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FAQS FINANCIAL *. INSURANCE * GENERAL * PROGRAMS & EVENTS Financial Financial ​ Can we use Venmo or Zelle to accept payments? No. These types of apps are peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms which aren’t developed to serve groups, especially nonprofits like PTAs. A P2P platform’s primary role is exactly that — transactions between two individuals for personal means, like paying a friend back for dinner. Great for individuals, but not for PTAs. ​ Can we use a debit card to pay bills? No, you can't use a debit card to pay bills, but you can use online payment systems. All expenses must be accounted for and reported in the monthly treasurer’s reports. An Authorization for Payment Via EFT/ACH/Bank Bill Pay Services form signed by two authorized check signers must be completed for all Electronic Funds Transfer/Bank Bill Pay Service ​ A re we allowed to buy gifts with P TA money? PT A funds should not be used to purchase personal gifts, equipment for staff lounges and lunchrooms or for furnishings for principals’ offices. Personal gifts include gift cards and gifts for baby showers, Secretary’s Day, bereavements, weddings, or birthdays. If the membership determines that such items are necessary, the individual members can make personal donations to purchase the designated items. These donations should not be commingled with PTA funds. insurance Insurance ​ Are we covered by our insurance? Insurance will cover all events as long as they meet our insurance guidelines (when in doubt, call or email AIM & verify). However, per my email with AIM, “ Your policy has a pandemic exclusion. There is no coverage for covid no matter where you have the event.” Meaning no coverage will be provided for COVID related issues. It is extremely important that we are following any COVID protocols/guidelines outlined by SVUSD. ​ Will there be an online waivers/digital signing options for Parents through CAPTA? Or AIM? At this time, no, but stay tuned for more info. general General ​ Who do I contact when questions come up? When asked questions you don’t know the answer, please bring them to SVPTA President, Catherine , & she will make sure to get the answers for you. SVPTA will also continue to help communicate information to the community. Please make sure & share our posts/messaging. Can PTA create resource lists for parents & distribute them (ex/babysitters, tutors, etc)? Neither the PTA or school sites should be collecting and/or recommending these kind of resources. This becomes an endorsement/promotion of such businesses, which neither SVUSD or PTA should be doing for many reasons, liability being one of them. There are current resources that are provided through SVUSD, including TLC & the community services group/catalog. Those resources can be shared. Regarding resources, parents can always start their own FB group. However, it should be separate from your PTA Facebook group/platforms. ​ Can our PTA buy gift cards for our school staff members or volunteers? No. Giving a gift card is the same as giving someone cash. In addition, giving a volunteer cash or a cash equivalent like a gift card on behalf of the organization may cause them to be considered an employee or an independent contractor by government agencies. And the IRS considers cash gifts (including gift cards) as reportable income on the recipient’s tax filings. For these reasons, our policies and procedures expressly forbid giving gift cards purchased with PTA funds: “PTA funds cannot be used to purchase personal gifts for staff or volunteers, such as gift cards.” ​ Can PTA get the word out about GoFundMe or Meal Trains for members in the community? Yes, the PTA may get the word out about any and all benefits/fundraisers being held for individuals or families in need or about local charities who are assisting those in need, regardless of who is organizing them. The PTA may also help with a fundraiser by advertising it and encouraging volunteers, but it cannot be an official PTA activity, and all money collected must go to the organization holding the fundraiser. Checks cannot be made out to PTA, and no deposits may be made to the PTA account on behalf of another organization or family in need. Programs & Events ​ How do we get programs and events approved? Check out our step by step guide - https://www.svpta.org/presidents ​ I have questions, who can I contact? Please contact our Programs Liaison . ​ programs

How can I make a difference? SVUSD BOARD WRITE A LETTER GOT ART? -MEETINGS (Attend/listen to current topics regarding the SVUSD community) -STATEMENT (Advocate for your child/school/art program following this protocol ) -AGENDAS (Glance over policies and topics that have been discussed) -MINUTES (Review previous meeting material and considerations) ​ Send your own words to our district and/or board of education in support of art education. Either from your family or in collaboration with a PTA/PTSO/Booster organization, please use this template as a launch pad to write your own personal and persuasive story. ​ Share your SVUSD art story and inspire others! We’d love to connect and hear from our students. ​

CAPTA & 4th District ​ Running Your PTA 4th District Leadership Tips CAPTA Tips for Leaders CAPTA Forms 4th District Forms Building Membership ​ ​ Financials CAPTA Finance Resource Page ​ Insurance Coverage and Service 2023 Guide ​ ​ Advocacy CAPTA Advocacy for PTA Leaders 4th District Advocacy Communicator 4th District Advocacy/ Legislation ​ ​ ​ Parliamentarian Parliamentary Procedure Bylaws & Standing Rules Nominations & Elections ​ Social Media Guidelines for PTAs in California Advocacy Chart Guidelines for PTA Leaders and Members in California ​ ​ Training Videos CAPTA Virtual Summer Leadership Academy President, Part 1 & Part 2 Secretary Treasurer, Part 1 , Part 2 , & Part 3 Parliamentarian Basics Audits Reflections Membership Basics Legislation & Advocacy ​ ​ 4th District Training President General Financial Secretary Parliamentarian Auditor Membership Membresia (Spanish Membership) Reflections ​ ​

Distance Learning ​ Read Aloud & Listening Story Time from Space Storyline Online (Stories read by Famous Actors) [PK-5th] Common Sense Media, The 25 Best Podcasts for Kids [All Ages] ​ ​ E-books & Online Reading Internet Archive (Open Library) Starfall [PK-3rd] Teach Your Monster to Read (requires parent login) [PK-1st] Wonderopolis [All ages] Scholastic Learn at Home [All Ages] ​ ​ ​ Writing Read-Write-Think - Parent After School Resources [K-12] Story Bird (requires parent login) Story Jumper (requires parent login) ​ ​ ​ Math You Cubed Math Tasks [K-12] Robert Kaplinsky Math Lessons [K-12] 3-Act Math Lessons [K-7] National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Brain Teasers [6-12] National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Interactive Math Games [PK-12] Open Middle Math Problems [K-12] ​ ​ ​ Science California Academy of Science Webcams (all ages) Exploratorium - Read, watch, experiment (All ages) Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams (all ages) Mystery Science (K-5) PBS Crash Course - Science and History/Social Science (9th-12th) PBS NOVA Wonders (6th-12th) San Diego Zoo Webcams (all ages) ​ ​​ ​ History/Social Science PBS Learning - News Depth [4th-7th] PBS Kids - Let’s Go Luna- Travel the World [K-2] PBS Kids - World Cultures [PK-5th] PBS - Above the Noise [6th-12th] PBS Learning - Crash Course - Science and History/Social Science [9th-12th]​ ​ ​ ​Visual/Performing Arts Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems Sketchbook Melody Prompts (9th-12th) PBS Art School (6th-12th) PBS Spark - Short videos of artists (Various ages) PBS Sound Field - Videos on all types of music (6th-12th) PBS Classical MPR Class Notes (1st-6th) ​ ​ ​ ​English Language Development Biblioteca Virtual Infantil BrainPop en Español Colorín Colorado CommonLit Duolingo Khan en Español Nasa Ciencias en Español Newsela en Español Tween Tribune Español ​ ​ Take a Virtual Field Trip​ Museums with Virtual Tours Virtual Museum Tours 20 Virtual Field Trips to Take With Your Kids 33 National Park Tours You Can Take From the Comfort of Your Home San Diego Zoo Yellowstone National Park tour Planet Mars 360-degree tour Monterey Bay Aquarium live animal cameras Atlanta Zoo panda cam Houston Zoo webcams Georgia Aquarium beluga whale cam Farm Tours from FarmFood360 Experience Polar Bears on the Tundra Great Wall of China Boston Children’s Museum Virtual Tour Google Museum Collections 30 Virtual Field Trips 10 Tips for Parents ​ Set up a daily family routine, including healthy eating and sleeping habits Provide a place and time at home for homework Check on assignments, homework and projects Talk each day with your child about his/her activities Promote literacy by reading to your child and by reading yourself Limit and monitor TV watching, gaming, social media and computer time Express high expectations and standards for your child’s learning Attend parent-teacher conferences, Open House and Back-To-School events Participate in decisions that affect your child’s education Tap into community resources with visits to a library, museum, zoo or theater and encourage participation in after-school clubs, sports and art activities ​

Important Links National PTA Website National PTA One Voice Blog California State PTA Website Fourth District PTA Website Saddleback Valley Unified School District Website MyPTEZ.com Website CAPTA Tool Kit

Reflections "I am Hopeful Because…" ​ That’s the theme for the 2023-24 Reflections Art Program, which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education. ​ How to Run Reflections at Your School View the Powerpoint Guide Link to Copy Online Entry Form Sign in to correct gmail account Make a copy Restore Folders Once completed, form will be on your google drive S tep by step instructions on how to copy the sample entry form.** ** It is important that you make a copy first and put your reflections email address on in the forms, others we will receive ALL your submissions. All school winners are due to SVPTA by November 2nd and MUST be submitted electronically. Look for more info to come on how to submit your winners. ​ If you have any questions, you can schedule a phone or zoom call with Reflections Chair, so she can walk you through the steps - reflections@svpta.org Reflections encourages students of all ages to: ​ Unleash creative talents and be inspired Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork Experience the fun and joy of making art Tap into critical-thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme Receive positive recognition for their original works of art Click here to see the winners of the CAPTA 2022-2023 Reflections Art Program. ​ All students attending PTA schools sponsoring the program are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas: ​ Dance Choreography Literature Photography Film Production Music Composition Visual Arts ​ Artworks are submitted first to school-level PTAs, where they are first recognized, celebrated and judged by five grade-level divisions, while a non-judged Special Artists division celebrates student artists with special needs. School PTAs then choose a selection of entries to be judged by local PTA units, which are then sent on to councils and then districts for consideration. The final artworks submitted to California State PTA by districts are then considered for Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. Outstanding Interpretation and Award of Excellence entries then go on to represent California in the final National PTA judging round. Forms and Resources Enroll your PTA in the 2023-2024 National PTA Reflections Student Entry Packet including entry form and rules, available in English and Spanish Guides for Local Leaders in English and Spanish CAPTA Online Entry Form Video National PTA Reflection CAPTA Reflections Page Google Folder Logos Rules Local Leader Guide Participation Forms Unit Training Presentation Reflections Chair Jaime R. reflections@svpta.org

Art Resources STATE SUPPORT ADVOCACY & EDUCATAION VISUAL ARTS PERFORMING ARTS LOCAL RESOURCES SVUSD FOR ARTS PTA SUPPORT California Department of Education : Pertaining to Arts, here is information on California Education Code, content standards, common core, grant funding, and the state superintendent education transformation plan. California Arts Council : As a state agency, the California Arts Council supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, programs, and services.​ ​ ​​ Create CA : We advocate for high quality arts education for all students by providing policy expertise and by mobilizing a statewide network of advocates and allied partners. ​ Americans for the Arts : Our program aims to dismantle systemic racism through the arts and humanities. ​ California for the Arts : We’re helping every Californian become an advocate for the arts – from raising awareness on why the arts are so important, to providing programs and services that make our state’s creative sector stronger than ever. ​ ​NFHS Advocacy : Interscholastic performing arts advocacy for all. ​ ​Arts for LA : We inform, engage, and mobilize people to advocate for access to the arts across all communities. ​ National Art Education Association : Founded in 1947, the National Art Education Association is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts, design, and media arts education professionals. ​ Advocacy for Performing Arts : Advocacy is about educating and informing elected officials, the public, and the media about the importance of the performing arts. It is up to us—performing artists, administrators and audience members—to explain the value of the performing arts to lawmakers. ​ Performing Arts Alliance : PAA advocates at the federal level for policies that uniquely impact the nonprofit performing arts sector. ​ LOCA Arts Education : Meet Orange County’s most fascinating visual artists and industry professionals! Enjoy slideshows, demonstrations, and conversations. ​ OC Art Guide : The OC Art Guide based in Orange County, California lists art events - shows, exhibitions, workshops, tours, classes, and more. ​ Festival of Arts classes : Pageant of the Masters sponsored art classes for youth. Kids ages 5 to 12 will enjoy art classes taught by professional artists in mixed-media, ceramics, sculpture & more. ​ Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Segerstrom Center for the Arts is one of the nation’s most respected multi-disciplinary cultural institutions. It is Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization. The Center remains committed to supporting artistic excellence and offering unsurpassed experiences to engage the community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and a diverse array of inspiring arts-based education and community engagement programs. ​ Arts Teach : Segerstrom Center for the Arts has a long history of providing performances, workshops, and residencies that use the arts to address the needs of schools throughout Southern California. ​ Museums : Comprehensive list off all 128 art museums that are located in California. ​ STRATEGIC ARTS PLAN (2024-2029) : This refocused and redesigned document bridges our 2018-2023 Arts Education Plan, augmenting and expanding student access to arts education t hroughout SVUSD schools and programs. Throughout this process, our team analyzed the progress made from our previous plan and reflected on opportunities to maintain and/or expand our work towards a guaranteed and viable arts education for all Saddleback Valley Unified students. ​ VAPA recap flyer: Share with your PTA/PTSO/Boosters/Admin/Faculty. ​ SVPTA Arts Advocacy flyer : Share with your PTA/PTSO/Boosters/Admin/Faculty. ​ ​ K-12 STEAM Academy : Saddleback Valley Unified School District believes that students need to be proficient in making innovative connections across a variety of disciplines, particularly in areas related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Ar t, Mathematics). SVUSD offers a STEAM K-12 Academy with cohesive pathways creating a smooth continuum of STEAM curriculum from kindergarten at Santiago STEAM Magnet to Serrano Intermediate, concluding at El Toro High School. This will prepare students for both college and 21st-century careers. JJ ​ 5th District : PTA canopy over SVPTA for communications and training. ​ CAPTA : PTA canopy over districts for methods and practices. ​ ​

Resources Conflict/Whistleblower Form Find up-to-date information on running your PTA For SVPTA Presidents ​ Training Videos ​ SVPTA Forms ​ CAPTA & 4th District Resources ​ Frequently Asked Questions ​ Important Links ​ Meeting Docs

Is your child struggling? When your school-age student is struggling, it can be difficult to figure out what is going on and what to do. We have gathered some resources on this site that we hope you’ll find helpful. Do you suspect that your child might have a disability or learning difference? When your child has difficulties learning or participating in school activities, he or she may have a disability. Learning differences or disabilities can emerge or be identified at any time. Issues are commonly identified around Kindergarten age, but learning disabilities are often identified much later. ​ Red flags that your child may have a disability that impacts his or her ability to access education include (but are not limited to): difficulty reading, writing or spelling, difficulty with math, refusing to go to school, difficulty getting along with teachers or other students, difficulty following directions or paying attention in class, difficulty with transitions, or physical conditions that make it difficult for the student to learn, sit or participate in school. First Steps If you suspect that your child may have a disability or learning difference, here are some good first steps: ​ Talk with your child’s teacher. (The teacher should also notify parents if there has been a noticeable gap in academic performance, possible learning difficulties, or problems with attendance or behavior, but if they haven’t it doesn’t mean there’s not a problem). Talk with your child’s doctor. They may refer you to appropriate specialists or suggest other interventions. Call the Selpa SOC SELPA Director, Rae Lynn Nelson (949) 580-3394 RaeLynn.Nelson@svusd.org Talk with another parent. The PTA has parent volunteers who can help with navigating the process while respecting your privacy. (Please note that we are not experts and cannot provide medical advice.) Contact Us: specialed@svpta.org Possible next steps The teacher may suggest trying some strategies in the classroom or ask that a Student Study Team (SST) evaluate your student’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional progress. The SST may propose additional strategies. ​ If progress is still a concern the SST may recommend an assessment to determine eligibility for special education and related services. Some families may also choose to have a private assessment. ​ Important: You as the parent can also request an SST evaluation at any time. You don’t need to wait for the teacher or school administration to propose this. You can also request that an assessment for eligibility for special education be done at any time. The assessment process does not have to be initiated by the school. How to request an assessment.- https://youtu.be/GoBSv0FdPYo Learning More To effectively advocate for your child you need to learn about your child’s needs. It is also important to learn about the process and your rights as a parent. There many good resources, testimonials and simulations online like Understood , AutismSpeaks , Disabilityrightsca.org , Undivided and many others. ​ You can also read the SELPA Parent Handbook . ​ Don’t despair! The right intervention or support can be different for every child and can take time and patience to identify. SVPTA Special Education Liaison Kris S. specialed@svpta.or g

Arts Advocacy Studies show arts education not only decreases feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation but also positively impacts all-around academic performance . As students struggle through incredible loss this year, the arts are not a luxury, they are a tool for recovery . California's Education code promises visual art, music, dance, theater and media arts classes to each K-12 student. "Section 51220" California Education Code 2020 Students with an arts education are 5 times more likely to stay in school, 3 times more likely to get a bachelor’s degree, and 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. "Arts and Achievement in at Risk Youth..." NEA 2012 Especially important during this time of trauma and upheaval, students need to develop self-management and self-discipline, interpersonal and relationship skills, and self-expression. Numerous studies show the arts support the development of all of these essential skills. "The Connection Between Art, Healing..." APHA 2010 share-your-story Send a letter to our district and/or board of education in support of art education either from your family or in collaboration with your PTA or organization. Here is a template to draw from but remember to always add your own story to make it more personal and persuasive. Share your SVUSD art story and inspire others! We’d love to connect and hear your story. Fill out the submission form . Join CreateCA and support California’s movement for arts education at www.createca.org ​ Check out your local community theatres, county arts commissions, and museums for more events near you... California Department of Education: www.cde.ca.gov California Arts Council: www.arts.ca.gov List of California art museums: www.caea-arteducation.org/california-art-museums List of California museums:www.seecalifornia.com/museums/directory.html SF Arts: www.sfarts.org Arts Advocacy Chairman arts@svpta.org

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Welcome! Saddleback Valley PTA Council serves the schools in Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Our council represents 25 units and falls within the Fourth District PTA, California State PTA and National PTA. Upcoming Events Latest News PTA at its heart is an advocacy organization. ​ With ADVOCACY at the forefront of our organization, we have put together a list of resources supporting the importance of parent involvement in schools, as well as contact information to assist you in advocating for your child through local representatives, state representatives & various agencies. ​ ​ ​ Read More Contact