THE PURPOSES OF PTA ARE:
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To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, and community.
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To raise the standards of home life.
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To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
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To bring into closer relation, the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
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To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, and social education.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children, youth and families by representing our members and empowering and supporting them with skills in advocacy, leadership and communications.
WHY PTA FOR YOUR SCHOOL?
The term PTA is commonly used to describe any parent group. But the differences between a parent group and a PTA group are many. Here are a few to consider:
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Running a tax-exempt, 501(c) non-profit organization can sometimes be complex -- especially when school volunteers shift from year to year. PTA provides training and local help on best practices and the latest regulation rules in the areas of fundraising, financial duties, membership drives, advocacy and so much more.
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PTA is the largest and longest running child advocacy organization in our nation. We are an advocacy organization first.
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PTA enables parents to have a voice on issues that affect their family. Parents are also able to connect with other like-minded parents who share their interests and concerns.
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PTA provides highly affordable insurance for its units including $1 million in liability per occurrence and covers officers and chair members.
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When people band together under the umbrella of PTA, our voices of millions work together to serve as a mighty voice for all children. Throughout our history PTA has been a powerful force in benefiting children from seat belt laws, to hot lunches, to the Family Medical Leave Act to HIV/AIDS awareness and so much more.
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PTAs encourage parents to get involved in school activities and decision-making processes, creating a supportive student environment. Increased parental involvement is linked to improved academic performance, better attendance rates, and reduced behavioral issues.
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PTAs help build a sense of community within the school by connecting families, teachers, and community members. This sense of community fosters a positive and inclusive school environment.
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Your school can participate in nation-wide PTA programs like Reflections -- an arts recognition and achievement program for students. PTAs in good-standing are eligible for grants and scholarships both from CA State PTA and National PTA.
GET STARTED
Get started by joining your school's PTA. If your school would like to start a PTA, or is interested in switching to become one, please contact Colette Perachiotti, Sixteenth District PTA President.
If you are an existing PTA looking for assistance, please visit our Sixteenth District Board about us page to find the right person to assist you. If you are new and want to start your own unit, Click Here to read six ways to get started.