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President's Message

The school year may feel like it has just started but we are rapidly reaching the halfway point. Please keep reading for some ideas for building leadership as we all start to think about the next PTA officers.

I mentioned last month that we need to be realistic in what we can give. This month, it is important to thank everyone that is giving of their time, talents or treasure to PTA! We have some suggestions for that too!

I am thankful for all of you reading this. (and reading more!). I am thankful for busy families that come to PTA meetings, join PTA, and continue to learn and grow by reading and watching training videos. Every time you click on a link or like a post you are furthering the PTA mission-positively impacting the lives of all children and families!

Please be sure to follow us on social media and reach out if you have questions. We will take a break from the newsletter for December but we will be back in January with more resources to help you continue to have a good PTA year!

Shawna Straw

president@ninthdistrictpta.org

Executive Vice President

How Good Are Your Leadership Skills?

As we move into the season of nominating committee elections, it’s time to examine why leadership is important in PTA. The nominating committee cycle is a once-a-year event, but leadership is a continuous process. Nothing shows a lack of leadership more clearly than no interest from parents when asked if they are willing to serve on a PTA board.

Good leaders are identified by the way they make their fellow volunteers feel. Do the people around them feel needed, appreciated? Does the leader know them well enough to ask for help with tasks that take advantage of that person’s strengths? Do volunteers feel informed and empowered to try new things and receive honest feedback? Does the leader maintain a positive relationship with school administration knowing that collaboration serves our common goal- improving the lives of children and families?

True leaders are constantly looking for those around them whom they can assist, train and encourage to do greater things. Leaders take the time to ask about their officers’ goals and how they can help achieve those goals. It is no accident that unit PTA officers not only go on to become council and district leaders, but also school board members, small business owners, and leaders in other organizations.

In your own unit or council, do you have a leadership pipeline established that helps identify future leaders and maximize their goals? Does your unit or council provide ways for students to participate easily? Do you identify and reach out to new meeting attendees and ask them how they would like to support their PTA? Do you have enough variety of volunteer jobs to maximize the time and interests of those who can assist? Does your unit or council generally keep a positive outlook and your long-term goals in mind when issues arise? Use this checklist to help you evaluate your PTA, then contact the Ninth District PTA if you would like more support.

Here is one of my favorite leadership quotes-

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

Denae Senise

evp@ninthdistrictpta.org

Parliamentarians & Presidents - Important update on eBylaws!

In case you haven't yet heard, eBylaws is not usable for the 2024 set of bylaw templates. The company that built and maintains the eBylaws application was recently sold to another owner, and it is not clear whether or not the new owner will be maintaining the system going forward. California State PTA is in discussion with that company on future plans, and if the stars align and everyone agrees, it's possible that eBylaws will continue to live on. At the moment, it's unclear.

As a result all Units and Councils must submit bylaws changes using the Fillable PDF 2024 templates. These are located here . There you will find the most recent 2024 bylaws templates in various forms.

(Note that the 2024 template includes the wording and grandfather clause for the upcoming National PTA dues increase, so this is really the best version to use anyhow.)

Be aware that these are Fillable PDF files. You open them with a PDF reader/writer, and fill in the blanks with the changes you wish to submit. Use your last-Approved set of bylaws as a guide for what you have now, and update the Fillable PDF as needed. You should also be able to use eBylaws, if you still have a valid working account, to at least print out a copy of the last-approved bylaws, -OR- contact me and I'll send you the one we have on file for your Unit or Council.

When done, make sure to save the Fillable PDF and include the submittal form when you submit to your Council (or to me at District if you are Out of Council). We need the Fillable PDF's to be saved with your changes, and not 'printed' to otherwise flattened to a non-Fillable version of the PDF. If I cannot open the file and modify one of the Fillable fields, then that means you've flattened or printed the file, and they will be rejected until you send me a usable version.

If you have any questions or problems, reach out to your Council Parliamentarian (preferred), or contact Ninth District PTA. We'll help you through the process.

Bruce Bergman

parliamentarian@ninthdistrictpta.org

Nominating Committee elections are coming up!

Most Units will be preparing to elect their nominating committee very soon. Usually in January or February, but check your bylaws in Article V (Sections 1-8) and Standing Rule #6 to determine the dates and processes for your committee and when they must submit their report before the election (hint: they must submit their 'slate' (report) 30 days before your Association's election meeting).

Remember that your nominating committee is elected, not appointed, and must be elected at an Association meeting at least two months prior to the election meeting. Your bylaws will tell you how many members should be elected, and how many alternates should be elected.

The nominating committee then meets with the Parliamentarian for the first meeting, to cover the procedures and make sure everyone knows the process. The Parliamentarian is not normally a member of the committee, but acts as an advisor when needed. The committee meets, determines who to recommend (the 'slate'), submits their report to the Board, and then the report is included with the agenda for the Association's election meeting, at least 30 days in advance.

If you have any questions or problems, reach out to your Council Parliamentarian (preferred), or contact me. We'll help you through the process.

Bruce Bergman

parliamentarian@ninthdistrictpta.org

Monthly Membership Checklist

Remit manual membership dues each month – PTA’s are required to remit the portion of the dues collected via check, cash, or any other payment source other than Totem. Units submit the portion of their dues (per bylaws) to their council or Ninth District if they don’t have a council. Councils must then remit to Ninth District each month.
Totem members – PTAs don’t need to worry about remitting the portion of dues as mentioned above. Totem is a tool that does this for you automatically.
Membership cards - PTAs have access to physical cards to give to their manual members. Check with your PTA Council or Ninth District PTA. Members who joined in Totem members have access to a card to print in the system.
Membership list – Each PTA should keep track of their membership list for the year. This list is used to balance for financial reviews, invite all members to every association meeting, reach out for volunteers, etc. To make a list of both manual and Totem members, you can either download a spreadsheet from Totem to combine with your manual members spreadsheet or you can enter your manual members into Totem. If you need help with membership, check in with your PTA Council Membership Chair or Ninth District PTA.

Lori Fentress

member.services@ninthdistrictpta.org

Community Concerns

Program Grants to unit and council PTAs/PTSAs to implement programs or events that support the PTA’s mission statement and goals. Please apply - it’s easier than you think!

Deadline:

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Please complete the Digital Application Form. *You will need to create or log into a Google account to access the digital form. Additionally, you can print out the application form in English or Spanish and submit it.

Mary Patterson

communityconcerns@ninthdistrictpta.org

Save the Date!

The Annual Meeting & Founders' Day is set for Wednesday February 26, 2025 at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in Kearny Mesa.

Mark your calendars now and keep an eye out for registration opening on January 6th.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Communications

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the invaluable support of community partners and families within our PTAs/PTSAs. Showing gratitude not only strengthens our relationships but also creates a sense of unity and belonging.

Here are a few inexpensive and easy ways to express appreciation:

Spotlight Contributions

In your newsletter or on social media, create a “Thankful For” section where you feature community partners and families. Share stories of how their support has positively impacted our school.

Public Recognition

During events, take a moment to publicly recognize the contributions of partners and families. A sincere acknowledgment can make them feel valued and appreciated.

Thank You Cards

Craft heartfelt, handwritten thank you cards. Personalize each message to highlight specific contributions, expressing how much they mean to our community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Invite partners and all families to participate in holiday community service projects, such as food drives. Their involvement not only strengthens bonds but also reinforces the spirit of giving.

Thanksgiving Gratitude Board

Create a gratitude board at school where partners and families can share what they’re thankful for this season. This visual display fosters a sense of community and appreciation. Another idea is that this could be something where responses of what they are thankful for could be combined in a short video and shared on social media.

We are thankful for all of you! 🦃

Jemima Dutra

communications@ninthdistrictpta.org

Historian

The Historian role is a great way for new Board Members to get started. Let's keep the momentum going by reminding our units to document their volunteer hours monthly. By doing so, we can showcase our PTA's invaluable contributions to our school and district, highlighting the time and resources we save.

Sonya Vargas

historian@ninthdistrictpta.org

Here's an event that is being put on by San Diego Unified Council of PTAs. Please see flyer for more information.

To register: https://enweathers.wispform.com/c47d9625

To submit questions in advance: https://enweathers.wispform.com/e51c81ac

Learn about Equity & Belonging: https://www.sdusdequity.com/

This event is not sponsored by Ninth District PTA. We are simply sharing an event in the community.

6401 Linda Vista Rd., Annex A

San Diego, CA 92111 • (858.268.8077)

www.ninthdistrictpta.org

Ninth District PTA Linktree

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