  • Increase Funding for Childcare The HEALS Act would allocate $15 billion to help childcare providers reopen, including $190 million for programs aimed at preventing family violence and promoting child welfare.  Childcare experts estimate that $50 billion is needed to provide for personnel, sanitation, training and other costs associated with reopening and running childcare facilities. Childcare is one of the most critical needs to allow parents to get back to work.
  • Fund Special Education Missing from the bill is what most school districts put as one of their highest needs: fully funding special education. The costs of special education have grown much faster than revenues and schools are forced to reduce services for other students to meet their legal obligations.
  • Support Internet Connectivity It is unacceptable that Congress is not providing needed resources to connect students and teachers to the internet as schools have already announced plans to conduct remote learning or a hybrid combination to start the school year. This is an equity issue that prevents students living in poverty from accessing public education.

Congress must invest at least $175 billion for K-12 education to ensure that students can keep learning and schools can reopen for in-person instruction when it is safe to do so.

Sincerely,

 

Celia Jaffe
President California State PTA
president@capta.org

cc:  Senator Diane Feinstein
Senator Kamala Harris

College Board Opportunity Scholarships

Applying to college is a complicated process, so College Board has create the Opportunity Scholarships program to guide you through it. This program is open to all students in the class of 2022 and doesn’t require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards your effort and initiative.

Over $5 million is available this year, with $2 million earmarked for students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year. As a bonus, students can even earn a chance at a $40,000 scholarship if they complete all six steps.

The program guides them through the steps in the college planning process at their own pace at home. When students take the first two steps—building a college list and practicing for the SAT®—they’ll qualify for a $500 scholarship just by getting ready for college. And they don’t even have to get off the couch.

Click here for more information and to get started.

 

Attend One of Our Great Membership Idea Exchanges!

Got great membership ideas – or are you perhaps seeking some inspiration?

Join the California State PTA Membership Services commission during our upcoming Zoom brainstorming calls, which are intended to allow members to share membership campaign ideas, or get ideas from other local leaders.

 

California State PTA Responds to Governor’s Guidelines for Reopening Schools Safely

SACRAMENTO – JULY 17, 2020 – California State PTA has released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s press conference today, in which he made important announcements and laid out clear guidelines for when schools could safely reopen for in-person instruction.

“The health and safety of children, families and school staff are of paramount importance at this time,” said Celia Jaffe, President of California State PTA. “We appreciate Governor Newsom’s efforts today in laying out clear guidelines for when schools could safely reopen for in-person instruction. Provisions for regular testing, contact tracing, and use of masks are important in inhibiting the spread of the virus. Science should guide us as a state, and our children and families need to prepare for the school year ahead with clear guidance. We feel the Governor is providing that in his message today,” she added.

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public-education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families. For more information: www.capta.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Heather Ippolito
Vice President for Communications
communications@capta.org

Ignacio Barragan
Assistant Executive Director
ibarragan@capta.org
916.440.1985

Help Your Child Succeed in Math with “Discover Math Together”

You don’t have to be a “math person” to help your child be successful at mathematics!

During our “Discover Math Together” virtual learning series this summer, Alex Kajitani, California Teacher of the Year and “The Rappin’ Mathematician,” will lead three sessions that will give parents the confidence, knowledge, and strategies to help their children succeed in math!

Here are the remaining dates, times, and registration details:

  • Session II – Engaging & Amazing Resources for Learning Math Online: Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 4:30-5:30 pm
    This fun-filled session gives parents tips and resources that they can use with their children to learn math, remotely, or any way. Explore and play with some great resources that you can use immediately with your own kids, from virtual manipulatives to engaging websites and videos.
  • Session III – Ten Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Succeed in Math (Even If They Don’t Consider Themselves a “Math Person”): Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 4:30-5:30 pm
    In this session Alex offers a fun and engaging look at how we can help our kids get excited about math, and see the value of it in their own lives.

Click the following Zoom link to register for any or all of the sessions: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpdu2hrjsoHdR3fK1JHCdWmLleRZ6kV2QW

About Alex Kajitani: Alex is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician,” and was featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” Alex is also on a mission to get every kid in America to learn their times tables, and to make this happen, he created the wildly popular online program www.MultiplicationNation.com.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS – TAKE THE LCAP LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT SURVEY

California State PTA is developing a training program to help districts, schools, and families learn more about the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) process and to strengthen home-school partnerships to support student success and school improvement.

To ensure that the content of our program meets the needs of a school community, we want to hear from families, educators and community leaders as key stakeholders across California.

That’s where you come in – your voice is important and makes a difference! Please complete this brief survey (no more than 10 minutes) to share your thoughts and experiences with California State PTA. You can either click here, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H7LVX23, or scan the QR code to the right.

Please know that this survey is anonymous, so no personal information will be collected. It is available in nine languages. You do not need to be a PTA member to participate.

Thank you for sharing your perspective and feedback so students can thrive in school and beyond!

California State PTA’s Statement in Support of the Supreme Court’s DACA Decision

California State PTA joins National PTA in supporting yesterday’s Supreme Court decision which blocks the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. National PTA participated with the National Education Association in the filing of an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of the DACA program.

Immigrants have immeasurably enriched our culture and economy, and are an essential part of the fabric of California. As a state with a large number of immigrant families, California is impacted heavily by this decision, which allows thousands of children and young people to once again focus on the future, free from stress and uncertainty.

California State PTA is committed to ensuring that all children – regardless of immigration status – are able to flourish in school, receive the healthcare they need, and live in safe and secure circumstances.

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DECLARACIÓN DE LA PTA DEL ESTADO DE CALIFORNIA EN APOYO SOBRE DE LA DECISIÓN DE DACA DE LA CORTE SUPREMA

La PTA del Estado de California se une a la PTA Nacional para apoyar la decisión de la Corte Suprema de ayer que bloquea la derogación del programa de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA). La PTA nacional, junto con la Asociación Nacional de Educación, presentó un escrito de amicus ante la Corte en apoyo del programa DACA.

Los inmigrantes han enriquecido enormemente nuestra cultura y economía, y son una parte esencial del tejido de California. Como estado con una gran cantidad de familias inmigrantes, California se ve fuertemente afectada por esta decisión, la cual permite a miles de niños y jóvenes concentrarse una vez más en el futuro, libres de estrés e incertidumbre.

La PTA del Estado de California se compromete a garantizar que todos los niños, independientemente de su estado migratorio, puedan prosperar en la escuela, recibir la atención médica que necesitan, y vivir en circunstancias seguras.

Amid Dual Public Health Crises of COVID-19 and Racial Inequity, California State PTA Adopts Resolution to Support Prevention of Chronic Disease and Injury

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 19, 2020 – During California State PTA’s Statewide Association Meeting from June 9-11, delegates from across the state voted to adopt a timely resolution making a commitment to advocate for increased funding for and education about chronic disease and injury prevention.

While high-quality healthcare is essential for all Californians, COVID-19 has revealed the consequences of not investing in early prevention, especially in communities of color. The pandemic has shown that those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Furthermore, communities of color not only have a higher prevalence of chronic disease, but are more likely to be employed as essential workers and live in crowded housing, which puts them at higher risk of exposure to and death from COVID-19.

“California children who grow up in poverty, especially disproportionately impacted children of color, are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and to have increased risk for chronic health conditions into adulthood,” said Celia Jaffe, President of California State PTA. “Preventable childhood obesity, pre-diabetes and asthma attacks are at epidemic levels, with an estimated 39% of Californians suffering from at least one chronic condition, yet investment in prevention is woefully inadequate.”

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Shauna Olsen of Bancroft Middle School PTA, the PTA that submitted the resolution. “We must invest in proven public health practices such as increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity, creating safer communities, providing opportunities for youth development, and other strategies. With sustained funding we can reduce health inequities, prevent disease and improve the lives of children and families. “

Olsen works at the California Alliance for Prevention Funding, which conducted some of the research that supports the resolution. She spoke at the Statewide Association Meeting in favor of the resolution, which calls on PTA groups across the state to:

  • Educate school districts, parents and residents of the state about the harm preventable childhood illnesses and health inequities are causing California children.
  • Advocate for legislation that provides sustained funding for chronic disease and injury prevention.
  • Promote partnering with public health agencies, nonprofit and community organizations to advocate for prevention funding.

California State PTA has long supported the right of every child to have access to the tools and services they need to live a healthy life. At its virtual Statewide Association Meeting last week members from across the state voted to adopt important changes to the association’s legislative platform, welcomed new units, heard speeches from special guests, and voted on resolutions. Resolutions are proposed by individual units, councils or districts, and those that were adopted at the meeting will serve as the basis for action for all California State PTA members for the coming years.