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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 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

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

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

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.   Welcome! Saddleback Valley PTA Council serves the schools in Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Our council represents 24 units and falls within the Fourth District PTA, California State PTA and National PTA. Upcoming Events Latest News SVPTA Training Slides President & EVP Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian Membership 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

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

Executive Board 2025-26 SVPTA Officers & Chairs

Reflections “What My Culture Means to Me” Is the theme for the 2026-27 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 they 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 2025-2026 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

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

A Little Bit About Us SVPTA Mission Statement The mission of the Saddleback Valley PTA is to empower our units, families and community members to become effective advocates for all children. SVPTA Goals for 2025-26 PEOPLE: Strengthen the relationship between unit, council and our communities. Provide council mentors for unit officers. Provide training for officers. PROGRAMS: Share ideas for successful programs and work collaboratively when possible. Encourage the exchange of ideas and discuss concerns among units. Encourage and strengthen family engagement. PROMOTE PTA: By fostering legislative awareness and advocacy within all units by educating members on pertinent legislative issues and encouraging attendance at Sacramento Safari and legislative roundtables. By encouraging attendance at California State PTA Convention. By using Council and State PTA Resources including the toolkit, websites, bylaws, and other sources of communication.

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 Chair Karen R. arts@svpta.org

Advocacy PTA at its heart is an advocacy organization. If you are the new advocacy chair for your PTA, thank you for taking this important position. PTA has a proud history of advocating for programs and legislation that help children be safe, healthy, and successful. Now, you are a part of that vital mission. You may wonder how to begin if you have never done this job before. SVPTA, Fourth District PTA and California State PTA are here to make your job easy! Ed100.org is also a great resource to learn more about California public education. 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