Mary Benton ~ Vice President
vpprograms@12thdistrictpta.org
Programs are the HEART of PTA! They enrich our students, they enrich our schools, and they enrich our communities.
12th District PTA is pleased to provide programs, open to the community, in addition to our 34,000 members. We have annual programs which include Reflections, Founder's Day, Honorary Service Awards, and the California State PTA Convention. Additionally, we have an educational component at our October association meeting.
On October 20, 2011 we will feature leaders from law enforcement, the court system, mental health, housing, accounting and other areas as part of an open forum where audience members can "Ask the Expert". We are certain all parents will want to be part of this lively open conversation! Stay tuned for the location and time.
Reflections is a National PTA arts and recognition program. It allows students the opportunity to express themselves, based on an annual theme, in the areas of literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance choreography and film/video production. Please visit our Reflections page for further information.
Founder's Day is held each February and honors not only the accomplishments of the three founders over a hundred years ago, but celebrates our past and present leaders. It is also an occasion to highlight our achievements, activities, projects and goals. Donations collected during this observance benefit the entire PTA organization with monies earmarked for organizing new units and councils as well as leadership training.
Honorary Service Awards allow us the opportunity to acknowledge those in our communities who have demonstrated outstanding service to children and youth, The cost of the awards goes into the California State PTA scholarship fund. Scholarships are available to credentialed teachers and counselors, school nurses and PTA volunteers for continuing education, and to graduating high school seniors to acknowledge their volunteer work in their school and community. Scholarship recipients must be from PTA/PTSA units.
The California State PTA Convention is held each year which enables unit, council and district PTAs throughout California to send delegates to participate in electing officers, approving amendments to the California State PTA Bylaws, to vote on the California State PTA Legislation Platform and the California State PTA Legislation Policies, and to adopt resolutions. In addition, delegates enjoy the opportunity to focus on leadership training through participation in workshops and general meetings. Please visit the Convention page for additional information.
As you set about planning your programs for the year, keep in mind that for every one fundraising activity, there should be at least three non-fundraising projects aimed at helping parents or children, or advocating for school improvements. To retain our tax-exempt status, PTAs must pay attention that fundraising doesn't become a primary focus. There are many exciting no-cost programs available through the County of Ventura and other local organizations that can benefit your students, their families, or can be used to boost attendance at your PTA meetings. When PTAs roll out programs that are enriching and relevant, everyone benefits!
