Saddleback Valley PTA Council
25631 Peter A. Hartman Way • Mission Viejo, CA 92691 • www.svpta.org

President: Bridget White
Newsletter Editor: MaryAnne Shults

January 2005

by Bridget White,

All our units are gearing back up, and holding their first meetings since the winter break. Nominating committees are being elected, as will our council's at our January 27th meeting. It is the nominating committee's job to prepare for an election of new officers. The nominating committee is an elected body by your unit; it is perhaps the most important committee that is formed. They help ensure a smooth transition of continued leadership, by presenting a slate of officers to their memberships in February, in preparation for their election of new officers in March.

California State PTA Convention

Our council Vice President, Kim Henderson reports that 14 of our schools will be represented at the California State PTA convention in Sacramento, April 28th through May 1st, with 40 delegates attending. Resolutions will be presented later this month or early February that our delegates will be voting on at the convention. These resolutions will need to be presented at your general meetings, discussed, and voted on so your delegates will know how to vote to represent the views of your unit.

Two of our schools are applying for the California State PTA's "My PTA/PTSA" Awards Program. This awards program recognizes the achievements of local units in multiple areas of involvement and will share the ideas with others throughout the state. The winners will be announced in March. The Awards will be presented on stage at the state convention in April.

Legislative Issues

Our Legislative Chairperson, Don Romoser, has been keeping his hand on the pulse of the Governor and his stand on the education budget. Will we lose additional funding promised us form last year's promises? Unfortunately our usual PTA trip to Sacramento the "Sacramento Safari", was pushed back from March 15th to April 20th, which may be too late to address the budget issues with our legislators. Don is preparing to attend the California State PTA Legislation Conference which is held February 8th-10th in Sacramento. Time will be provided to schedule appointments with our local legislators and attend committee hearings. We feel it is important for our Council to get up to Sacramento as soon as possible to be heard, especially if budget problems continue to evolve. I know Don has sent you all an email on this trip, and invited all interested to join him.

Fourth District PTA Administrators' Dinner

Each year, Fourth District PTA hosts the Administrators' Dinner. It is a wonderful opportunity to thank those with whom we work so closely in our schools. As PTA Presidents, you will need to invite your principal this month as your guest for an evening of entertainment, Reflections Program Winners' presentations, Honorary Service Awards and Founder's Day celebration. There are over 400 units in the 4th District and reservations must be received by March 3rd, as the dinner is on Thursday, March 24th. I have emailed all the presidents with this information with the necessary form to print out and send in to 4th District. Let me know if you need any further assistance with this, because the deadline is coming up fast and they will not take late reservations.

With the New Year we seem to have new challenges ahead, or are they old ones? We have had some time to rest over the winter break (a little anyway), be with our family and friends, and rejuvenate our souls. The time has come to take a deep breath and get back to the PTA business at hand, advocating for children and the right to a fair and free education.

JANUARY 27, 2005 COUNCIL MEETING:
RANCHO CANADA ELEMENTARY MPR, 10:00 AM
ITEMS TO BRING TO THE MEETING:

1) Adopted Audit for Period Ending 12/31/04 - two (2) copies Auditor's folder
2) Copy of 990 Filing or Letter Requesting Extension - Treasurer's folder
3) Per Capita Dues received since last meeting (submit check w/ Remittance Form) - Treasurer's folder
4) Items for Incentive Chart - Vice President's folder (if not otherwise noted)
5) Your unit's newsletters (any not already submitted) - President's folder

Mark Your Calendars:

Wed., Jan 19 - Superintendent's Forum, 9:30 AM, SVUSD Office (Topic: NCLB)
Thurs., Jan. 27 - PTA Council Meeting, 10:00 AM, Rancho Caņada Elementary (Exec. Board: 8:45 AM)
Fri., Jan 28 - Fourth District PTA Legislative Roundtable, OCDE (cjaffe@socal.rr.com for info)
Mon., Jan. 31 - Staff Development Day - Schools Closed
Tues., Feb 8 - School Board Meeting, 7:00 PM, SVUSD
Feb 8-10 - CAPTA Legislative Conference, Sacramento
Fri., Feb. 18 - Sacramento Safari Registration Due to Fourth District PTA
Feb 21-23 - February Recess - Schools Closed
Thurs., Feb. 24 - PTA Council Meeting, 7:30 PM - SVUSD (Exec. Board: 6:00 PM)

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CA State PTA

January 11, 2005

On January 10 the Education Coalition, which includes the California State PTA, released a statement on the Governor's Proposed 2005-06 State Budget:

Education Coalition Statement on Gov. Schwarzenegger's Proposed State Budget 2005-06 The Education Coalition believes it is unconscionable that the Governor's proposed budget breaks the promise he made to California's students and public schools.

Last year, students and public schools sacrificed $2 billion in ongoing cuts because the Governor promised that our schools would receive their fair share of any additional state revenues and would be spared cuts in future years. The Governor's budget proposal breaks his promise to California's six million students and takes even more money from our schools.

The Governor's proposals are a smoke screen designed to divert public attention from the real problems facing our public schools. They do nothing to help public schools and students. Instead, they exacerbate an already inadequate funding problem by adding new requirements without any commitment to adequate and stable funding. California schools have suffered more than $9.8 billion in cuts in the last four years. This has meant school closures, increases in class size, lay offs of teachers and support staff, and a devastating shortage of librarians, counselors and nurses. Many schools lack basic supplies and instructional materials. California voters passed Proposition 98 in 1988 to protect schools and students from harmful budget cuts and to establish at least a minimum level of education funding.

The Governor's plan to cut another $2.3 billion from our schools goes against the will of California voters, fails our students and breaks the education budget agreement approved by the Governor and the Legislature last year. Two recent independent reports concluded that California's schools were underfunded, had some of the largest class sizes in the country and inadequate teacher salaries. At the same time, studies credit California for having the highest student standards and accountability assessments of any state in the nation. We can't expect our students to meet those high standards without giving them the resources they need to succeed. Our students and schools deserve better.

• Sandra Carsten, President, Association of California School Administrators
• Ron Bennett, President, California Association of School Business Officials
• Larry Reider, President, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association
• Mary Bergan, President, California Federation of Teachers
• Dr. Kerry Clegg, President, California School Boards Association
• Clyde Rivers, President, California School Employees Association
• Carla Nino, President, California State PTA
• Barbara E. Kerr, President, California Teachers Association
• Annelle Grajeda, President, Service Employees International Union, California

Also on January 10th, the California Budget Project released its summary of key provisions of the Governor's budget. It is available at www.cbp.org.

This year the proposed budget is only available in electronic form at the Department of Finance's website at www.dof.ca.gov.

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By Dolores Winchell, Council Parliamentarian

Do you know which PTA committee is the most important and influential committee at your unit? THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE.

Serving on the nominating committee is both an honor and a privilege. These committee members deal with sensitive issues which is why the deliberations of the committee must be kept strictly confidential.

The duty of nominating committee is to develop a slate of the best candidates for the PTA board. This committee is only responsible for filling the positions listed in your bylaws Article V., Section 2. This section of the bylaws is customized by every unit.

Your nominating committee must be elected at least two months prior to the election meeting which takes place at your annual meeting. This is also indicated in your bylaws.

Here is a checklist to follow:

• The president may not serve on or attend the nominating committee meetings.
• The nominating committee must be elected at an association meeting at least two months prior to the annual meeting.
• The parliamentarian may serve on the committee but only if elected to it.
• The parliamentarian calls the first meeting of the nominating committee, gives instructions on procedures, and conducts the election of the chairman.
• No one, including the parliamentarian, may serve on the nominating committee for two consecutive years.
• The committee develops a slate for the elected officers. The incoming president appoints all chairman, who will be ratified later by the board.
• Your bylaws in Article V., Section 3, c. indicates the number of members and alternates to be elected to your committee.
• The committee serves until the slate is reported at the election meeting.
• After the election, any vacancies are filled by the board-elect.
• All elected positions are one year terms. No officers are "entitled" to remain in the same position unless invited to do so by the nominating committee.
• The president my not dictate to the nominating committee who shall be placed on the slate.
• The principal is not an elected member and should always be invited to participate in the nominating committee in an advisory capacity.
• The chairman of the nominating committee should present a written report with the names of all the PTA members nominated for a position and the names and signatures of each and every nominating committee member who served to be filed with the association meeting minutes of the annual meeting.

Every unit should have received a Nominations and Elections Workshop handout at the November council meeting if their unit was not represented at the actual workshop. Use that resource and your nominating committee process should be problem free.

Good luck. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

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An audit determines the accuracy of the books, detects inconsistencies or errors, provides recommendations for corrective action, protects the financial officers, verifies that funds were sent through channels as appropriate, and assures the membership that the association's resources were managed in a businesslike manner within the regulations established for their use.

Your bylaws state that your unit must conduct two audits a year, and it's time for midyear audits. Audit procedures are outlined with specifics in the California PTA Toolkit, Section 5. After review of the financial records, the auditor prepares a written report (form available in the Toolkit or on the SVPTA.org website). The report should include a statement at the bottom of the report. Attach any recommendations to the report. List errors in arithmetic or posting. List unpaid bills and payments authorized, but not paid.

Present the audit report with recommendations to the executive board, and attach the report to the executive board minutes. Present the audit report to the association and read the statement given on the report (from the form).

Formally adopt the audit report with a motion: "I move that the audit report be adopted" and record the action in the association minutes. Any PTA member may make a motion to adopt the audit report. Attach a signed copy of the audit report to the association minutes. If there are questions raised by the membership, the president should appoint a committee to look into the problems and they will report back to the association at the next meeting.

If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact Julie Swartz.

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by MaryAnne Shults, Communication Chairman

I sometimes get irritated listening to parental advocates talk about the evils of video and computer games. I have watched my son, and my husband, get so much enjoyment out of that little black box that sometimes I just stand in the doorway and enjoy their bonding. My husband has been a coach, he taught both kids how to ride a bike, and believe me, he'll be the one to teach them both to drive (because that will definitely NOT be a bonding experience for me). However, there is something special watching them going neck-and-neck while playing a racing game.

Sure, some of those games are just plain bad. I don't see the need to pretend you are doing something illegal or immoral. But consider this point:

Video games can promote a fun and social form of entertainment. They encourage teamwork when played with others. They can increase a child's self-esteem and self-confidence as they master a game they find challenging. There are physical benefits too. Ever tried "Dance, Dance Revolution?" Give it a try sometime... better than ANY Richard Simmons aerobics video I ever Sweated to the Oldies!

The education-based games are an excellent way to promote math, reading and problem-solving. A study in the UK concluded, "simulation and adventure games - such as Sim City and RollerCoaster Tycoon, where players create societies or build theme parks, developed children's strategic thinking and planning skills."

If you are a parent concerned about the effects of video game playing, be sure to review the material in the sources listed below. You'll also find information regarding the concerns of video games. And they make many good points. If you are reading this, you are probably already aware what some of the dangers are including excessive playing, violence, etc. Here are some things to consider when renting or purchasing a game:

• Think about your children's interests when looking for games. Are they interested in sports, fantasy or strategy-style games?
• Talk to other parents for advice and suggestions of good games.
• Find games that have the appropriate Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for your child's age. But be aware that even games with the seemingly benign "Everyone" rating can still contain a great deal of violence.
• Look for games that are challenging and exciting without being violent. Video game manufacturers create violent games to satisfy children's need to feel powerful and in control. Try to find games that offer kids thrills and the chance to experience control in a non-violent way.
• Find games that require strategy and problem-solving skills. If they have an educational component, that's a bonus.
• Look for games that involve two players, to encourage cooperative play and to make game-playing a social activity.

Just don't ask me about how well I play the PS2 version of Jeopardy. I totally contradict what I said about building self-esteem and self-confidence. I often wonder how I got past fourth grade!

Sources:
The Good Things About Video Games. Media Awareness Network.
Video games 'stimulate learning'. BBS Education News. 18 March 2002.

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By Ilana Meirovitch, Reflections Chairman

We had 20 schools participate in the Reflections Program, "A Different Kind of Hero", in the Saddleback Valley School District. I received 354 great entries at the Council level. Sixteen of those schools had 41 outstanding pieces of work go on to the 4th District PTA level. All the entrants submitted to the 4th District were on display in the Legacy Art Gallery in Santa Ana. The work has been judged at that level and the accomplishments will be announced. The winning entries from 4th District (which encompasses all of Orange County) will move on to the California State PTA level in March, and those on to the National PTA.

All the children whose entries who were sent to me will be receiving a certificate of participation. Those entries that were sent on to 4th District will be invited to an evening of awards, from the Saddleback Valley Council PTA, for their outstanding work. It will be held on Thursday, March 3rd, at 7:00 pm, at the Saddleback Valley School District Office. Invitations will be sent directly to the children.

It has been an exciting program again this year, I thank you all for making it happen with your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. The children did an outstanding job and their imagination and creativity was hard at work again. I congratulate them on their achievements The judges were very impressed and I will be sending back their comments to the children when I return their work to them after my awards in March.

Congratulations to the following students for their acknowledgement for their entries in this year's Reflections Arts Program. These submissions went on to the county level for judging:

VISUAL ARTS Primary 1st Irene H., Robinson 1st Duraan O., Robinson 2nd Nate Y., de Portola 2nd Rena P., Melinda Hts Intermediate 1st Lamar P., Lomarena 1st/2nd Rachel C., Foothill Ranch 1st/2nd Cady H., Portola Hills 3rd Kelsey S., Trabuco Mesa Middle/Junior 1st Chrystal C., Del Cerro 1st/2nd    Brittni B., Portola Hills 2nd Shareen N., Foothill Ranch 3rd Amy K., Portola Hills   LITERATURE Primary 1st Justin B., de Portola 1st Sara C., Portola Hills 1st Angelica S., Valencia Intermediate 1st Steven H., Trabuco Mesa 2nd Michael W., de Portola Middle/Junior 1st Frank D., Montevideo 1st Felicia V., O'Neill 2nd Lisa B., Cielo Vista 2nd Hanna E., Rancho Canada

MUSIC Primary 1st Coleman K., Melinda Hts 1st Rebecca H., Trabuco Mesa 2nd Daniel M., O'Neill Intermediate 1st Sarah J., Trabuco Mesa 2nd Alexis W., Foothill Ranch 2nd Amanda K., Melinda Hts 2nd Ryan T., Robinson Middle/Junior 1st Cooper S., Trabuco 2nd Michael H., Portola Hills   PHOTOGRAPHY Primary 1st Paige A., Foothill Ranch 2nd Paige A., Foothill Ranch 2nd Richard M., de Portola 3rd Tyler K., La Madera Intermediate 1st Jake S., Cielo Vista 1st Bradley P., La Tierra 1st David C., Portola Hills 2nd Katie R., Foothill Ranch Middle/Junior 1st Blake L., Valencia 2nd Billy A., Valencia 3rd Evan M., Valencia

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April 28 - May 1
Sacramento, California

We are looking forward to many delegates attending, learning and having fun. If you have not already registered or would like to send additional delegates, you will need to have your forms turned in no later than April 12th. If you need to make changes let me know as soon as possible. Contact me for additional information:

Kim Henderson
Saddleback Valley Council Convention Chairman