Search Results

Advocacy PTA at its heart is an advocacy organization. Recently on a phone call, National PTA President Anna King discussed advocacy and the importance of parents' decisions in their student's education. Please remember that advocacy is respectful. If you want to be heard and enact change, it needs to be done in a kind and respectful manner. We’ve seen many people on all sides struggling with the impact of this pandemic on their children. As we continue to move forward & towards more normalcy for all of us, let’s do everything we can to reunite our school communities and our families. With ADVOCACY at the forefront of our organization, here are 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. 01 The Power of Parents Research underscores the impact of parent involvement in schools. Power-of-Parents-Feb-2014.pdf (edsource.org) 02 PARENTS' RIGHTS - Did you know that parents and caregivers have legal, guaranteed rights to school and student involvement? It’s true: These laws and rules were created and put into effect by families, teachers and concerned community members and groups like the PTA who want the best for our kids. Parents' Rights - California State PTA (capta.org) 03 Proposed Legislation from the CA Assembly & Senate (if you have concern or support of certain bills, here is where you can go to provide your feedback) https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ Legislator Contacts* *Please note, if you are writing your legislators, you cannot use your PTA title or position on any statewide issue. You must write them as a parent from their district. Find your legislator here - https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ Contact the Governor You may contact Governor Gavin Newsom by mail at: Mailing address: Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 558-3160 Submit a comment online - https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ Any PTA district, council or unit may recommend action on legislation to the California State PTA Board of Managers. PTA districts, councils, and units are responsible for taking action on local issues originating in school districts, cities, regions, or counties. Laws enacted by local, state and national bodies are primary sources of public policy. Securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth is one of the purposes of the organization. Therefore, PTA maintains an active legislation program. PTAs can and must participate actively in the process through which public policy decisions are made. Legislative Chairman PTA is a child advocacy association. Its legislative mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth at the local, state and federal levels. One of the Purposes of PTA is “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.” PTA promotes and encourages legislative advocacy for the education and welfare of all children and youth. Role of PTA legislation As local officers of the largest grassroots child advocacy organization in the state, PTA legislative advocacy chairs are responsible for demonstrating leadership on children’s issues at the local level by educating PTA members, community members and elected officials about PTA’s issues of concern and legislative priorities and goals. The California State PTA takes positions on issues/legislation based on position statements in the California State PTA Toolkit, California State PTA convention resolutions, California State PTA Legislation Platform and National PTA positions and convention resolutions. The unit, council or district legislative chair provides PTA members with information about PTA positions on current legislation and issues. Advocacy Resources Advocacy Communicator PTAs Nonpartisan Policy OC Voting Information Election Campaigns & the role of PTA Sacramento Safari Current Legislation CAPTA Resolution Process How to Make a Study 1st VP of Advocacy Janelle Z. advocacy@svpta.org

SVPTA Units

On February 6, 2025, the school board made the difficult decision to close San Joaquin Elementary at the end of this school year. As students prepare to move to new schools in the fall, we want to ensure they have a positive and memorable send-off. Help Us Support San Joaquin Elementary Students! On February 6, 2025, the school board made the difficult decision to close San Joaquin Elementary at the end of this school year. As students prepare to move to new schools in the fall, we want to ensure they have a positive and memorable send-off. SVPTA is raising funds to help provide a special end-of-year celebration for San Joaquin students and to purchase t-shirts from their new schools for all 220 students. These efforts will help ease their transition and give them a sense of community as they begin this next chapter. Please consider donating to show your support for these students during this time of change. Every contribution makes a difference!

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

OOPS! There’s Nothing Here. The page you’re looking for can’t be found. Check the URL, or go back to the homepage. Back to Homepage

Membership Joining PTA supports local, state and national efforts to improve the education of children and the lives of families. Membership provides the opportunity for individuals to raise their voices with others throughout the state and nation on issues affecting children, youth and families. PTA involvement helps build leadership, communication and advocacy skills. It provides members with opportunities to participate in an educational partnership with administrators and teachers. PTA members are a valuable community resource for starting and maintaining projects to benefit children and youth. What do you need to prepare for your membership drive? Create an information guide or newsletter to send to your parents, outlining why they should join PTA. Make sure your web store is ready for your membership drive. Many units already have an online store they can use but if not, you have the option of the TOTEM system. Membership Resources Links National PTA Membership Campaign CAPTA Building Your Membership Social Media Graphics Facebook Cover Image Twitter Cover Image Small Tile Square Other Graphics Join PTA Today All Children are Our Children logo 2nd VP of Membership Liz G. membership@svpta.org

Reflections “I Belong” That’s the theme for the 2025-26 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 4th District Powerpoint Guide View 4th District Training Video Create your online entry form here. Sign in to the correct google account Replace "Template" with your School Name Remember to "Restore" the missing file folders. This will allow you to collect the art entries for every category. Powerpoint to Virtual Form Setup 2024 2023 Understanding the Reflections Virtual Form Video 2023 Virtual Judging Steps (optional) All school winners are due to SVPTA by November 4th 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 2024-2025 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 Participant Forms National PTA Reflection CAPTA Reflections Page Reflections Chair reflections@svpta.org

Welcome to SVPTA's Special Education page! We support parents of children with IEPs, 504 plans, and those seeking additional help for their child. Our mission is to foster inclusion in PTA activities, school events, and classrooms, benefiting all students. Contact your child’s school PTA Special Education Liaison for resources and guidance, and join our monthly SVPTA parent meetups to connect and receive support. Find your child’s school Special Education Liaison here: 🗂️ Liaison Directory by school Join our active Facebook Group: 👍SVUSD Special Ed Parents GET CONNECTED! Mail 🗓️ Special Education Parent Calendar: Meet-ups, Trainings, and Events 🔗 Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meetings for SVUSD – All welcome! PROGRAMS/EVENTS Coffee 📘 IEP Parent Handbook 🔗 IEP vs. 504 Plan 🔗 Special Education Rights Manual 🔗 SVUSD Special Education Page 🔗 CAC Page - Special Ed Community Advisory Committee for SVUSD IMPORTANT RESOURCES Star SVPTA Special Education Liaison Kris S. specialed@svpta.org

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.

SVPTA Forms Financial Payment Authorization Form Unit Remittance Form (to submit membership dues) Workers Comp Online Form Fiduciary Agreement Financial Calendar - coming soon Running Your PTA Conflict/Whistleb lower Form Conflict of Interest Policy PTA Event Participation Waiver PTA Photo Release Historian Report Parliamentarian Bylaws Review - 4 Key Steps Bylaws Summary e-Bylaws Worksheet Instructions for Completing Bylaws e-Bylaws How To Election Script Spring 2025 Training Slides President & EVP Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian Membership

For PTA Presidents Running Your PTA Timeline & To Do List Meetings Sample meeting agenda Meeting Cheat Sheet What Meetings Do You Attend? Election Script Documents What to Upload to SVPTA Upload Your PTA Docs What Docs Has My PTA Uploaded? Points Chart - coming soon Financials Financial Calendar - coming soon Pay Insurance How to Sign a Contract PTA Grants Unit Remittance Form How to Request IRS Letter of Determination Programs & Events Work closely with your principal and office administrator and you can start planning together. If you have any questions, please reach out to - programs@svpta.org Approval Process Insurance Coverage Fiduciary Agreement Approvals from SVUSD Board of Education Meetings Before/After School Vendor List CAPTA Approved Vendor List Forms Conflict of Interest Form Historian Report PTA Event Participation Waiver PTA Photo Release Request for Advanced Payment Form Sample Reimbursement Form SVPTA Unit Remittance Form Sample W9 Workers' Comp Online Form Helpful Links National PTA National PTA Blog California State PTA Fourth District PTA SVUSD Website MYPTEZ CAPTA Toolkit Need Help? Have a Question? Contact Catherine - president@svpta.com or Mindy - vp@svpta.org

SVPTA Council offers many programs to benefit our units. Please click on the individual tabs for further information. Programs SVPTA Council offers many programs to benefit our schools. Please click on the individual tabs for further information. Programs: Arts Advocacy Advocacy Membership Reflections Special Education Programs & Events for School PTAS Work closely with your principal and office administrator and you can start planning together. If you have any questions, please reach out to - programs@svpta.org Approval Process https://www.svpta.org/approval-process Insurance Coverage View Fiduciary Agreement View Approvals from SVUSD Board of Education Meetings BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL APPROVED VENDOR LIST View CAPTA approved vendor list View