Para leer en español haga clic aquí | |
|
President's Message
Happy February!
How is it the shortest month can have the most PTA meetings? I have four this month (not counting committee meetings), and they culminate with the Annual Meeting and Founders’ Day celebration on February 26th. I hope you will join us as we conduct PTA business, such as electing next term’s officers, and help us celebrate the founding of PTA 128 years ago.
I was listening to the monthly California State PTA Leadership Call (sign up for future calls here) this month and our State Parliamentarian said something that really resonated with me. She said we do not “own” PTA, we are only taking care of it and trying to leave it better than we found it. Electing the nominating committee is one of the ways we ensure that we have someone to hand off the PTA to. You can watch past Leadership Call recordings here, including the February call that reviewed how to elect the nominating committee. Make sure to include this important committee in your plan for next year and be sure to identify new leaders as soon as possible to lay the groundwork to keep PTA in the business of supporting all children and families for another 128 years!
Shawna Straw
president@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
|
Thank you to all the units that submitted their insurance and Workers’ Compensation reports by the due dates. If you have not filed your Workers’ Compensation report you can access the report using the link. If you did not pay any employees or independent contractors, the form takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Here is a video to show how to complete the form.
How is your budget doing? Remember your budget is the guide for income and expenses for your PTA. If it is not in your budget, you should not be taking in or spending funds on it.
Your PTA is now a little more than halfway through the fiscal year, so if you have not reviewed your budget, now is a good time to reflect on and possibly amend it. Here are some steps to get you started.
- Form a committee with the treasurer as the chairperson
- Compare actual income and expenses to the budgeted income and expense categories.
- Look for categories that are close to the budgeted amount.
- If there is still more money needed for this category, you may recommend an increase for this item.
- If there is extra money in the budget for a category, you may recommend a decrease in this item to free up funds for other programs.
- Your budget should have a category that may be called “Unallocated Reserve” This is money that may be used to cover any unexpected or unplanned expenses in the current fiscal year with approval of the association. The budget should be amended to reflect funds transferred from Unallocated Reserves to other expense categories.
- Look for categories that have not been funded yet. Does your unit still plan to have this program? If not, are there current programs that may need an increase in funding or is there a new program your board wants to add?
Once the committee has reviewed the budget the committee should make recommendations to the executive board for their approval. “The budget committee recommends and I move to….”
At your next Association meeting be sure to make a motion to approve the amendments to the budget. “The executive board recommends and I move to….”
Budgets can only be amended by the vote of the Association so be sure to plan ahead.
Deborah Childers, Ninth District PTA Treasurer
treasurer@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
|
eBylaws System Update and Important Bylaw Submission Changes for 2024
The eBylaws system situation is still being discussed with the new owner, and as of today, there is no resolution as to whether eBylaws will continue to be supported in the future or closed down.
If you are currently able to get into eBylaws, you may want to download a copy of your bylaws for reference as they exist in the system today, however since eBylaws is using the older, non-supported 2023 template, they cannot be submitted to the State PTA in that version. If you are having issues with logging in to eBylaws, or do not have access, that may be the situation for the foreseeable future, and assistance may or may not be available.
As a result of this situation, **ALL BYLAWS** submitted to your Council and/or District, must use the 2024 template Fillable PDF document. There are versions for in-council, out-of-council, and bilingual documents, and all will have a "2024" watermark on the document itself. These versions also include language to address the $1.00 National PTA dues increase starting in July 2025, and allows you to either absorb the increase (i.e., receive $1.00 less to your unit), or to increase your dues by a $1.00 to cover the increase.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Council or District Parliamentarian.
REMINDER: All units should be electing their nominating committee very soon (if not already), and preparing for elections. More information about the election process will be coming in the next newsletter!
Bruce Bergman, parliamentarian@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
|
Register Now!
The Annual Meeting & Founders' Day is set for Wednesday February 26, 2025 at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in Kearny Mesa.
Doors open at 8:30 am
Breakfast Buffet Available 8:30 am-9:30 am
Meeting starts at 10:00 am
Event ends 11:30pm
Price $35
Questions? Please contact Lori Fentress at member.services@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
|
PTA Meeting Minutes for the Financial Review
The Job Description for Financial Reviewer (California State PTA Toolkit) notes the meeting minutes – corrected and approved - are used to perform a PTA financial review. All items needed are listed on the Financial Review Checklist:
1. Original budget and updates/changes approved by association and recorded in minutes
2. Funds released by association and recorded in minutes as released
3. All expenditures approved and recorded in executive board minutes
4. All expenditures approved/ratified in association minutes
5. Committee minutes record plans, proposed expenditures, and total of monies earned
Work with financial officers to ensure your records are ready when the financial review begins.
Adapted from Financial Review Checklist, California State PTA
Sue King
Secretary@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |  |
|
Get Ready for Your Mid-Year Financial Review: Use the Checklist to Organize Your Books
It is time to get books ready for a mid-year financial review. Use the Financial Review Checklist to organize your financial books for the review, and be sure to meet with your financial reviewer to explain how your books are organized so that the review will go smoothly.
Questions? Please contact David Rogers financial.reviewer@ninthdistrictpta.org
| | |
|
Historian
Hey PTA rockstars! Ready to dive into some seriously cool PTA history...making?! The Historian gig is THE perfect launchpad for newbies wanting to get involved and make a real difference. Think of it as your PTA origin story! A friendly reminder to all units: let's keep those volunteer hour logs sizzling all year long! Don't wait 'til the last minute – keep track monthly! Why? Because those hours translate to real $$$ saved for our schools! It's like showing our schools and districts just how much we care (and how much we help!).
Want to learn more about becoming a history-making Historian? Head over to our website – your adventure awaits! Let's show everyone the power of PTA volunteers!
Sonya Vargas
historian@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
|
Tips for Helping Children Cope with the Impact of Recent Wildfires
California State PTA offers tips for helping children cope with the recent wildfires throughout the state:
Reassure: Your children need to know that they will be safe and that things will get better.
- Spend More Time with Your Children: Your children need comfort and reassurance. Spending time with you and experiencing affection such as hugs and special time together are important.
- Keep an Open Dialogue: Listen to your child’s fears and concerns and provide accurate, age-appropriate information.
- Maintain Routines: Try to keep a regular schedule for meals and bedtime. Routines are comforting and help provide a sense of normalcy for your child.
- Limit Media Exposure: News coverage of the disasters can cause anxiety and fear and be damaging to young children, causing them to relive the disaster.
- Model Healthy Ways of Coping: Your children will look to you for how they should feel and react. Try to remain calm and reassuring.
Resources:
Learn more about direct aid at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. More information on the federal Individual Disaster Assistance program is available online.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, operates a 24-hour, 7 days a week, toll-free Disaster Distress Helpline providing access to counselors at the closest crisis center in their nationwide network at (800) 985-5990. There, staff provide immediate, confidential (multilingual) counseling, referrals and other needed support services.
Many of the surrounding areas are facing air quality issues. CDC has a fact sheet on the hazards of smoke from fire and precautions that should be taken. Access the fact sheet here.
| | |
|
Safer Internet Day: Empowering Families to Use Technology Safely
Safer Internet Day (Feb. 11, 2025) was an international education and awareness-raising effort, celebrated in over 100 countries. Led by ConnectSafely in the United States, it’s a day to bring communities together to discuss challenges families face navigating the digital world, and empowers them to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. This year’s events provided resources and engaging activities for PTA leaders, families and children over the age of 13. To learn more and to watch the webinar presented by National PTA click here.
| |
Why attend the California State PTA Convention?
California State PTA is made up of over 3,000 units representing over 500,000 members. The Convention is the Annual Meeting where we approve the business of the California State PTA by:
• Electing the Board of Directors (in odd-numbered years)
• Updating and approving the Legislative Platform and Policies
• Reviewing, updating and approving any changes to the California State PTA bylaws
• Reviewing, debating and voting on Resolutions brought forward by our units, councils and districts that guide how the California PTA, its Districts, Councils and Units advocate for children in the future
AND you can renew your commitment to PTA by:
• Spending the weekend collaborating with people who share your passion
• Putting a face to the emails from California State PTA
• Getting inspired by speakers and workshops
• Returning with fresh ideas and being ready to plan the next PTA year!
The California State PTA convention will be held this year in Ontario, CA on May 2-4. Ninth District PTA will be offering partial scholarships (up to $800) to help reduce the cost of attending.
| | | |
California State PTA Supports All Children and Families
California State PTA first took a position on the Rights and Services for Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants in 1994. Since then, PTA has consistently defended the right of every child to a “quality public education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health services.” Our position statement affirms that schools are meant to be safe spaces where children can learn and grow without fear. Likewise, schools must be safe places for families to support their children’s education.
It is in the interest of all Californians to ensure that all children can reach their full potential and become productive members of society. Access to free public education is the most effective method of securing this opportunity and should not be denied to any child.
In recent guidance to schools, the California Attorney General underscores that both federal and state law support these PTA beliefs. The law says that “schools must provide free public education to all students regardless of their immigration status and regardless of the citizenship status of the student’s parents or guardians.”
Please share with your PTA members.
Guidance
Know Your Immigration Rights (English | Spanish | Chinese | Korean | Tagalog | Vietnamese)
Know Your Educational Rights: Guide for Students and Families (English | Spanish)
Immigration and California Families
Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All
| |
|
San Diego Unified Council School District Restorative Justice Practices
Did you know that in 2020, San Diego Unified School District adopted a new discipline policy? How has the Restorative Discipline Policy changed for students, teachers, and administrators? What does it mean for conflict management between students? How is behavior now managed at the elementary, middle, and high school levels? What do parents need to know about it? AND - what does 'restorative' mean in this context?
Join the San Diego Unified PTA Council on February 27th from 5:30pm-7pm and hear directly from two Resource Counselors from the San Diego Unified Restorative Practices Department. Bring your questions and/or submit them below with your registration: https://forms.gle/RDmfk9pMppApHrjG6
| | |
|
February is Museum Month!
The San Diego Museum Council has announced its 36th Annual Museum Month, happening throughout February. This event offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore over 60 participating museums across San Diego County at half-price admission. Museum Month highlights the region's rich cultural offerings, providing access to a diverse range of exhibits, from art to science and history. For more information visit https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month/
| |
California State PTA wants to hear about your successful PTA programs for the 2025 Spotlight Awards! Winners will receive a $100 grant and recognition at the California State PTA Convention. Awards are available in categories like Advocacy, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity & Inclusion, Environmental, Family Engagement, Membership & Outreach, Student Achievement, and Student Involvement. PTA councils can also apply for Leadership Development Awards. Share your accomplishments and inspire other PTAs across the state! To learn more visit www.capta.org/spotlight-awards | |
Building Community and School Spirit: Carlton Hills PTA's Unforgettable Family BINGO Night
Carlton Hills School PTA hosted an unforgettable family event filled with excitement, prizes, and activities for everyone to enjoy! It was an evening full of laughter, community spirit, and memorable moments. There was something for everyone, making it an inspiring celebration of school spirit and togetherness! They hosted over 200 people for their free BINGO night. This event has become a much loved tradition for their community.
| |
|
Want to be featured in our next newsletter or social media?
So many of our Units and Councils are doing great things in their communities! Share with us some images and a short blurb about what positive things your PTA/PTSA is doing for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter or social media. Email Jemima Dutra, Ninth District PTA Communications Director at communications@ninthdistrictpta.org
| |
| How did you like this newsletter? | | | | |
|
6401 Linda Vista Rd., Annex A
San Diego, CA 92111 • (858.268.8077)
www.ninthdistrictpta.org
| | Stay connected and follow us on social media! | | | | | |
