PTA Grants National PTA Grants Deadline October 1st For all Grades and Ages PTA Healthy Minds , Sponsored by the New York Life Foundation and The Allstate Foundation This program is for all grades and ages. 100 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement , sponsored by the family of Mary Lou Anderson This program is for all grades and ages. Two local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. PTA Wellness Fairs , sponsored by Walmart This program is for all grades and ages. 40 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding PTA Connected: The Smart Talk , sponsored by Norton This program is for all grades and ages. 40 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. All programs must be completed by the end of March 2024. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! , supported by AT&T This program is for elementary schools. 150 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. To be considered, PTAs must hold their programs in-person. At-home programming will not be supported. STEM + Families Propelling Our World , sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries This program is for elementary schools. 40 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 . ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA Connected: Be Internet Awesome , Sponsored by Google + YouTube This program is for elementary and middle schools. 50 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding . MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL PTA Connected: Build Up and Belong , sponsored by Discord This program is for high schools. 25 local PTAs/PTSAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. HIGH SCHOOL P TA Connected: Build Up and Belong , sponsored by Discord This program is for high schools. 25 local PTAs/PTSAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. CAPTA Scholarships Deadline Octo ber 15h Continuing Education Scholarships The scholarship must be used January 1 – December 31 following the year of award; proof of your enrollment and completion of coursework must be provided to California State PTA by June 1. Scholarships are available for: School staff members (teachers, counselors, nurses and staff) & PTA volunteers Graduating High-School Senior Scholarships Graduating high-school seniors are eligible to apply for the Volunteer Service Scholarship and the $500 Dr. Ralph E. White Scholarship for medical-field education. CAPTA Grants Deadline Octo ber 15h Parent Education Develop and implement parent education programs and projects in such areas as health, child development, child abuse prevention or parenting skills. Programs or projects must be sponsored by the PTA applying for the grant. Program grant ideas include parent-resource centers, seminars and workshops, forums for parents of children with special needs and information on preparing healthy meals. Cultural Arts Develop and implement student-centered cultural arts programs which complement the California State PTA’s commitment to a quality arts education. The programs and projects should focus on expanding the students’ awareness and appreciation of the field of cultural arts and/or enriching and enhancing arts education programs and must be sponsored by the PTA applying for the grant. Program grant possibilities include performing arts assemblies, arts communications brochures, demonstrations, storytellers, read-a-thons and docents. Outreach Translation Translate PTA written materials and oral presentations in an effort to involve every member of the school community. Presentations or materials must be sponsored by the PTA applying for the grant. The California State PTA may use these translated materials when appropriate. Copy of the translated material must accompany the evaluation report. Program grant possibilities include translating written materials into other languages, providing translations at meetings and events, offering school community activities, enhancing partnerships and engaging non-English-speaking families. Healthy Lifestyle Develop, promote and implement programs, projects and activities that will improve the overall health of children and adults. Program grant possibilities include classes, health fairs, awareness events, walking/running programs, sun safety initiatives and depression awareness efforts. Please refer to the Insurance Guide for approved activities.

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

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

SVPTA Event Photos 2019-20 Presidents & Principals Breakfast

Reflections Gallery DANCE FILM MUSIC Adylin Harlan Ela Ozoguloz Emily Cary Emma Daly Hailey Neville Hannah Ferrell Kenley Ashimine Laci Chandler Lucy Pucillo Morgan Hall-Diaz Sanaa Iyer Aahan Jain Adella Mitchen Corbin Dalli Damian Dolnakov Dylan Fruzza Maleia Paladini Miles Nguyen Solana Cuenca Sophia Carroll Brooklyn Lightfoot Darren Okura Eleanor Aguirre Hanalei Santos Tevye Kopin

Award Winners We are part of an incredible community in Saddleback Valley. Our PTA’s play a vital role in engaging our families, supporting our school sites, advocating important issues & being a VOICE for ALL CHILDREN! This year many of our SVPTA schools were recognized by 4th District PTA for their outstanding achievements. THHS PTA Outstanding Membership Santiago STEAM PTA Outstanding Unit THHS PTA Outstanding Local Advocacy SVPTA Outstanding Council

COVID-19 Info Links SVUSD SVUSD Return to School Flow Chart SVUSD Mask Guidance 2021-2022 SVUSD Reopening Plan COVID Dashboards OCHCA OCHCA Orders & Recommendations CDPH CDPH Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine CDPH Guidance for Schools K-12 CAPTA CAPTA COVID-19 Resources for PTA Leaders CAPTA COVID-19 Resources for Parents, Families & Educators Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 FAQS Can PTA hold in-person activities? We CAN hold PTA events off campus or on campus after school hours (ex/outreach program/art club/etc), but limited on number of people that can attend (an RSVP system to confirm the number attending is highly recommended & you must work closely with your principal to ensure numbers meet SVUSD guidelines/protocols). Please work closely with your site administrator/principal on planning any events. Can we have PTA Programs on campus (art, STEAM lab, etc.)? We ARE allowed to have PROGRAMS on campus. However, the process for approval has changed. You must have site admin/principal approval first, then have it submitted to the district & reviewed by the SVUSD school board & approved in their meeting. This means things will take longer to get started. However, the purpose behind this is to keep our students safe. The board will be reviewing & ensuring that these outside programs are following the same SAFETY protocols as SVUSD. 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. Do PTA meetings have to be outside of school hours? Kids permitted? Yes, PTA meetings have to be outside of school hours if you want them to be held on campus. Outside of school hours, we CAN be on campus which is exciting. There cannot be children present at the meeting, however we PTAs can hire school site personnel during the meeting time to provide childcare in a separate room. They will adhere to all COVID protocols & safety measures for the children. One great takeaway from the past year, is that ZOOM is a great way to reach all families. Perhaps a good compromise is to have any late afternoon/evening meetings in person, while offering daytime meetings via ZOOM. I do think in person meetings have many benefits & it is important to have that connection in person at least some of the time. Will PTA volunteers be allowed on campus if approved by school administration? It is true that Visitors & Volunteers will be limited for the safety of our students. This does not mean there won’t be opportunities or needs throughout the year. Please work closely with your site administrator/principals to support these needs, while adhering to all safety protocols. Will PTA be permitted to make copies on campus? YES, volunteers can come on campus to make copies. Please have your volunteer make an appointment with the front office via email, prior to coming on campus. All Volunteers must wear masks at all times on campus. Events involving food? Does food have to be individually packaged? Can it be more buffet style? Ideally yes, food being individually packaged is preferred. However, if someone is masked/gloved & individually serving food, this is acceptable. Again, all must be approved by your site administrator/principal. During COVID-19 PTA can still... Spread positivity Advocate for our kids on many levels Keep parents informed as information gets shared with us. Please ask your school friends to join our SVPTA FB page https://www.facebook.com/SaddlebackValleyPTACouncil/ and Instagram @svptacouncil Ask parents to become PTA members & be a part of something BIGGER!!! Joining PTA gives you a voice, it connects you to resources for distance learning, mental health resources, it advocates important issues including Art, Special Education, Equity in Education & so much more!!! If your school needs a simple way for families to join virtually, use TOTEM which is CAPTA’s electronic membership platform.

College & Career Fair This event is being brought to you through partnership with SVPTA, SVUSD, and all of our high school PTSA & PTSOs El Toro PTSO, Laguna Hills PTSA, Trabuco Hills PTSA and Mission Viejo PTSO. October 9, 2024 6:00 - 8:00 PM @ MVHS ALL SVUSD STUDENTS INVITED Registering is free and easy! A few weeks before the event you will get an invitation to officially register on StriveScan. This will create your unique identifier that will be used to check in to the event. Then download the App to have it ready to go. Register Here Adult Volunteers Student Volunteers Any questions, please email us at svusdcollegefairvolunteers@gmail.com

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 the SVPTA President , & they 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.

Share your art story Parent First Name* Parent Last Name* Email* Phone Student First Name* Student Last Name* School Name* Upload your art Max File Size 15MB Provide a brief description* Submit Thanks for submitting! Click here to go back to the Arts Advocacy to do list

Executive Board 2026-27 SVPTA Officers & Chairs