A Message from President Heather Ippolito
This is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a time for family gatherings, beautiful decorations, and lots of singing! Another thing I love is finding the perfect gift for those I love – something that they will use and enjoy for more than just a day or two.
PTA has several gifts that keep giving all year long. The first is a membership to a local unit. Show them that you support the work that is being done at your local schools by joining a PTA. You can also take advantage of all the Member Perks offered by State and National PTA to get discounts on products and services throughout the year.
The second is some PTA swag from the PTA Store. Getting those you love a PTA shirt or a bag to carry all of their meeting supplies will show their support for PTA to all they meet. There are also gifts at every price point – from pencils on the low end to a mug in the mid-price range up to a customized sweatshirt at the higher end. You will find something for every PTA supporter!
Finally consider giving the gift of an Honorary Service Award (HSA). We have a variety of different awards for educators, administrators, or volunteers at every level. These awards come with a beautiful certificate as a keepsake and a pin that they can wear every day. Purchasing these awards benefits our schools and students; a portion of the price goes to our scholarship and grants budget which provides continuing education scholarships, high school senior scholarships, and program grants. Visit our website to learn more about Honorary Service Awards.
From all of us at California State PTA, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and look forward to a wonderful 2026.
Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President
PTA: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
A Message from President-Elect Will Sanford
Volunteers, and others who positively impact the lives of all children and families, are priceless. We want to make sure that we recognize the variety of ways that everyone in our school community makes an impact. From the crossing guard who helps kids get safely to school, to the dynamic recruiter of outside presenters for parent education, to the quiet parent who shows up and supports teachers as they prepare for class, to the office staff who make the school a welcoming place for all, we can and should recognize them with simple “Thank Yous”. These can be kudos in newsletters or social media posts, recognition through one of our PTA Honorary Service Awards, or by hosting specific thank you events.
Many of us are in PTA because someone asked us to help. Whether it is to join the PTA, share a skill or knowledge with a classroom, go on a field trip or lead an activity at a parent night, everyone can give something to create a better community for all our students and their families. It is our role as PTA members to encourage folks to do what they can to help us build a positive school community where all kids feel safe and protected, where learning is encouraged and supported, and respect is the expected way to interact with everyone in that community. Celebrate and recognize individuals who bring that spirit of respect, caring and desire to help all kids be successful.
Will Sanford
California State PTA President-Elect