by Dolores Winchell,
Holiday Greetings:
Since we are dark in December, there is much to do in November. First off I am still looking for 02-03 Financial Reports and 03-04 Goals from several units.
Financial Reports: Many units have not submitted their year-end Financial Report for fiscal year 7-1-02 to 6-30-03. This should really already be done, as your budget committee needed this information to plan the current budget. This is the first year this report has been requested. This financial report should be a snapshot showing your unit proposed budget with the actuals in the next column and the difference in the final column. This should, of course be reflected for both revenue and expense. Please email this to me at your earliest convenience or if you cannot, then bring two copies to the November Council meeting, one for me and one for Linda Ball, Treasurer.
Goals: At the last meeting I asked you to bring a list of your association approved goals for 2003-04 as well as a list of the large items you are spending your budget on this year. (e.g., Art Masters, Meet the Masters, Program Assemblies, Heath Aide, etc.) Please email this information to me at your earliest convenience.
Class Size Reduction Fund Raising
Last month the School Board voted unanimously to adopt the policy regarding "Acceptance of Gift Funds for Certificated Salaries and Benefits." I am particularly pleased about this as this was the committee I represented PTA on, and this policy decision is in line with one of PTA's purposes "To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education. This policy adoption ensures an equal education for all children in our district regardless of which school children attend. The adoption of this policy will prohibit individual school fundraising that affects certificated staffing ratios, like the 20:1 fundraising that took place this summer.
Superindent's Forum Report
Our first Superintendent's Forum was terrific! Dr. Gross and Laura Ott educated our group on the General Obligation Bond the school board will vote on at their December meeting. We learned the difference between a parcel tax and a bond and all the sources of school district revenue. If passed by the school board, this General Obligation Bond will be placed on the March 2004 ballot. We will no doubt set aside time to educate all of our units on this important election issue which if successfully passed will provide much needed improvement and repairs of all schools in SVUSD.
PTA Application Deadlines
December 31, 2003 is the deadline to apply as a charter school at the $25 application rate to become a National School of Excellence. You are all doing such wonderful things out there that I sincerely hope that your take the time to complete this application process so that your unit may be recognized as a School of Excellence. I believe you all received this information in the mail recently. If you did not get yours, you may log on to www.pta.org and download the entire application.
November 15, 2003 is the deadline for the California State PTA Fall Scholarships and Grants. Once again, I sincerely hope that many units take the time to apply for the many scholarships and grants available. These applications can be found at the back of the PTA Toolkit. This is an excellent opportunity to apply for parent education grants and I know that many of units do not have monies budgeted for parent education programs.
November Council Meeting
This month our council meeting will be held at the Rancho Ca¤ada MPR. Carolyn Byrnes, unit president at Trabuco Mesa has graciously agreed to run a workshop from 9:00 - 10:00 in the PTA portable explaining what her unit did to win the My PTA California State PTA Award in the category of membership last year. I encourage you to attend or send a representative. Trabuco Mesa received recognition because of their outstanding program and because Carolyn and her team took the time and made the effort to complete the application process. You can't win the race unless you get out there and run!
During the holidays, please take some time for yourself to rest up and rejuvenate. You are all doing wonderful work and we really appreciate you and your efforts.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and wonderful holiday season! Please feel free to contact me at president@svpta.org; (949) 458-2109 Fax (949) 458-7884
NOVEMBER 20 COUNCIL MEETING:
RANCHO CANADA ELEMENTARY MPR, 10:00 AM
ITEMS TO BRING TO THE MEETING:
1. Per Capita Dues received since last meeting; Check with Remittance Form - Treasurer's Folder
2. Items for Incentive Chart - VP's Folder
3. Insurance Premium Payment - Treasurer's Folder
4. Unit's Newsletter - (Three copies) - President's Folder
IF NOT SUBMITTED PREVIOUSLY:
1. Association Approved Goals for 2003-04 School Year - President's Folder
2. Annual Financial Report (Two copies) - one copy ea. President's/Treasurer's Folders
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Reminder from the Treasurer...
As you know, each PTA unit is required to file either a Federal Tax Form 990 or 990 EZ. The filing deadline is coming up ... November 15! If you are unable to file by that date, it is imperative that you submit Form #8868 to receive an automatic extension. All forms are available on the IRS website.
Council also needs a copy of your return once it has been filed. You can bring it to our council meeting next month or mail it to me at: 25382 Spotted Pony Lane, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.
In past years, some units have incurred penalties for not filing in time. It is getting more difficult to get the IRS to reverse these fees just because we are "volunteers". PTA channels (i.e. 4th district) are unable to help in these situations ... it's much easier to avoid any problems! Please refer to your PTA Toolkit for more information.
I am also more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. In addition, you should soon (or have already) received the information about the PTA insurance. Please send your premium with the worker's compensation form completed and signed to me as soon as possible. Good luck and thanks for your attention to this important matter!
Linda Ball, Council Treasurer
(949) 643-2888, treasurer@svpta.org
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Mark Your Calendars:
Tuesday, Nov 4 School Board Meeting, 7:00 PM, SVUSD
Tuesday Nov 11 Veterans Day - No School
Wednesday, Nov 12 Communications Training, 7:00 PM, SVUSD
Thursday, Nov 20 My PTA/PTSA Workshop, 9:00 AM, Rancho Ca¤ada Elementary School - PTA Portable
Thursday, Nov 20 PTA Council Mtg., 10:00 AM, Rancho Ca¤ada Elementary School - MPR
Thursday, Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day - Thanksgiving Recess
Friday, Nov 28 Thanksgiving Recess
Tuesday, Dec 2 School Board Meeting, 7:00 PM, SVUSD
Dec. 22 - Jan. 2 Winter Recess
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You are an Award Winning Unit...
We have many units in our council that clearly provide service to their schools that is exemplary. We know that you deserve recognition! We know that there are many projects that are sponsored by your unit that go way beyond "ordinary". However, to receive this recognition, you need to apply. We strongly encourage all of our units to apply for the My PTA/PTSA Award. This application is due January 13, 2004. Your unit determines which category from which to be considered: Your Outreach, Your Membership Ideas, Parent Involvement - to name a few.
In order to help you with the application, we will have a training session on November 20th at 9 am at Rancho Canada Elementary. (This session will end in time for you to attend the unit president's meeting.) Even if you are not sure whether you should apply or not, please attend. Facilitating this meeting will be Carolyn Byrnes (Trabuco Mesa). Her unit won this Award at the State Level last year.
Please RSVP to Carolyn Byrnes at dbyr@earthlink.net by November 18, 2003.
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The Value of Membership - From the National PTA
Turn to the National PTA if you would like some tools to help your unit continue to reinforce the benefits of PTA membership as well as support of the national organization. A web-based resource is available in the "Members Only" section of www.pta.org (to log in at www.pta.org/members; user name: members, password: 4PTA) that offers documentation such as brochures, flyers, and even a PowerPoint presentation (that you can run directly from your laptop computer using a digital projector which should be available through your school and/or the district).
Remember, you should run your membership campaign throughout the year. Or, start planning now for next year (and it won't all feel like it's crashing down on you at the end of the summer). If planning is perhaps not the right word, at least you can review what is available to you (or your successor) in the way of resources from National.
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Introducting... Linda Ball, Council Treasurer
How many years have you been a PTA member?
Since my son, Ryan, started kindergarten in 1995.
How were you introduced to the PTA?
I look at PTA as a critical support unit for the schools - I saw all of the wonderful programs that they were providing for the children.
What leadership positions have you held with the PTA?
What unit(s)? Valencia Elementary School: Giftwrap chair (2x), Treasurer, President (2 years), Room mom (4 or 5 years); Saddleback Valley PTA Council: in second year as Treasurer
Tell us about your family.
My husband's name is Steve and we have a son, Ryan.
Tell a little about your career and/or education, memberships of professional organizations.
I was an Assistant Vice President in commercial lending with Union Bank until Ryan was born in 1990. At that time I chose to stay home and be a "mom". Since then I have been a member of and participated in MANY volunteer organizations - not only PTA, but Junior League of Orange County, Trojan League of Orange County, and La Paz Music Boosters. I have recently become a Creative Memories Consultant and am really enjoying working part-time doing something I love!
Any other quotatable comments you have regarding your passion for the goals and objectives of the PTA?
I feel that being a part of our children's education is one of the things we can do to leave a positive lasting impression on their future. In some ways it is like being a guest at someone's home - you always want to leave things in better shape than when you arrived. We can all give something - everyone's unique talents and gifts are appreciated!
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Helping Your Child Get the Most Out of Homework
When I ask my children if they have homework, they say that it's finished or that they don't have any. How do I make sure they're really doing their work?
Make studying, not just homework, a daily habit. Students can always review lessons, read a book, or work on practice exercises, even if they don't have homework. Ask younger children to show you their homework so that you can check it, sign it, and date it. If your children's school has a homework hotline, call it to check for daily assignments. If your children often have no homework to do, you should let their teachers know.
What if my child still isn't turning in homework?
State clearly and assertively to your child that you expect homework to be done and turned in to the teacher. Let your child know you will not tolerate irresponsible behavior about homework. Don't wait until grades come out to find out if the problem has been solved.You may need weekly contact with the teacher until your child develops new habits.
Should I reward my children for doing homework or for getting good grades?
Children like to know when they've done a good job.Your approval means a lot. Be careful about giving money or gifts as rewards. Show pride when your children do their best, no matter what grades they get.
How can I help with homework?
There are several ways in which you can help:
- Send your children to school each day, well-rested, fed, and with a positive outlook.
- Take an active interest in your children's schooling. Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your children feel about it.
- Try not to let any of your own negative experiences keep you from supporting and encouraging your children's learning. Let them know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning, both informally and formally, to impress its importance upon them.
- If possible, set up a quiet, comfortable study area with good lighting and the school supplies that your children need.This can be almost any place in your home; you don't need a special room.
- Set a family "quiet time" where you and your children can work together on homework, reading, letter writing, and playing games.
- Allow your children to study in the way each of them learns best. For example, some children work best when they're lying on the floor with background music playing.
- Make homework a daily activity, and help your children develop good homework habits.
Can my children do homework while listening to music or watching television?
Some students can work with a radio or stereo on, while others must work in silence. Television can be a big problem. Research shows that American children on average spend far more time watching television than they do completing homework. Although it's worth noting that television can be a learning tool, it's best to leave the television off during homework time.
How much help should I give?
This depends on each child's grade level and study habits.Younger students often need extra homework help. First, make sure the child understands the directions. Do a few problems together, then watch your child do a few.When your child is finished, check the work. Praise right answers, and show how to correct mistakes. Avoid doing your children's homework for them. Teachers need to see where your children are having trouble.
What if I don't understand my child's assignments?
Today's students may have subjects that you never had or that you didn't like when you were in school.You don't have to be an expert in a subject to help with homework.There are many places to go for help.You can still help your children by praising their progress, getting help from a public library or homework hotline, and talking with their teachers.
One of my children tries hard but still has problems with homework. What can I do to help?
There could be a number of reasons for your child's trouble.Tell your child it's good to ask the teacher about homework or anything else he or she doesn't understand. If your child understands the work but is still having trouble, ask for a meeting with the teacher. The two of you should work out a plan to meet your child's needs.You may need to meet again during the year to check on how your child is doing.
